Termites are a common and destructive pest that can cause extensive damage to homes and buildings. Among all termite species, subterranean termites are the most destructive. They create mud tubes or tunnels to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. These termites continuously consume wood, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood one piece at a time. They are found in every state in the U.S., except for Alaska, and pose a threat to homeowners across the country. It’s important to understand the different types of termites and their roles.
Worker termites are responsible for searching for food and distributing it to other castes. They create mud tunnels to protect the colony from dry environments and provide a safe passage to obtain food and sustenance.
Termite swarmers include the king and queen, as well as the winged alates. Their primary objectives are mating and creating new termites. Swarmers are usually dark brown or black, with some species being a lighter brownish color.
Termite soldiers’ main role is to protect their colonies from enemies, which are mostly ants. They have bulging jaws and big armored heads that are usually brown, red, orange, or yellow. In some species, soldiers possess snouts instead of jaws, releasing a repellent liquid at enemies. Interestingly, soldiers may be both male and female termites.
Termites are silent destroyers, and it’s crucial to take action as soon as you see signs of infestation. Here are some signs of termite infestation:
1. Mud tunneling around wood structures.
2. Darkening or blistering of wood structures.
3. Wood becoming extremely thin.
4. A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
5. Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
6. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces.
8. Discarded wings from swarmers.
If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s essential to seek help from professionals who can exterminate them as early as possible. Plank Termite and Pest Control offers state-of-the-art, environmentally responsible extermination methods to remove termites from your home and reduce the possibility of future infestations. They have been providing fast and effective services for over 23 years and are certified Sentricon specialists.
Sentricon is the number one bait station termite control that kills termites and eliminates the colony. The bait station is installed in the ground around the perimeter of your home. The bait inside has an active ingredient that prevents termites from molting, which they need to survive. When workers reach the baits, they eat the bait which scientifically has been proven that termites prefer bait over wood. They then head back to serve the deadly dose to their colony. The younger termites vanish first, followed by sequential generations until the colony is entirely gone. Sentricon consistently delivers a lethal dose back to the heart of the colony until the colony is entirely eliminated. That’s why Sentricon is the clear choice and the only termite protection your home will ever need.