Are Those Little Buggers Munching Away at Your House?
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year.
The soil here in Florida is conducive to termites.
We often say that, In Florida, it's not if you have termites, it's when you get termites.
Some facts about termites:
Termites don’t sleep. They eat 24 hours a day.
A home can have as many as 3 to 4 termite colonies around it with 1 million termites in each colony.
One colony of termites can eat 1000 lbs of cellulose ( found in high moisture wood) a year.
The worker and soldier termites are usually blind because they live in the dark.
The king and queen termite can live 20 to 30 years, while the workers only live for about 2.
Termite damage can go unseen for years.
Termites can be found in every state in the nation, except Alaska.
It's important to stay aware of the signs of termites. There are three types of termites, subterranean, dry wood and damp wood termites. Subs and dry wood termites can cause the most damage and are typically found here in Florida.
To find our if you have termites, the best course of action is to contact a certified, licensed pest control company. They will be able to tell you for sure if you have the slimey little critters.
But, to get a heads up yourself, look for these things:
Termite tubes - These thin mud tubes can often be found coming up from the ground at the base of your home. The termites tunnel their way through the tubes and congregate in a moist, damp environment somewhere in or around your home. Subs need moisture and can be found anywhere there is a source of moisture. We see them along the base of homes, in windowsills and frames, in shower stalls behind tile, and under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Swarmers - these are typically the drywood termites. In the springtime often you'll find small winged termite bodies laying on the floor or around windowsills. They are looking for a place to build a colony.
Wood-Some old rotted wood, laying around your home, may be full of termites. You can see the hollowing out of the wood.
Dirt around baseboards or windowsills - often you can find termite "dirt". They usually carry bits of dirt with them.
Check your mulch - Termites love mulch. Pull your mulch away from your home. If you think you may termites, then call a pest control company.
Are those Little Buggers Munching away at Your House?
Termites Cause Billions Of Dollars in Damage Each Year
Sandy Shores, Broker
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