Often mistakenly identified as ants, termites are a wood-destroying pest that creates billions of dollars in property damage each year across this country. Fortunately, termites pose minimal direct health risks to humans. Termites in Yakima County consume wood, particularly wood with ample moisture content.
Subterranean termites, aptly named for their underground nests, are the primary type of termite encountered in Washington. The other common type is damp wood termites that nest within the wooden structure they consume; therefore, you will not generally see them traveling back and forth from underground nests.
How small are termites? The subterranean termites with wings often reach 3/8 of an inch in length and appear dark brown or black. The soldiers of the colony measure only ¼ of an inch and have distinctive cream-colored heads. Lastly, the “workers” typically reach lengths of 3/16 of an inch and have a grey or white appearance.
Damp wood termites are considered a larger species. The winged colony members often exceed one inch in length and appear in shades of cream or brown. The soldiers measure roughly ¾ of an inch in length and usually have a darker-colored head. The young termites (nymphs) typically are ½ of an inch in length and have a much lighter-colored body.
Have you noticed evidence of termite damage on your property? Usually, once termites begin chewing through a wooden structure, the damage will progressively worsen over the forthcoming weeks or months, which might translate to substantially greater repair costs.
A Yakima County pest control company understands how to stop termites and the best preventative measures for reducing the likelihood of subsequent invasions.
The Life Cycle Of A Termite Colony
Typically, in the spring months, winged termites that are responsible for reproduction gather in “swarms” as a part of their mating process. New social colonies soon emerge and grow. Termites develop from eggs, larvae, and nymphs before reaching adulthood.
Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures
Termites consume wood, which often poses problems for area homeowners. After initially infesting a wooden structure, the termites will begin eroding the wood, and the conditions progressively worsen.
Do termites eat drywall also? Although not preferred, termites might feed on drywall and similar building materials.
Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home
While any property that contains wooden materials could potentially become infested with termites, these pests usually prefer that other conditions also exist, including:
- Subterranean termites prefer sources of wood that allow for easy passage to and from their underground nests; therefore, wooden parts of a home should not have direct contact with the soil below.
- Move firewood storage piles away from the property’s exterior.
- Termites generally prefer water-damaged wood and areas with significant moisture, which makes properties with leaky spigots, hoses, or clogged gutter systems particularly susceptible.
- Promptly remove fallen trees and other materials composed of wood from yard areas.
Early detection of termite activity is critical in preventing substantial structural damage. Property owners are always encouraged to inspect the premises closely for any termite activity.
The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage
The qualified professionals with Prosite have many years of experience treating termite-related problems for property owners in Yakima County. We will deploy a technician to the property for a thorough inspection.
How long does a termite inspection take? Based on the nature and extent of the problem, property owners should expect a detailed examination to range from 30 minutes to more than one hour. Keep in mind that a pest control professional will prioritize quality and attention to detail rather than simply haphazardly completing the termite inspection process.
The experts with Prosite use Termidor, an industry-leading termiticide that ousts existing pests and prevents them from returning. The product is undetectable by termites, allowing a single creature to spread or transfer the solution throughout their colony.
Contact our office today for additional information.