Termites

Termites are one of the worst residential pests in our area. Once they’ve invaded your property, the problems are going to quickly worsen. Termites are social so they’re going to work in groups. When they’re obtaining food, building tunnels, and starting new colonies, they’re going to be working as a team. Termites destroy homes because they consume cellulose. Since this material is found in lumber, cardboard, paper, and cotton fibers, they’ll chew through homes and other structures.

As the termite infestation worsens, termites on your property are going to build mounds. They use the mounds to ensure they have more room to expand. Some termites can burrow into wood surfaces. Termites can easily destroy a residential or commercial structure. Therefore, the problem must be addressed as quickly as possible. Each year, Subterranean termites cause roughly $2 billion worth of damage to American buildings.

Members Of A Termite Colony

Termite colonies have specific members. For instance, the termite colony on your property will have a queen and king. It’ll also have soldiers and workers.

Queen Termites

Queen termites are important because they are primary reproductive members. It is their responsibility to ensure that the colony has enough soldiers and workers. If it doesn’t, the queen will breed with the king to create more members. At 4 inches in length, the queen termite is the largest member of the colony. Queen termites are prolific breeders and commonly lay more than 30,000 eggs each day.

King Termites

King termites constantly work with the queens. They must do so to guarantee that the colony has enough soldier termites and worker termites. The king will continue mating with the queen for the rest of its days.

Worker Termites

As you’ve likely guessed, the worker termite is responsible for completing many tasks. The worker will forage for food, carve out new tunnels, maintain existing tunnels, and feed other termites. Workers never stop. As a result, they’re going to damage your home 24 hours a day. Workers grow up to 10mm in length and have soft bodies. Worker termites are roughly the size of a piece of rice.

Soldier Termites

Soldier termites are responsible for defending the colony from potential invaders. Although they can fight other prey, they primarily battle ants that have decided to invade the colony. While they look like worker termites, they have longer, brown heads. Since they have powerful jaws, they can easily defeat ants.

Swarmers

Finally, every termite colony is going to produce swarmer termites. They’re responsible for building new colonies elsewhere. One unique thing about swarmers is the fact that there are male and female swarmers. Therefore, they can mate, reproduce, and build new colonies. They also have wings. A colony can produce hundreds of swarmers, but it will only have one king and one queen.

Primary Termites Found In Austin TX

A handful of termite species can be found in Austin, but you primarily need to be concerned about Subterranean termites. It is wise to learn more about these termites because you may encounter them at some point.

Basics

Subterranean termites are like other species. They live in structured colonies with worker termites, soldier termites, a king, and a queen. The size and shape of the termite depend on its role in the colony. For instance, a soldier termite is going to reach 3/8ths of an inch, and workers do too. The difference is that soldier termites have distinct heads and powerful jaws. The combination allows them to defend the colony from invaders. Swarmer termites often reach half an inch.

Common Traits

Subterranean termites have many common traits with other termites. They build underground colonies but can also reside in moist spots above ground. To reach nearby food sources, they’ll build and use mud tubes. Doing so allows them to access food without being attacked so easily. Swarmers are produced in spring so the colony can expand to nearby areas.

Problems

Unfortunately, Subterranean termites can create a wealth of problems for homeowners and business owners. Once they’ve invaded your property, the risks are immense. They will chew through the wood in your building and destroy it. Tackle the problem swiftly or your home is going to be damaged beyond repair. If you suspect termites are living on your property, don’t delay calling a reputable professional. We’re always ready to help so we hope you’ll put your faith in us.

Flying Termites & Flying Ants

It is common to encounter flying ants and flying termites in Austin TX. Therefore, you need to know the difference. It might seem easy to determine what you’re dealing with, but it won’t be. Learn more about these pests so you can be ready to deal with them right away. Look at the wings. Flying ant wings are two different sizes. As for flying termites, their wings are the same size. Flying termites have a full waist while flying ants have a pinched waist. Also, remember that flying ants have elbowed antennas.

Things To Know About Termites

Termites are unique pests that can create serious problems for Austin TX residents.

• These pests never stop damaging homes. They work 24 hours a day.
• It is common for termite colonies to survive up to 70 years.
• A termite colony in the United States can house as many as half a million pests.
• Termites are helpful in nature because they help dispose of deadwood.
• Most termites need access to water. If they cannot access water, they’re going to dry out and die.
• When living above ground, these pests must keep their mud tubes wet.
• Ants regularly attack termites and their colonies.
• By following the right steps, you can eliminate a termite colony.
• More than 2,000 termite species can be found around the world.
• 40 species are living in the United States.
• Termites do not eat concrete but can move through it swiftly.
• Worker termites consume cellulose. Once they’ve done that, they’ll feed it to other members of the colony.
• Queen termites survive for 20 years or longer. Each day, she’ll lay thousands of eggs.

How Dangerous Are Termites?

Termites do not pose a direct health risk to people or pets. They’re not interested in biting, stinging, or transmitting illnesses. Instead, they want to chew through your home’s wood. Nevertheless, they can lead to health issues. First, they’re going to make you worry constantly. That could keep you up at night and make you sick. Plus, they could destroy your home and make it unsafe.

Eliminating Termites

Eliminating termites on your property won’t be easy. These pests often travel up to 300 feet away from their main colonies. As a result, it is hard to know where they’re coming from. Until you find out, you won’t be able to get rid of them. It is often easier to team up with a reputable Austin TX exterminator. Doing so will ensure that the problem can be dealt with much quicker. Eliminate the colony or the termites will return.

DIY Methods For Termites

Although there are some DIY methods for termites, many are inefficient. When comparing DIY methods to professional services, you’ll find that the latter is more effective and precise. If you’re trying to deal with these troubling pests, it is wise to call a professional. We’re always here to help.

When Can Someone Arrive?

Stop what you’re doing and call our office promptly. After your initial call to our Austin office, we’ll call you within 24 to 48 hours.

Protecting You

Our Austin TX technicians are serious about protecting you and your loved ones. You want to tackle the problem without exposing yourself or your loved ones to dangers. Therefore, you should depend on our services. We’ll use EPA-registered products to remedy the problem. Call us so we can take care of the problem for you right away.

Avoiding Future Termite Infestations

It is pertinent to keep termites out of your property. Try using the tips below to achieve this goal.

• Make sure your home doesn’t have any leaks. Check pipes, faucets, air conditioners, and gutters. If you find any leaks, deal with them.
• Take care of humidity issues quickly.
• Firewood must be properly stored. It should be 20 feet from your home. Always keep it elevated from the ground too.
• Switching to rubber mulch. Otherwise, wood mulch should be 15 inches away from the foundation of your home.
• Check your home for signs of termites regularly.
• Call our office and let us deal with your infestation.

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