Termites

Eastern subterranean termites are destructive wood-destroying insects commonly found in Nashville, throughout Middle Tennessee, and around most of the U.S.

Termites are social insects that live underground in large colonies with three distinct divisions of labor: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. It is rare to see worker and soldier termites because these termites stay in the ground and rarely come out in the open. However, it’s good to know what they look like in case you ever come across them.

Worker termites are creamy white in color, about an eighth of an inch long, and have soft bodies. The soldiers look about the same as termite workers except they have elongated yellow heads and large jaws to protect the nest. The reproductive termites, or kings and queens, are dark brown or black and range in size from a third of an inch to an inch in length. They have two pairs of translucent wings that break off after they mate. Reproductive termites are often mistaken for carpenter ants. 

Are Termites Dangerous?

Termites do not bite, sting, or carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. They can, however, be extremely dangerous to the structural integrity of your home. 

Termites live in large colonies with thousands to millions of members. If they get into your home, they will chew tunnels and nests throughout the wooden structures in your house, causing massive amounts of damage to the wood in your home. This can lead to costly amounts of structural damage. 

Throughout the United States, termites are responsible for causing over $5 billion in structural damage every year. Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover termite damage, which leaves you fully responsible for repair costs. That makes a termite infestation not only dangerous to your home, but also dangerous to your wallet.

What Causes Termites?

Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, leaves, and soil. Wood is especially attractive to them if it is moist or has water damage. You will find termites in and around your home looking for these food sources.

When out in nature, termites actually play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down rotting and dead trees. However, when they get near your house instead of in forested areas, they’ll end up finding their way inside. Even if the wooden elements in your house are dry and structurally sound, termites can and will infest them. If there is no easy way into your house, they’ll build mud tubes along your foundation walls to access the interior. Once inside, these pests can remain active all year long, which only intensifies their ability to damage your house.

How To Prevent A Termite Infestation 

Termites feed on wood, leaves, and soil. Because these items are found around most homes and properties, preventing a termite infestation is very difficult. If you suspect termite activity, your best course of action is to call for professional help as soon as possible. 

However, it can help to implement the following preventative measures around your house:

• Replace white outdoor lights with yellow bulbs so you don’t attract swarmer termites

• Reduce moisture in and around your house by fixing leaks and drips and ensuring your property has proper drainage

• Repair and replace water-damaged or rotting wood

• Store firewood away from your house and up off the ground

• Eliminate areas where wood comes into contact with the ground, such as fence posts that are installed directly into the soil

Although these preventative measures can help, they will not stop a termite infestation. The only sure way to stop termites is with 24/7 termite protection from All-American Pest Control.