The New Year has begun and consequently so have the resolutions. When deciding whether or not to indulge in the ever so popular work out plans or splurge to buy that new smart phone, why not throw a whole other animal in the mix…. Literally.

Animals come in all shapes and sizes from large to miniature, some have two eyes and some have eight and while many animals have 4 legs or two, this particular animal has 6. This insect is active in nightmares both while sleeping and while awake. “Termite” is just one of those words you hope to never hear when speaking of your home.

Annually, termites cause billions of dollars of damage and are responsible for more monetary losses regarding homes than fire and any other natural disasters combined. Termites silently feast on your home and can remain undetected for years. Typically the knowledge of a termite infestation comes with an inspection or with a swarm. Termites swarm during certain seasons and weather conditions, but so do ants. So how do we tell whether we are dealing with ants or termites? Here are a few points to look at when trying to determine between the two.

For many, getting that close to any insect is not fun or wanted and in these cases, identification can be left up to professionals. If the insect itself is not present but only a number of wings or saw dust/pellets, it is best to contact your pest management professional for an inspection and to determine the insect you are dealing with along with treatment options.

When buying a home, it is crucial to be educated on whether your future residence has any current termite protection or at least an up to date inspection. The two termites that flood the market here in South Florida are the Subterranean Termite and the Drywood Termite. Subterranean termites require a large moisture source to live. This being said they will generally nest in the ground or by around a leak. Mud tubes are telltale signs of a Subterranean Termite infestation; they build the mud tubes from their nesting site to their feeding area. These mud tubes are made from saliva, mud and excrement to protect them from the elements and keep them moist. Drywood termites are different in that they generally nest in the wood they consume and piles of hard excreted pellets can be found. The wood where they nest and which they eat does not need to have much moisture for them to live as it does for Subterraneans. While both species have differences in character, they are the same in that they eat wood and are a danger to your home. While do-it-yourself methods can be found, when dealing with something consuming your largest investment, it is usually best to trust a professional to diagnose and treat. It is important to be educated when selecting a pest control company and the treatments necessary for your particular situation.

These tips are provided to ensure your home sweet home is protected!

From our Safe Home to yours,

 

The Safe Home Team