How familiar are you with termites? Did you know that there are more than one species that live in West Palm Beach? It's true. Termites are all around us. The question is, will they invade your home? To help you keep these invasive pests out of your living areas and protect your property from the damage they cause, read this helpful guide.
What Are Drywood Termites?
A few different species of termites live in Lake Worth, one of which is the drywood termite. This invasive pest is creamy white to light brown and three-eighths to one inch long. As colonies of drywood termites mature, they create what are called swarmers. These winged reproductive members possess everything needed to start up satellite colonies nearby. The more nests there are on a property, the more damage these pests cause. Unlike subterranean termites, the most common species in our area, drywood termites, do not have workers. Instead, immature members of colonies gather food until they reach adulthood.
What Type Of Wood Do Drywood Termites Eat?
As their name suggests, drywood termites consume dry wood. You are most likely to find these pests around attic framing, around window and doors, and other sections of your home's structure that have not been affected by moisture, rot, or decay. It is not uncommon for drywood termites to infest furniture. In fact, many infestations begin with a homeowner bringing home couches, chairs, and tables that are secretly hiding termites.
How Destructive Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are not the most destructive species of termite; this does not mean, however, that they will not deal sufficient damage to your home and property if given a chance. Along with other species that live in the United States, drywood termites contribute to five billion dollars in property damage each year.
How To Identify Drywood Termites
Just because drywood termites invade deep into structural wood does not mean they are impossible to identify. If you want to know if your home is dealing with an active infestation of these pests, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Soft clicking coming from inside your home's walls, floors, and ceiling
- Frass (termite fecal droppings) around small holes in your walls and on the floor beneath them
- Hollow sounding wood
- Visible tunnels running through structural wood
- Discarded wings on window sills
- Termite swarmers
Often, termite damage presents itself around properties before these pests invade homes. Keep your eyes open for their signs outside your home to spot these pests before they think about coming indoors.
Four Quick Termite Prevention Tips
1.Store firewood, scrap wood, and untreated lumber at least 30 feet from your home's exterior.
2. Seal cracks and gaps in your home's exterior foundation using a caulk or some liquid cement.
3. Repair damage to your home's siding, weatherstripping, door sweeps, and window and door screens.
4. Invest in professional termite control services.
When To Call The Professionals
Termites invade and damage houses silently and invisibly. For this reason, it is vital that you invest in preemptive prevention to make sure these pests do not sneak past your radar. For the absolute best pest control in Lake Worth, hire the Above and Beyond Pest Control experts. Our team has the experience and equipment needed to effectively identify, eliminate, and prevent these invasive and destructive pests.
Give us a call today to have your Lake Worth home inspected for drywood termites or talk to one of our agents about our comprehensive pest control plans. We will walk you through your options and find a solution that fits your need.