Imagine your beautiful home, the wooden furniture you have made with love... Would you believe it if I told you that there is a silent enemy that is secretly damaging it? Yes, we are talking about termites. They are a class of insects that can eat away at the wood from the inside without our eyes seeing it, and can wreak havoc over the years. So today, let's learn everything about these silent enemies called termites.
Who are these termites?
Simply put, termites are a type of insect that comes from underground and eats wood. They live in a large, organized society. This society, or termite colony, contains many different types of termites.
- Worker termites: These are the most numerous in the colony. They are cream- colored and have no eyes. They are the ones who forage for food, build tunnels, and care for the young for the entire colony.
- Soldier termites: They have a large head and strong jaws. Their sole duty is to ensure the safety of the worker termites and the entire colony.
- King and Queen: These are the ones who rule the colony and lay eggs and raise offspring . They initially have wings, but these fall off after they establish a new colony.
There are over 2,500 species of termites worldwide. They can be divided into several main groups based on the environment they live in. Some live in dry wood, while others live in moist wood. But the type of termites that do the most damage to our homes are the ones that come from underground.
What are the reasons why termites come to a house?
Termites don't just come into a house for no reason. There are several specific reasons why they come. According to
a pest control expert,
the main thing that attracts termites is moisture. If your home doesn't drain properly, if there are areas where water is pooling, if moisture is rising up along the foundation, that's an invitation for termites. The next thing is for them to have a way into your home.
Is there a woodshed leaning against the wall of the house? Is there a wooden fence connected to the foundation of the house? They can enter the house directly through a piece of wood like this.
Additionally, termites can enter your home through even the smallest cracks in concrete, water pipes, or
electrical wires. Check to see if your home is at risk:
- If your home has not been treated for termites before, or if it has been a long time since.
- If there are things like soil, firewood, or fertilizer stuck to a wooden part of the house.
- If there is a water leak from the roof, if water is escaping from the AC, if a pipe has burst and the wood has become wet.
- If water constantly accumulates around the foundation of the house.
How do you find out if there are termites in your house?
This is the hardest part. Because termites eat wood from the inside out. So even though the wood may look good from the outside, it may be completely rotten inside. Since it takes about 3 to 8 years for serious damage to occur, it is often too late by the time we know. However, there are some signs that you can look for.
| Sign | Description and points to pay attention to |
|---|
| Mud Tubes | Termites don't go outdoors. These are tunnels they make from soil, wood dust, and their saliva to travel from the ground to the wood. Look for these in places like foundation walls, fences, cracks in walls, and crawl spaces. |
| Termite excrement (Frass) | These may look like wood dust, but they are actually termite droppings. They can be in the form of small peppercorn-like flakes. Look for them in clusters near window sills, doorways, and wooden baseboards. |
| Damage to wood | Does knocking on wood make a hollow sound?- Does your wooden floor feel swollen and sagging?
- Are the doors and window frames sagging and difficult to close properly?
- Does it look like paint is bubbling on a wooden wall?
These could be signs of termites eating from the inside. |
| Flying termites (Swarmers/Alates) | At certain times of the year, winged termites emerge to form new colonies. They are also called "ants." If you see them inside your home, it means they have started a new colony inside or under your house. |
| Broken wings | These flying termites shed their wings after finding a new place. If you see a lot of wings of the same size lying near the windows and doors of your house, that's another clear sign that termites are present. |
Do termites harm humans?
Many people are afraid of termites and whether they will bite or spread diseases.
The good news is that termites do not bite or spread diseases to humans. However, they can cause indirect
health problems. 1.
Allergies: Dust particles from termite-eaten wood, as well as particles of termite saliva and feces, can be released into the air. Sensitive people can experience allergies such as asthma, hives, and skin rashes when they breathe them in. 2.
Mold Growth: When termites eat through walls and wooden floors, moisture can enter through those gaps and grow mold. Mold is also a cause of respiratory diseases and allergies.
If you or someone in your family experiences breathing difficulties , persistent coughing, or skin allergies after being in an environment with termites, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
How to control termites?
You can't solve this problem by killing a few termites. Because their colonies are underground. Therefore, the best solution to this is
to seek the help of an experienced pest control service. There are several professional methods:
- Soil Treatments: A chemical called a termite killer is injected into the soil around the foundation of the house. This kills existing termites and prevents new termites from coming in for about 5-8 years.
- Bait Stations: Small tubes with bait are placed on the ground around the house. Termites are attracted to the bait, eat it, and take it back to the colony. The chemical in the bait then acts to kill the entire colony.
- House Tenting/Fumigation: This is a bit of a big job. The entire house is covered with a large tent and a toxic gas (sulfuryl fluoride) is filled inside. This kills the termites in every nook and cranny of the house.
- Warning:This gas is very harmful to humans and animals. Therefore, you should completely leave the house when doing this treatment. Follow the instructions of the relevant professionals. If you are exposed to this gas in any way, seek medical advice immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Are there things you can do at home?
Yes, there are some natural remedies. But remember, these can only repel termites or control a small number.
They are not enough to destroy a large colony.- Borate: A natural compound made from the element boron. These can be applied to wood or soil to repel termites.
- Neem Oil: This is a natural insecticide. Spraying it on wood will help prevent termites from entering.
- Vinegar: Spraying a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice on wood can repel termites.
If you want to protect your home from termites...
It's better to prevent termites from coming than to suffer after they arrive. Here are some simple tips for that.
- Make sure water doesn't stagnate around your home and drains properly. Fix broken water pipes and taps immediately.
- Seal any cracks and gaps in the foundation with cement.
- Never store firewood, logs, or old wooden furniture against the wall of your home. Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Cut and remove branches from trees that are touching the house.
- Keep the attic and basement/crawl space of your home well ventilated.
- It is very worthwhile to have a pest control service inspect your home at least once a year.
Take-Home Message
- Termites are insects that silently damage homes. By the time the damage is noticed, it may be too late.
- Moisture in the home and wooden beams leaning against the house are the main reasons for termites to enter.
- If you find dirt, wood dust, flying termites, and their wings in your home, these are signs that termites are present.
- Even if termites don't bite, the dust they emit can cause allergies. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor.
- The best and most permanent solution to termite control is to seek the assistance of an experienced pest control service.
Termites, termite control, pest control, home security, termite control, termite signs
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