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Termite infestations in houses will often go undetected by homeowners for many years since it's hard to distinguish evidence of activity. Termites will hide in walls or in crawl spaces or in other inaccessible areas within a house. They are sneaky. They dont want to be found or be out in sunlight. .
Most termite species are native to North America. Formosan termites are the only species which has been transported to U.S. following World War II and are found mostly in California, Florida and along the Gulf Coast.
Termites have three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen) that are joined broadly, unlike those of ants. Species aside, termites are divided into the following broad groups:
Termite larvae are very small and white in colour. The immatures are cared for by the other termites in the nest until they grow into a reproductive or worker. Whether they become a reproductive or worker depends on the needs of the colony and will be determined during molting.
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Termites are identified in a couple of different ways. The main thing that people need to bear in mind is that many times to find evidence of activity you truly need to conduct a comprehensive termite inspection.
Termite droppings (Frass)A pile of stool pellets can be indicative of a termite infestation. The termite droppings often resemble sawdust, because the stool is comprised of the wood the termites consume.
SwarmersTermite swarms will be the #1 way that most homeowners recognize that they have a termite infestation. These winged termites emerge from nests in large groups. People will see these winged insects pop out and fly around in swarms near a home. Swarmers are looking to mate and contact the soil.
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Mud tubesFor subterranean termites, you can identify action by identifying sand tubes (also called foraging tubes) that termites use for transportation from soil to cellulose material (AKA your home ). They will this link build mud tubes whenever they'll be exposed to light and predators. In this manner they have a secure travel way to get from Point A to Point B..
You can often find termites on foundation walls at which there's an expansion seam where they can get in the structural lumber that is resting on the top of the foundation (basement walls or crawl space walls). On occasion you'll find termites in the corner of the joists and also the header planks in the substructure of a house.
Termite galleries and damaged woodAnother way you can identify termite activity is to examine damaged timber for termite galleries. For those that are not trained, it can be challenging to perform. Generally, subterranean termite galleries proceed with the grain of this wood. These galleries will often contain sand. Termites want to maintain an optimal humidity/moisture level wherever theyre traveling because they desiccate relatively easily.
Termite galleries are typically found on the substructure of a house like the basement or even a crawlspace. If you examine the structures header board and floor joists that break upon the foundation wall, then you may be able to identify the gallery. At that point in time, its highly recommended to call in a professional.
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Drywood termites are a little bit different. They dont originate from the soil. They really gallery out and reside in the wood theyre infesting and feeding on. In areas where drywoods are prevalent, you will often find them infesting attics, ceiling joists, roof rafters, on the wooden exteriors of homes, wood poles, wood groove boards, exposed rafter tails and other wooden constructions in and around a home.You will not find subway in drywood termite galleries but you will find mosquito pellets.
The pellets almost look like thick grain sand. The colour of drywood termite pellets can fluctuate depending on the kind of wood they are infesting on. .
Depending on where you live in the United States, the termite pressures confronted may be very different. In the United States, there are approximately 50 species of termites, only 20 of which might be of concern for structures.Subterranean termites are the most common species of termites in many areas in the U.S.
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In states like California and Florida, drywood termites are just as prevalent as subterranean termites. .
Termites consume cellulose substance. They'll feed on anything that contains cellulose. Most houses are constructed of conventional lumber that this page contain cellulose. Termites also have been known to feed on cardboard, paper, cotton shirts or anything which contains cellulose for a food supply.