What are termites?
Subterranean termites are social insects that live and work together in large colonies, nesting under the ground. Their underground living conditions provide them with the moisture they need to survive and protection from predators. Cellulose found in wood and other plant life is their primary food source.
A subterranean termite colony has three castes: reproductives, soldiers, and workers. Worker termites make up the bulk of a termite colony and are the termites that leave the nest each day to gather food to bring to the nest. A subterranean termite's lifestyle, traveling under the ground and feeding on the inside of wood, means these pests can stay under a homeowner's radar for months or years at a time.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are pests that harm people physically, but they are pests that will hurt us financially if we don't protect our properties from them. The termite's ability to feed on structural elements of a home (wood beams, floor joists, plastic, and insulation boards) makes them very dangerous. Termites attack millions of homes across the country each year, causing billions of dollars in damages — damages that homeowners' insurance usually does not cover.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites become a problem on the properties they are nesting on or near. Homes near wooded areas are very susceptible to termites, but a termite infestation can happen in any home. Throughout most of the year, the mild weather in South Carolina allows these destructive pests to remain active year-round, working 24/7 to feed their expansive colonies.
As worker subterranean termites are out and about gathering food to feed their colony, it is common for them to accidentally move into our homes. They enter inside through cracks in the foundation or pieces of wood, making direct contact with the ground like deck posts, door frames, and wood shingles.
Where will I find termites?
Termites travel to and from their nest to a food source each day through the soil or the mud tubs they create on the surfaces of the ground or up along foundation and basement walls. Termites are most attracted to wood damaged by water. Outside they feed on things like wooden play structures, furniture, decks, fences, logs, fallen trees, and woodpiles.
Inside our homes, they attack wooden beams in wall voids near pipes, sinks, tubs, and other areas with sources of moisture. Wooden beams near leaky ceilings and wooden framing around windows and doors are also often targets for termites.
How do I get rid of termites?
Termites are destructive pests, and being proactive to protect your property against them is essential. The best solution to a termite problem is to partner with an experienced professional and implement regular pest control services. At Greenville Pest Control, we will eliminate termites through our warrantied termite control services – which include detailed inspections, treatments, follow-up visits, and more.
To learn more about keeping termites and other pests away from your South Carolina home or business with the help of our effective termite control services, reach out to Greenville Pest Control today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from termites with the following prevention tips:
- Clean up woodpiles, fallen trees, or tree stumps from your yard that termites can feed on.
- Remove leaf and weed piles from your yard.
- Replace wood mulch with a non-organic material in landscaped areas and flower beds.
- Remove fences, decks, porches, playsets, and sheds that are decaying or have been damaged by moisture.
- Make sure gutters are working to direct rainwater away from your home, and preventing it from seeping into the roof.
- Place weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep rainwater from seeping into the walls of your home.
- Fill in low-lying areas that collect water on your property.
- Make sure your yard has good drainage.
