Termite Identification & Prevention

What are termites?

Termites are wood-eating insects that cause billions of dollars in damage to properties across the country every year. In wooded and forested areas, termites are beneficial in helping to break down decaying wood and other plant matter. Unfortunately, termites often get inside and feed on wood, causing costly structural damage. Termites are social insects and work together in large colonies. Termite colonies divide themselves into different groups or 'castes': workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens).

Two of the most common species of termites to invade properties in our area include drywood termites and subterranean termites:

Drywood termites
As their name implies, drywood termites feed on wood that is not damaged by water. Drywood termites have fewer members in their colonies than subterranean termites and feed at a much slower rate. Despite working slowly, drywood termites are very efficient eaters and leave almost nothing behind but a thin shell after feeding on a piece of wood. These termites live and nest inside the wood they are feeding on. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies do not have a separate worker caste, and immature termites do the job of workers before they reach adulthood.

Subterranean termites
The most common type of termite living across the country is the subterranean termite. Termites feed on cellulose in wood and other plant matter. As their name suggests, subterranean termites nest under the ground in damp, loose soil and prefer to feed on decaying or water-damaged wood.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are dangerous – not because they bite, sting, or create other health threats, but due to the destruction they cause. Termites are active year-round and enter into homes and other structures without any notice or fanfare. They will feed on the structural wood in a house for months or even years before the damage is apparent. Most homeowners' insurance does not cover termite damage, so their damage can become extensive and costly to repair.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Drywood termites find their way inside through pieces of wood or wooden furniture that they are already infesting. Subterranean termites become a problem for home and business owners after finding their way inside while foraging for food. They get inside through tiny cracks and crevices in the foundation or through any wood to soil contact (deck posts, porch steps, wooden trim).

Where will I find termites?

Drywood termites live, feed, and nest inside wooden structures like attic beams, exposed wood, antique wood furniture, and picture frames. Inside homes and other buildings, subterranean termites invade and feed on the structural wood above ceilings, behind walls, and under floors. They travel through the soil or mud tubes they create to their food sources and back to their nest each day.

How do I get rid of termites?

Dedicated to providing our residential and commercial customers with effective pest control solutions, Evolve Pest Control will solve all of your Texas, Nevada, and St. George, Utah property's pest problems. With an extensive service area covering Dallas/Fort Worth and the Las Vegas/Mesquite Metro, our trained and experienced service technicians perform thorough inspections and advanced treatments to eliminate pests and prevent them from returning. Our goal is to offer our customers high-quality services that are affordable and eco-friendly, helping them to maintain a pest-free home or business. To request your free quote and get started with your service, contact Evolve Pest Control today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

In addition to our professional termite control services, the following tips will help to keep termites off your property:

• Leave a barrier or rock or crushed stone between any soil or mulch and your foundation.

• Remove water-damaged wood from your home or business.

• Eliminate soil-to-wood contact around your property.

• Make sure crawlspaces are ventilated and dry.

• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.

• Use dehumidifiers to dry out damp basements.

• Repair cracks and other damage to your foundation.

• Place weatherstripping around all windows and doors.

• Prevent water from backing up and seeping into your walls by maintaining gutters.

• Inspect newly purchased furniture and other wood items for signs of termite damage before introducing them into your property.

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