“Termites date back more than 120 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. They are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage – costs that aren’t covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. This is why being vigilant about termite control and termite extermination is so important.
Swarmers looking to start a new colony are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring. To get rid of termites in the home, contact a termite management specialist to address the infestation and recommend a course of proper termite control,” reports Pestworld.
Since termites live underground and in the walls of your home, you might not be able to ever see the actual termites. “Termites rarely emerge from soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm or come across damage during construction”, says The US Environmental Protection Agency.
The three main termites that are in Tampa Bay are:
Subterranean Termites
These termites build their colonies in raw land and nest in the ground and form huge termites. They build closed tunnels between food and their nests. They need moist soil and darkness in order to survive. Subterranean termites are much more dangerous because they cause more significant damage than drywood termites. Their colonies can develop up to 1 million strong. Subterranean termites have a soft white body with no eyes. They are typically no longer than a centimeter.
Termites live in societies with a , They have a king and a queen and subordinates: soldiers, workers, alates. The royal couple is guarded by the soldiers who protect them.
Subterranean termites have a large society with a king and queen and subordinates (soldiers, workers and alates). The soldiers guard the royal couple. The queen is up to 10 centimeters in length and the king slightly exceeds her size. Her lifespan is about fifteen years. A few millions of termites appear during their reign.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live in dry wood out of the ground as they need very little moisture. Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. The subterranean species must nest in the soil or near a water source in order to survive.
They build their living arrangements in window frames, trim, wooden frames and other wooden elements. Look for them in attics too. They eat wood, leaving only the thin outer layer of healthy wood.
Drywood termites occur in small colonies in isolated wood pieces. Multiple colonies can infest a structure simultaneously. Late Spring and Summer months are the peak season for winged drywood termite swarming flights.
Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite with three distinct castes: alates (or reproductive), soldiers and workers. Often referred to as “super termites,” they are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science, chewing through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected.
Pestworld comments that “alates, or swarmers, are about 5/16 inch (14-15mm) in overall length, including their wings. Their bodies are pale yellow to brownish yellow in color. They have translucent wings that are densely covered with small hairs. Formosan termite soldiers have heads that are rounded on the sides and tapered toward the front, whereas indigenous subterranean termites have rectangular heads. Their mandibles lack teeth”.
If you see any signs of termites, contact your local pest control company immediately?
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
