They are every homeowner’s worst nightmare… Costing an average of $5 billion in repairs per year, while being found in over 500,000 homes, termites are trouble. An infestation in your home can cause a plethora of problems including structural damage, which will ultimately lead to a decrease in the value of your home.
One of the most common types of termites found in Massachusetts’s homes is the subterranean termite. They are extremely destructive, causing nearly twice as much damage to homes when compared to other species.
As the weather warms up and as we inch closer to spring, termites begin to gather. This gathering is referred to as the “spring swarm.” This means your house is at an even greater risk of infestation; so knowing how to identify and control these pests is essential!
Subterranean Termite Identification
Subterranean termites look very similar to the common house ant, but there are a few distinctions between the two.
- Both of their bodies are separated into three sections (head, thorax, abdomen). However, while the ant’s midsection is pinched, the termite’s midsection is not. The termite is essentially the same width from head to abdomen.
- The ant’s antennae are slightly bent, while the termite’s antennae are straight
- The ant’s wings vary in size, while the termite’s wings are equal in size.
Another way to identify subterranean termites is by the damage they cause to your home. Living up to their name, the damage these guys cause starts from the ground up. This means any damage caused by subterranean termites will start in your basement/crawlspace, or ground floor if you don’t have a subfloor.
In those areas you should look for two things:
- Damaged wood – If the wood is thin and hollowed out, has lost some of its coloring, and the paint appears to be buckled, an infestation is likely.
- Mud tubes – These are the most obvious signs of an infestation. They’re brown, and most often made with small pieces of soil and wood. They run along the foundation of your home, and they are what these termites use to travel.
Subterranean Termite Control
The first step in controlling subterranean termites is identifying the fact that they are present inside your home. The second step is simple; call the experts at Pest Control Unlimited.
Our professionals know the threat termites pose to your home, especially in the early spring months. That’s why termite control is an essential part of our spring pest control treatment. Talk to the experts in termite control today and give us a call at (888) 649-9919. We can help!
