Subterranean Termite Damage

How to Halt Subterranean Termite Damage

Practically everybody’s familiar with termites. They’re not only every homeowner’s nightmare, but they’re also big concerns for environmental groups that are doing everything they can to protect centuries-old trees in national parks, which are favorite targets for these wood-loving pests.

Subterranean termites are some of the worst pests around. These members of the Rhinotermitidae family are very resourceful and thrive exceptionally well in areas where the soil is moist. These termites proliferate in underground nests and their colony creates a well-engineered network of tunnels that connects the “underworld” to food sources above ground. Studies reveal that subterranean termite damage makes up the majority of termite damage observed in residential and commercial buildings throughout the country.

Types of subterranean termites common in the United States

There are three types of subterranean termites that really make life difficult for property owners in the US, and they are the Formosan termites, the eastern subterranean termites, and the western subterranean termites.

1. Formosan termites – They are the most aggressive, which means they create extensive damages in just a short span of time.
2. Eastern subterranean termites – They are the most widespread and are very commonly found throughout the eastern, Midwestern, and southern states. However, they do not wreak havoc as aggressively as Formosan termites do.
3. Western subterranean termites – They are most commonly found in the Sunshine State and Arizona and these termites are blamed for the destruction of national parks, which are home to some of the oldest trees in America. They are also the leading wood-destroying pests in the West.

Needless to say, subterranean termite infestation is no light matter; with the amount of destruction it results in, it’s crucial for property owners to take action. 

How to go about termite control

The first thing to do is to conduct a termite inspection to establish if there truly are termites present. Detecting the presence of termites is easy enough because the pests can actually be seen, and typically, there are mud tubes that can be found in different parts of the property. Inspection will also determine how big the population is, as well as the true extent of damage. Termite inspection should be carried out once a year.

Second, make your home less attractive to termites. Some people use persimmon juice for wood; not only does it repel termites, but it also varnishes wood nicely. Another thing to do is to reduce moisture sources, such as plumbing leaks. Pest control experts also advise reducing soil-to-wood contact by introducing sand to areas where such contact exists; termites don’t like sand because it shifts too much.

Lastly, to do is to annihilate the population. This can be done with the help of professional grade pesticides, which can be applied to soil and wood. If you live in the Modesto, Tracy, Stockton area, we would be happy to provide you a quote for the service.