Important Information about Termite Eating Habits

From top to bottom: larva, worker, nymph, and neotenic
(Jody Green)

Most people think that termites just eat wood, but in reality they actually eat the plant cellulose that is found in the wood. This is a significant difference, because many termites will eat other forms of plant material as well. Termites are actually grouped according to their feeding behaviors, and of the six types of termites there are actually only two which are generally responsible for the damage that are caused to houses and other man-made structures. While there are termites which feed off of cellulose in the soil, as well as termites which eat grass, living woods, and occasionally even certain types of fungus, the majority of the termites that people encounter are those that build subterranean colonies and those which eat dry wood.

 Of course, just as important to the termites' diet as cellulose is water. Feeding Termites require water every few hours in order to stay alive, which is why termites can be seen swarming near the surface of the ground at times as the workers collect both food and water to bring back to other termites within the colony. It's important to note that it's only the workers of the colony which will gather resources for the rest of the termites within; Breeding Termites and the colony's soldiers will die if they don't have a steady supply of food and water gathered by workers, as they won't go off in search of food for themselves.

 If you're concerned that you have insects or rodents in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

More About Termites

Termites can often be found in unexpected places and may cause serious destruction. Subterranean termites can collapse a building entirely, destroy plastic plumbing pipes and even damage swimming pool liners. Their hard, saw-toothed jaws work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Termites are known to cause financial ruin for homeowners, as most insurance policies do not cover damage created by this pest. In fact, termites generate more than $5 billion in property damage every year. As a result, prevention is key in avoiding an infestation in and around your home.

To help prevent termites, it is important to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation of a home or building by diverting it away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. In addition, it is recommended to reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. However, the most essential step is to eliminate wood contact with the soil by maintaining a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

*Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas above ground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Termite Season

The warm spring weather urges trees to bud, flowers to sprout, and termites in search of "new" housing, particularly winter weathered homes.

This past winter brought record snowfall and spring is bringing records rains, leaving many homes with damage to walls, ceilings and insulation, and creating moisture that attracts termites.

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Swarmers, looking to start a new colony, are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring. It’s important that homeowners do not mistake swarmers for flying ants, as the two species look alike to an untrained eye. Discarded wings near windowsills and doors are often a sign that swarmers have already found their way in.

The National Pest Management Association offers these tips:

• Inspect perimeter of a home for rotting wood and mud tubes.
• Avoid water accumulation near the home's foundation.
• Never bury wood scraps in the yard. If the home is newly built, remove any remaining grade stakes.
• Keep mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation.

If you suspect an infestation in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Termite Swarm

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business and need a termite inspection, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

More Termite FAQs

Close up view of termite swarm

1. When does a homeowner see termites?
Termites swarm in the early spring, depending on their geographical location.

2. What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?
The most important thing is to remove the conducive conditions termites need to survive. Termites love moisture; avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home. Prevent termites by diverting water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.

Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building.

Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal. It doesn't hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage.

3. How are termites controlled?
Dave's Pest Control will come in and treat the problem so that you can live comfortably in your home.

4. What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
Dave's Pest Control committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home or building. Dave will assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.

5. How difficult are termites to treat?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own. On the other hand, Dave's Pest Control has the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.

If you're concerned that you have carpet beetles in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Termites Devour 10 Million Rupees

As if termites eating us out of house and home weren't enough...

In India, staff at the State Bank of India in Arthur were shocked when they opened the steel vault to discover that termites had dined on 10 million rupees, equal to $222,000 of currency.

In a report in the Daily News & Analysis, acting bank manager J.P. Dived blamed the age of the building housing the strong room, saying it was riddled with termites.

"We have been trying our best to keep currency notes safe but the termite problem here is so enormous that it would be better to move the branch elsewhere," he told Daily News & Analysis.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home, place of business, or vault, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Termite FAQs - Part 3

Wood destroyed by termites

1. How are termites controlled? A pest control professional will come in and treat the problem so that you can live comfortably in your home.

2. What is the most effective type of termite treatment? The National Pest Management Association and the entire industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home or building. A trained and licensed pest control professional can assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.

3. How difficult are termites to treat? Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own. On the other hand, Dave's Pest Control has the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Termite FAQS - Part 2

Formosan subterranean termite

1. When does a homeowner see termites? Termites swarm in the early spring, depending on their geographical location.Add caption

2. What can a homeowner do to prevent termites? The most important thing is to remove the conducive conditions termites need to survive. Termites love moisture; avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home.

Prevent termites by diverting water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed.

Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal. It doesn't hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Termite FAQs - Part 1

Close-up view of termite swarm

1. What are termites? Termites are wood-destroying insects. Their presence dates back to the dinosaurs. While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5 billion of property damage each year.

2. Are there different kinds of termites? Yes, the three major kinds of termites in the United States are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean. Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, drywood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood. Subterranean termites require moist environments, live mainly in the soil and are the most destructive species.

3. How do you recognize termites? Depending on your geographical location, termite swarms should be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.

4. How much damage do termites cause? Termites work 24 hours/7 days a week at damaging the wood in and around a structure. And, while they cause $5 billion in damage each year, there is no reason to think that termites cannot be controlled.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Termites At Work

Here is an excellent look into the world of termites and the damage they cause, compliments of pest control folks from Down Under. (That's Australia, mates!)



If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

The Underground Termite

The underground termite causes $1.5 billion of damages to property every year. This termite can be found in over 600,000 homes in the United States every year. Dining on wood, books, wallpaper, fabric and paper, these pests are dinner guests that just don't know when to leave.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, or would just like to have a termite inspection,  give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.



Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

When Should Termite Work Be Done? - Part 1

Termite work is a generic term. It refers to repair work done in a home to correct infestation or damage from wood pest organisms such as dry rot, fungus, termites (of which there are various kinds), wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants, to name a few.

Typically, buyers have homes inspected before they buy so that they are well-informed about the condition of the property. Of the many inspections a buyer might order, a "termite" report is a virtual certainty.

Local custom usually dictates who pays to correct wood pest damage during the course of a home sale. Sellers often pay to repair damage and infestation that developed during their period of ownership. Buyers usually take responsibility for items called in a report that are not active problems but that could become a problem in the future, like a tub that needs caulking.

Home sellers are wise to order a termite inspection report before they market their home. In areas where sellers pay to correct termite repairs, a pre-sale report lets sellers know how much they can expect to pay. It also provides information to the buyers that they will certainly want before purchasing the home.

If you're concerned about termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Tips for Controlling Subterranean Termites

There are several things a homeowner can do which can help prevent termite infestations or make them easier to detect.

• Store firewood away from the house. 
• Make sure at least four inches of the foundation can be seen all around the home.
• Siding should not extend into the soil. Mulch and soil should not be high enough to cover the siding. Make sure water drains away from the foundation. Accumulation of water next to the foundation is important for the survival of a termite colony next to a home. Rain gutters are ideal; however, the downspout should direct the water away from the home. 
• Roof or plumbing leaks can allow termites to survive above ground in a house. These should be corrected as soon as possible. 
• Paint will protect exposed wood against termites for about five years, and commercial pressure-treated wood will provide longer lasting protection. Before painting, all cracks and crevices should be filled with putty or plastic wood.
• Certain woods are naturally resistant to termite attacks. Among these woods are redwood core, bald-cypress, mahogany, and Spanish cedar. These types of wood, however, will become susceptible after several years of exposure to weather.

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control Central MAhttp://www.davespestcontrol.net

Subterranean Termites - Part 1

Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food. Because subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended period of time, the tunnels provide protection from the open air, allowing workers to carry food to the nest. Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites. They need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive, unlike drywood termites that only need low moisture.

This termite is known to swarm in May and June, but small flights can occur at any time of the year. Swarming is the primary way the termite naturally spreads after it has been transported to a new area. Three elements are needed for swarming to be effective:

1. proper food resources (cellulose and wood)
2. moisture, 
3. a physical niche

If you're concerned that you have termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control Central MA
http://www.davespestcontrol.net

Tips For Controlling Drywood Termites

Concerned about termites? Here are some measures you can do to help prevent a drywood termite infestation.

• Store firewood and lumber away from the house.
• Use 20-mesh screen on all windows and doors, and especially at ventilation openings for attics and crawl spaces.
• Exposed wood that is sealed with a uniform coating of paint, varnish or other sealant will help prevent easy access by drywood termites.
• Be sure to seal nail holes and cracks.

If you're concerned that you have carpet beetles in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control Central MA
http://www.davespestcontrol.net

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are social insects that live in colonies. The colonies are composed of kings, queens and soldiers. There is no worker caste as in subterranean colonies. The work is performed by immature termites before they become adults. King and queen termites perform the reproductive functions of the colony. They are light to dark brown and 1/3- to 1 inch in length. Soldiers guard the colony against invaders such as ants. They are white and wingless with large brownish heads and jaws. The nymphs (immatures), which are the most numerous caste, are white and wingless. The soldiers and immatures remain inside the wood at all times.

Drywood termites infest only dry wood and are most often found in attic wood structure as they do not require contact with the soil. They need very little moisture because they are able to live off of the water produced from the digestion of the cellulose. Drywood termites mate and fly to new dry wood areas, enter a small hole in the wood, and start to form a colony. Colonies will contain up to 2500 members.

If you're concerned that you have drywood termites in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.
Dave's Pest Control
http://www.davespestcontrol.net

Photos from www.killthetermites.com/pictures-of-termites.htm and are copyrighted by their respective owners.