Atlanta Real Estate, McDonough Real Estate, Stockbridge Real Estate

The subterranean Termite

Of the many household pests common to the United States, there is none more destructive to wood than the subterranean termite. Not often seen, they make their presence known when they prey on home s and other wooden structures. The resulting damage can be significant, but with early detection, their underground nest can be destroyed safely and effectively. Subterranean termites are found throughout the United States and are observed in great number in the South Coastal States.

There are two varieties of subterranean termites, a dark-winged swarmer, and the more common white, wingless swarmer. Colonies are formed when a pair of winged reproducers leaved the parent colony and creates a nest in a piece of wood above or buried in the ground. Three of our years may pass before the new generation of reproductive swarmers develops and structural damage may not be noticed for several more years after that. However, a building constructed over an established colony may be subject to serious problems within a year.

Identification

Living in nests in colonies as much as five feet beneath the soil, they from three groups or castes: reproductives, workers, and soldiers. Reproductives can be winged or wingless and each has the capability to produce new offspring. Workers are wingless and make up the larges group within a colony. They are responsible for gather food, enlarging and maintaining the nest, and the feeding and caring of the rest of the colony. Soldiers resemble workers, but are responsible for the defense of the colony against invaders, primarily ants.

Swarming ants and termites are very similar in appearance, but the distinguishing characteristics are important because the measures for control are different for each insect.

Termites: Antennae not elbowed, two pair of wings of equal length, eyes absent, waist thick. Ants: Antennae elbowed, two pairs of wings of unequal length, eyes present, waist thin.

Finding Them

As hardy as they are, several factors must be present to allow subterranean termites to have an impact. Moisture and protection from their enemies is critical, which necessitates that they must remain within their nests, tubes, or infested wood.

Generally, any wood-to-soil contact is a potential site for termite entry. The ready availability of wood or other cellulose material, such as paper, cotton or burlap, is their lifeline. Decaying wood is a particular favorite as the decaying process make it easier to penetrate.

An obvious first sign of termite infestation is the presence of reproductives on windowsills or near indoor light. Discarded termite wings may be found near crack in walls and corners, windowsills, or in cobwebs. Subterranean termites also create tunnels or tubes to bridge masonry or metal to access their wood food source. These shelter tubes are often visible going up the sides of piers or foundation walls.

Inspection

A thorough inspection on a regular basis is excellent insurance that termites will be found and eradicated before any serious damage is caused. All that is need is a flashlight, ice pick or sharp-pointed screwdriver, and a ladder.

Outdoors, look at the foundation of the house, garage and other structures for shelter tubes coming up from the soil. Check for moisture around the foundation (remember that termites abound in dark, damp places) and pay particular attention to attached porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, and areas near kitchens or bathrooms. Also check window and door frames as well as where utilities enter the house and behind dense shrubbery. Note any earth-to-wood contacts such as fences, stairs, or trellises. Be sure to open and examine any exterior electrical meter or fuse boxes, as they are a common point of termite infestation.

Using a screwdriver or hammer, gently tap wood structures and listen for a dull, thudding sound. Possible locations indoors might be window facings, baseboards, hardwood flooring, doors, and exterior porches such as sunrooms. A water stain on walls or ceilings could indicate water leaks, which decay wood and attract termites.

Prevention

The concept is simple. Deny termites’ access to food (wood), moisture, and shelter and they will no longer present a problem. Soil pretreatment with Soil Insect and Treatment Killer prior to construction will significantly diminish the possibility of future attacks. When building a home, insist that the contractor or architect specify pretreatment. Also, be sure to position the structure so that the soil slopes away from the building to prevent moisture buildup, which leads to wood decay. A plastic barrier can be used under the house to prevent moisture buildup in the sub flooring. Foundation wall vents should be positioned opposite each other and close enough to the corners of the foundation to provide cross-flow ventilation and eliminate air spaces.