Your Guide To Termite Control & Prevention

What are termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects. They are social pests, living, and working together in large colonies. The most common species of termite found living in our area is the subterranean termite, meaning they nest underneath the ground. Termites divide themselves into different castes: workers, which gather food for the colony, soldiers, which defend the colony, and reproductives (kings and queens), which are responsible for creating new colonies.

Outside, termites feed on decaying plants, tree stumps, fallen trees, and similar items made of cellulose. When living outside, termites are beneficial, getting rid of decaying plant materials. But when termites find their way inside homes or other structures, their feeding habits turn from helpful to destructive.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are categorized as dangerous pests - not because they cause any direct harm to people, but due to the extensive structural damage, they can cause. Termites are responsible for more than $5 billion worth of damage each year. The destruction they cause becomes quite expensive for homeowners to repair, especially since their damage is not covered by most homeowners' insurance policies. Termites are difficult pests to deal with because they enter homes from the ground unseen, where they work silently for months or years. Typically, a termite infestation isn’t discovered until their damage is extensive.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites often find their way onto your property to nest after a termite swarm. A termite swarm occurs when reproductive members of a termite colony emerge from their underground nest to find mates and create a new colony. Additionally, if there is a termite colony located on a neighboring property, they may find their way onto your property while foraging for food. While foraging for food, workers accidentally find their way into homes and other buildings through cracks and crevices in a home's foundation. They may also find their way inside homes through soil that comes into contact with door frames, deck posts, wood shingles, and porch steps or supports.

Where will I find termites?

Termites are attracted to properties that harbor large areas of moist soil and plenty of decaying plant matter. Termites travel back and forth from their underground nest to their food sources through underground tunnels or mud tubes. Mud tubes allow them to travel above the ground while retaining moisture and keeping them out of view of predators. Once established inside a home or other structure, termites can be found tunneling through and feeding on structural wood located behind walls, below floors, above ceilings, or behind wooden trim. While initially attracted to water-damaged wood, they eventually feed on sound wood and even non-wooden items like insulation and sub-flooring.

How do I get rid of termites?

The easiest way to control and prevent termite infestations is with the help of the local Philadelphia termite control experts. At Resolution Pest, our board-trained, state-certified exterminators deliver the exceptional termite control services needed to rid your home and property of termites. Resolution Pest is committed to using environmentally safe, ethical treatments to solve your termite problem and prevent their return. To learn more about implementing a residential or commercial pest control service in your Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County-area home or business, call Resolution Pest!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

In addition to our professional services in the Philadelphia metro area, the following tips can help to prevent problems with moisture-seeking termites:

• Repair leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures located inside or outside your home to reduce excess moisture.

• Clean gutters regularly to stop water from backing up and seeping into your home’s walls.

• Remove water-damaged wood from your home, replacing it with sound wood.

• Limit soil-to-wood contact on your home and property.

• Seal any cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation.

• Leave a barrier between any soil or mulch and your home’s foundation.

• Use dehumidifiers and make sure crawlspaces are properly ventilated to reduce moisture levels.

• Get rid of fallen trees, tree stumps, and other piles of organic debris from around your property.