Termites are notorious for their capacity to cause enormous damage to homes whilst keeping themselves truly undetected till massive harm to the structure has occurred. They are often known as "silent destroyers'' due to their stealthy nature. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of a termite infestation early lets you prevent pricey maintenance and avoid intense structural damage. Here are the top 10 signs and symptoms that you should keep eye on and prevent from termite trouble.

1. Discarded Wings

One of the most important signs and symptoms of a termite infestation is the presence of discarded wings. Termites shed their wings after swarming, commonly in the spring or summer time. Finding those wings around window sills, doors, or light furnishings can imply that a colony is nearby. If you suspect an infestation, contacting a termite exterminator can help affirm the presence of termites and initiate suitable movement.

2. Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and their food resources. These pencil-sized tubes are usually found on basis partitions, in crawl spaces, or alongside the outside of your property. The tubes provide a protected passage for termites to transport inside and outside without exposure to the outdoors.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Wood that sounds hollow while tapped may be compromised via termite harm. Termites feed on the interior of timber structures, leaving the outer layer intact whilst ingesting the wooden inner. This can result in a hollow or weak sound while you knock on wooden surfaces like beams, flooring, or fixtures.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Frass, also called termite droppings, is another indicator of termite presence. Drywood termites produce frass, which resembles small piles of sawdust or espresso grounds. This frass is normally located near wooden surfaces or in areas in which termites are active. If you notice these droppings, it’s essential to investigate further and contact a termite pest controlservice provider to determine the extent of the infestation.

5. Buckling or Bubbling Paint

Termites can cause paint to bubble or peel as they introduce moisture into the wood they are feeding on. The harm regularly manifests as warped or cracked paint on wood surfaces. If you find areas in which paint appears to be lifting or bubbling, it can be due to termite activity below the surface, and expert termite extermination may be needed.

6. Squeaky Floors

Squeaky flooring or gentle spots can be a signal of termite damage. Termites can compromise the structural integrity of wooden flooring via consuming away on the guide beams beneath. This harm often results in substantial squeaks or unusual softness inside the affected regions.

7. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

Warped wood from termite activity can cause doorways and home windows to match poorly. If you locate that doors or windows in your property have come to be more and more hard to open or close, it could be because of modifications within the wood due to termite feeding. This warping frequently occurs as the wooden swells or contracts in response to termite harm.

8. Head Banging

A less common but telling sign of termites is head banging. Termites, specifically soldier termites, might also bang their heads towards the wood or shake their bodies to communicate with different participants of the colony. This can create faint clicking or tapping sounds which are frequently heard in the partitions of your property.  If you hear these sounds, consider reaching out to termite exterminatorsto investigate further.

9. Visible Termites

Seeing termites themselves, especially winged ones, is a clean indication of an infestation. Winged termites, also called swarmers, are reproductive adults that go away from the colony to begin new ones.

10. Cracked or Distorted Wood

Cracked or distorted wood may be another sign of termite destruction. As termites eat wood, they can cause it to crack, warp, or end up deformed. If you find wood surfaces that appear to be compromised or displaying signs of damage, termites could be the cause.

Detecting termite activity early is vital in preventing large and highly-priced harm to your own home. If you note any of the above warning signs, it is essential to contact an expert termite pest control service to evaluate the situation and provide effective treatment alternatives. Contact Positive Pest Management if you suspect termites.

Though they are little, termites may have a huge effect if they are allowed to proliferate. These little, wood-eating insects may seriously compromise your property, requiring expensive repairs and raising major safety issues. A termite infestation left untreated can have long-term effects on your home's structural soundness, market value, and general safety. This article will go into the several consequences of putting off a termite issue and the need of acting right away.

1. Damage to Structure

Compromised Foundations

Termites can damage the very basis of your house because they mostly eat wood. They can eventually hollow out floor joists, support beams, and other vital structural components. Weakness like this might result in:

• Sagging Floors: The occupants may be at danger if floors start to sag or buckle as termites eat away at the timber supports.
• Wall Cracks: Your home's safety and appearance can both be compromised by wall cracks brought on by damage to the supporting components.

Damage That Is Permanent

The damage from a termite infestation is more extensive and irreparable the longer it is not handled. Serious structural problems can be avoided and large repair expenses can be saved with early identification and treatment.

2. The Financial Consequences

Heavy Repairs

The cost of repairs is one of the most obvious fallouts from ignoring a termite issue. A lot of the time, homeowner's insurance does not cover termite damage, therefore you are on your own. These costly and involved fixes might include:

• Replacing Structural Beams: Complete replacement of severely damaged beams can be an involved and expensive procedure.
• Restoration of Affected Areas: Walls, flooring, and sometimes roofing may need restoration in addition to structural repairs.

Reduced Commercial Value

Termite damage in the past can cause a property's market value to drop precipitously. Those who have previously had termite problems in their homes may be reluctant to acquire one because they worry about hidden damage or recurrent infestations. The reputation attached to termite damage can linger even after treatment, which makes it more difficult to sell your house for its full worth.

3. Risks to Health and Safety

Airways and Allergies

There are health consequences to termite infestations as well. For those with sensitive allergies or asthma, the dust and debris produced by termite activity might make symptoms worse. Further degrading indoor air quality are termites' ability to draw in other insects like rats and ants.

Structural Safety

A badly termite-damaged house is quite dangerous. Weakness of the structure can result in:

• Collapsing Structures: The residents of the house might be seriously at danger if portions of the house fall.
• Injury Hazards: The possibility of mishaps and injuries rises with sagging flooring, wobbly staircases, and other vulnerable places.

4. Increase of the Infestation

Quick Repro

Termites spread rapidly, so a little infestation can become a serious issue very quickly. Ignoring the problem lets the colony spread, and costs more to treat.

Expand to Connected Properties

Your neighbors might be at danger if termites spread to surrounding buildings. This strains bonds throughout the community and may result in legal ramifications should your carelessness cause harm to nearby homes.

5. Ecological Effects

Preventing and Recognizing Early On

The serious repercussions of ignoring a termite issue make prevention and early identification essential. Following are some actions you can do:

• Regular Inspections: Plan Annual Termite Inspections with a Qualified Pest Control Company to Spot Infection Early.
• Controlling Moisture: Humid conditions are ideal for termites. Make sure your house has enough drainage, seal up any leaks, and utilize dehumidifiers in crawl areas and basements.
• Clear Wood Debris: Keep firewood, timber, and other wood products well away from your house's foundation. These can draw termites as food sources.

Conclusion

Ignorance of a termite issue can have disastrous long-term effects on your home. Wide-ranging effects include everything from serious structural damage and expensive repairs to health hazards and a decline in property value. Proactively finding and treating termite infestations early on may save you a great deal of money, time, and frustration. Give termite problems quick and efficient attention to safeguard your house and your investment.

New York City consists of thousands of b buildings and in those buildings wooden furniture is obvious. And all these buildings are hidden dangers - this danger is generally known as the 'termites'. These troublesome insects have the potential to cause immense destruction to both residential homes and commercial spaces. Furthermore, this leads to substantial financial losses. Here in this blog, we will explore all aspects of termite infestations in NYC, ranging from how to spot early warning signs to putting in place effective prevention and control measures.

Understanding Termites

Termites are household names known as the insects that consume cellulose-based materials like wood and paper. In New York City, 'subterranean termites' type is commonly found. These insects typically reside in underground colonies.  Identifying termite infestations is essential in preventing significant harm to buildings. It is crucial to spot the signs of termite infestations early on for timely detection and intervention. Listed below are common signs to look out for at sites indicating a possible termite infestation:

• Mud tubes or tunnels along walls, foundations, or wooden structures.
• Swarming termites, particularly during the spring months.
• Hollow-sounding or damaged wood.
• Discarded termite wings near windowsills or light fixtures.
• The presence of termite droppings, known as frass, resembling sawdust or wood pellets.

Preventing Termite Infestations

Prevention is key to avoiding termite damage in NYC. Homeowners and property managers can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of infestation, including:

• Implementing proper drainage and moisture control.
• Removing wood-to-soil contact.
• Regularly inspecting buildings.
• Use termite-resistant materials.
• Seeking professional termite inspections and treatment as a preventative measure.

Choosing a Professional Pest Control Provider

In NYC, it is crucial to collaborate with a reliable control provider when dealing with termite issues. Seek out companies with substantial experience in managing termites, proper certifications, and a proven history of successful treatments. Additionally, make sure the chosen provider offers thorough inspection services, various treatment options, and continuous support to protect your property from termite infestations.

Thorough Inspections

The professional exterminators do thorough inspections of your property to determine the level of termite activity and detect potential entry points. This procedure includes; examining both the inside and outside of buildings, such as basements, crawl spaces, foundations, and wooden structures.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatment options offered by professional Manhattan pest control services which are tailored treatment approaches to cater to the individual requirements of each property. Furthermore, this includes;

• Using of liquid termiticides applied to the soil
• Termite baiting systems
• Fumigation treatments, or wood treatments.

Based on the seriousness of the infestation and the type of termites involved.

Preventative Measures

Apart from dealing with existing infestations, professional termite control services stress the significance of taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of future termite issues. This might include addressing moisture problems, sealing entry points, and using construction practices that deter termites.

Ongoing Monitoring

The elimination of providing treatment is not enough, that is why regular monitoring plays a pivotal role for effective termite control. This is particularly true in regions with high termite activity. Professional services provide continuous monitoring and upkeep to ensure that properties stay free of termites over time. This may involve yearly inspections and proactive treatments as necessary.

Education and Awareness

At least it is essential to learn about the termites and preventive measures for the homeowners and property managers like their behavior, prevention strategies, and early warning signs of infestation. By raising awareness and providing guidance on proactive measures. They empower clients to protect their properties from termite damage.

Termites threaten NYC properties, but with understanding, prevention, and professional services, homeowners safeguard investments. Positive Pest Management offers reliable termite inspections and safe, effective treatments. With proactive measures, NYC thrives as a termite-free metropolis. Contact us for comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to your needs.

A termite problem at home can lead to severe structural damage if left unchecked. These pests move quietly, making it difficult for homeowners to spot live termites around their homes. When you spot early signs of termite activity at home, make sure to get rid of them immediately before they start causing significant damage.

So what exactly should homeowners do when they spot termite damage in their homes? The first thing they should do is to confirm the presence of termite activity and find their nests. They can try to get rid of the termites using different control methods or they can call a professional exterminator to take care of the problem. After eliminating the termite infestation, it’s also crucial to replace or repair all the damaged wood on the property.

What You Should Do About the Termite Damage at Home

Like other common household pests, the appearance of termites shouldn’t be taken lightly. Every year, Americans spend a total of about $5 billion on termite control efforts and termite damage repair in their homes.

These destructive pests are difficult to eliminate without the help of a professional pest control service provider because of various reasons – they’re difficult to spot, they reproduce quickly, and they can rebuild their colony quickly even if just a few of them survive. So if there are termites or signs of an active infestation in your home, make sure to do the following things immediately:

Locate the Termite Nests

Finding the termite nests is the first step to effective termite treatment because a termite colony gives you all the needed information – if there are indeed termites on the property, what species of termites you’re dealing with, and how severe the infestation is.

To locate termite colonies, homeowners should be familiar with the appearance of different termite species and the signs of an active infestation.

Know What Termites Look Like

• Eastern Subterranean Termites – A worker subterranean termite measures around 1/4 inch with cream-colored bodies. They have small jaws that allow them to chew through a wood structure. Soldier termites have bigger mandibles to help defend their colony. Queen termites have bigger bodies, while reproductive termites have wings.
• Drywood Termites – Unlike subterranean termites, a dry wood termite doesn’t need soil contact to survive. They’re frequently found in dead wood and other wooden structures around the house. An adult dry wood termite measures around 1/4 to 1 inch long with creamy white to light brown body.
  
• Formosan Termites – This termite species is similar to other subterranean termite species in that it also needs soil and moisture to survive. To identify a Formosan termite, check for a 1/2 inch body that’s pale yellow to brownish-yellow in color, broad waists, and straight antennae.

Look Out for Signs of Termite Activity

• Mud tunnels connect the soil to the wood that termites consume. Each mud tube is usually as wide as a pencil. These termite tunnels are a common sign of subterranean termite infestation.
• A collection of frass near the opening of a wooden structure. It looks like sawdust, but it’s actually a combination of termite droppings, wood shavings, and remains of the dead insect.
• Hollow sounds when knocking on wood. Termites consume wood, but they usually leave the surface intact. A hollow sound is an indication that the wood is already weak and there are termites inside.
• Rustling noises inside the wood, especially at night. Termites work quietly, but it’s possible to hear them scurry around at night if you listen closely and press your ear to the affected wood structure.
• Evidence of swarming termites, like discarded wings or live winged termites. Termite swarmers typically around spring to mate. They quickly disappear after breeding, leaving piles of wings scattered around.

Get Rid of the Termites for Good

After locating the termite nest and knowing more about the pests, homeowners have 2 options: eliminate the problem by themselves or call a pest control expert to exterminate the termites for good. If you decide to eliminate the termites without the help of a professional, there are a few products you can use:

• Bait Stations – Bait stations contain bait with slow-acting but powerful termiticide. It works by luring the working termites and allowing them to bring the poisoned bait back to their colony. Bait stations kill multiple termites at once.
  
• Aerosol Sprays – This is a quick way to kill termites on-site if they’re feeding on the damaged wood around the property. Make sure to use the aerosol with caution because it may contain harsh chemicals that might harm pets and humans if mishandled. These sprays may also work on other small pests like carpenter ants.
  
• Termiticide Foams – Like aerosol sprays, termiticide foams are also directly applied on surfaces where termites appear. Spray them into tubes, cracks, and crevices that termites use as pathways back to their colony.

Call Professional Termite Exterminators

While some termites can be killed off using home remedies or store-bought pesticides, wiping out the entire colony and preventing these pests from coming back requires the help of a pest control company. 

Professional termite exterminators have the right training, experience, and equipment to eliminate termites on a property. They used professional-grade termiticides that aren’t commercially available to kill the termites quickly and prevent them from returning after a while. 

Replace All the Damaged Wood

There are 2 important reasons why it’s crucial to replace the infested wood on the property after a termite treatment: to preserve the structural integrity of the home and to ensure that any surviving termites are gone for good. 

Repairing vs. Replacing Damaged Wood

Replacing damaged wood can cost homeowners thousands of dollars after a severe termite infestation. To help cut costs, many of them wonder if it’s still possible to repair some of the wooden structures instead of replacing everything completely. While this might be an option for some people, it’s important to examine the extent of the damage first.

When considering repairing the aftermath of a termite attack, homeowners may remove and replace the damaged wood with new ones or chop off the damaged areas and add new wood to support the old wood. For superficial wood damage that doesn’t move deep into the structure, adhesives and wood sealants might be enough. However, make sure to thoroughly check the extent of the damage first and ensure that no termites managed to survive.

For moderate wood damage, there might be signs of water damage or rotting wood. The infested wood might appear discolored or crumbling, so make sure to correctly determine the extent of the damage. Clean the damaged wood and apply wood sealants and hardeners. If the damage is more extensive, adding extra wood helps support the damaged section of the wood.

When the termite damage goes beyond a few floorboards and wooden beams, it’s best to call a professional to assist with the repairs. Termite colonies can grow large enough to cause wood warpage, so some of the affected areas might collapse if not replaced immediately. 

Can You Get Rid of Termites With Home Remedies?

It’s natural for many homeowners to try eliminating termites with home remedies first when they notice the early signs of termite damage. Here are some of the most common natural termite repellents to use at home:

• Boric Acid – This low toxicity compound dehydrates termites and shuts down their nervous system, resulting in the slow death of multiple termites at once.
  
• Wet Cardboard – The cellulose in the cardboard attracts termites, but they can get caught in between the two pieces stacked on top of each other. Remember to burn the cardboard after trapping the termites instead of simply disposing of it.
  
• Diatomaceous Earth – This natural pesticide works by penetrating the exoskeleton of termites, dehydrating and killing them off slowly.
  
• Nematodes – These microscopic roundworms are natural predators of different household and stinging insects, including ants and termites. They burrow into the termite’s body to poison their blood and kill it within a few days.
  

For severe termite infestations, it’s better to combine these home remedies with more effective termite treatments to eliminate the pests. They’re also good termite prevention measures, but homeowners shouldn’t rely on these methods alone to protect their home. To ensure that the pests won’t return to your home, call a professional termite exterminator to take care of the problem immediately.

Take Back Your Home from Termites with Positive Pest Management

Positive Pest Management is a trusted pest control company that serves different households and businesses in New York City. You can call us for an accurate termite inspection and we’ll recommend a termite treatment plan for your property. We always ensure the safety of our clients by utilizing IPM-based methods to get rid of the termites safely, quickly, and effectively.

Call us today to get a free estimate.

Termites cause severe damage to your home as it feeds on wooden structures and sometimes builds nests in them. You can seek reliable termite control services to solve this, but it might come with a hefty price. However, it can save you from more expensive costs of repairs and termite treatment procedures for larger infestations. One of the most effective solutions is termite tenting, but property owners can’t help but wonder if neighboring structures will also be affected. 

So will neighboring homes be damaged after a termite tenting treatment? The quick answer is no – the chances of damage to neighboring homes when termite tenting treatment is being conducted are slim. Termite fumigation involves using harmful chemicals to exterminate termite colonies, but these insecticides are contained safely in a large tent. More than this, only pest control professionals can conduct this termite treatment with strict protocols. 

Should Neighboring Homes Worry About A Nearby Termite Tenting Treatment? 

Some neighboring homes of properties needing termite fumigation sometimes raise a few eyebrows about the treatment for fear that the termites might migrate to their homes or they will be harmed in any way from the potent chemicals used. Whether it's you or the property next door is the one about to have a tent fumigation treatment, you can rest assured that the termite extermination procedure wouldn't cause harm to nearby structures. 

The fumigation gas used for eliminating the termite colony in your home might be potent, but it will be contained in a sturdy tent. This way, there wouldn't be damage to neighboring homes when termite tenting treatment is in progress. 

The chemicals used are also potent enough to eliminate every termite activity, so they can no longer migrate to nearby structures, even the winged termites. Only pest management experts conduct this termite treatment with strict protocols, so you or your neighbors shouldn't worry. 

Why Neighboring Homes Worry About Your Termite Tenting Treatment 

While your fumigation tent treatment is less likely to cause harm to neighboring homes, their concerns about the procedure are still valid. Here are some of the reasons why nearby structures become worried about a property within their vicinity having a termite fumigation process: 

• harmful chemicals in the fumigation gas 
• fumigation gas being released into the atmosphere 
• insecticide from the fumigation process harming plants and animals 

Anyone considering a tent fumigation procedure as a solution to a termite problem must seek the services of a trusted pest control company. This allows your termite prevention and extermination treatment to be as safe as possible. 

Why Termite Tenting Treatment Is Safe for Neighboring Homes 

Structural fumigation treatment is effective not only for eliminating drywood termite colonies and other termite species but also for many hard-to-reach pests. This is because of the potent insecticides in the fumigation gas, which also worries surrounding areas. 

But neighboring homes can rest assured that they’re safe from a nearby fumigation tent treatment because only pest control professionals can conduct the procedure, and they run tests before removing the tent. They have strict protocols to follow to also ensure the safety of their team and their practice, on top of the regulations by the government. Termites also wouldn't be able to escape to surrounding areas once the fumigation process has started. 

1) Only Experts Can Conduct Termite Tenting Treatment 

Structural fumigation is a complicated procedure that can be dangerous if not done properly. That's why pest control professionals need to undergo extensive training and receive certification first before conducting the procedure. If they haven't fulfilled these, they won't be allowed to do the treatment. 

2) Experts Run Tests Before Removing the Tent 

Some property owners are also apprehensive about dangerous chemicals being released into the atmosphere. But pest control service providers are pretty much aware of the dangers of this procedure for exterminating termite colonies. Because of this, they run tests to ensure that the chemicals are low enough and safe before removing the tent. This is also when the property owners can enter the structure. 

3) Termite Tenting Is Governed By Strict Regulations 

Pest control service providers are governed by the regulations imposed by states when it comes to conducting tent fumigation treatments. This is because this termite control solution involves using harmful chemicals that can penetrate walls, floors, ceilings, and other hard-to-reach areas. 

4) Termites Won't Escape to Neighboring Homes 

Other pests swarm to different areas when their nests are being disturbed, which usually happens when property owners have implemented pest control procedures haphazardly. It might seem like pests are being eliminated, but the infestation only worsens because the pests escape to different areas and start new colonies. Surrounding areas of a structure conducting termite tenting are worried about this reaction. 

But since this termite control treatment involves using strong chemicals, termites wouldn't be able to escape to neighboring homes – even termite swarmers of a subterranean termite colony wouldn't stand the chance of migrating to a different structure. Your neighbor shouldn't worry about you having a structural fumigation procedure for your termite infestation. 

What to Do When Having A Termite Tenting Treatment

Property owners considering fumigation tent services must also be responsible for keeping the process as safe as possible, aside from their trusted pest control service providers. If you're considering termite tenting for your termite problem, the things you can do are:

• Address the termite infestation immediately - termite tenting might be effective, but it can be costly, and suitable for a large termite infestation. Before you ever reach the need to have fumigation tenting, you should be keen about the signs of termite activity. Seek regular termite services, like termite inspection and termite prevention.
• Invest in termite prevention - you'll never know when a termite colony becomes at home in your structure -- invest in termite prevention steps, like applying termiticide, spot treatment, and others. 
• Inform your neighbors about your termite tenting treatment - pest management companies may send out flyers or put up notices about a scheduled termite tenting treatment. Still, you should also inform your neighbors right away. 
• Seek a trusted pest control company - since it's a complicated treatment, you should seek a trusted pest control company for termite services.

Termite tenting might be safe, but you also need to have some considerations to ensure the security and peace of mind of your neighborhood. Invest in the right termite services that will keep your structure and community protected from different types of termites. 

Get A Free Estimate for Termite Tenting Treatment at Positive Pest Management

Damage to neighboring homes when termite tenting treatment is in progress can be pretty rare, so surrounding areas should have nothing to worry about. Highly-trained and certified pest control experts perform these types of termite services. Seek a reliable pest management expert for your termite tenting treatment and other termite services. 

Positive Pest Management is one of the trusted pest control experts in New York due to our dedication and experience in keeping homes and establishments termite-free. We also offer other pest control solutions, like bed bug extermination, cockroach control, rodent control, and other pest problems. You can learn more about our services by getting a free estimate or leaving us a call.

Termites are extremely destructive pests that homeowners hope they never find on their property. These cold-blooded insects find it hard to survive outside where temperatures frequently fluctuate and reach extremes. Because of this, many homeowners leave their wooden furniture outside in hopes that sun damage kills off termites infesting it.

So what does sun damage mean when it comes to pest control techniques for termites? Direct exposure to sunlight is a good way to kill off some of the termites. The heat from the sun dries out the moisture in their shelter tubes, causing the pests to dehydrate and die after a short while. However, sunlight treatment alone might not be enough to eliminate an entire termite colony so it’s best to combine it with other termite treatment options.

Is Sunlight Effective in Killing Termites?

Termite infestation is a serious household problem experienced by about 600,000 American homes every year. These pests cause significant damage to the wooden structure of the home and threaten its overall stability so it’s crucial for homeowners to find ways to get rid of them immediately.

Before calling a pest control company, many homeowners attempt DIY termite control methods first to contain the termite problem at home. One of the most common at-home termite treatments they try is leaving the pieces of furniture, logs, and other infested items under the sun.

Although direct sunlight helps kill some of the worker termites by dehydrating them, it might not be the best option in some situations. To find out if this natural treatment works for your termite problem, it helps to understand how it works first, what are the challenges that come with it, and how to utilize sunlight treatment best.

How Sun Treatment Works for Different Termite Species

Termites thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, so it’s not surprising that most of them can’t survive direct sunlight. If their termite colonies are destroyed or opened, termite workers and other termites start burrowing further into the wood or soil to find darkness. 

Termites also need moisture to survive, so most of them immediately die after their nests are exposed to the sun. In some situations, the accumulated moisture of the nest might keep the termites alive even in dry containers. However, it only takes a short time for this moisture to run out.

Subterranean termites have a unique system that allows them to detect even the slightest changes in surface temperature even if their nests are found deep underground. It allows them to sense structures and vegetation so they may create mud tubes in places with enough shade and avoid direct sun exposure. This system is also used by other termite species that prefer nesting underground, like the Formosan termite and eastern subterranean termite.

On the other hand, drywood and dampwood termites prefer burrowing further into the damaged wood to avoid direct sunlight. These dampwood and drywood termites don’t attack the surface of the wood, making it difficult for homeowners to notice them and kill them with sunlight treatment.

Why Sunlight Alone Might Not Be Effective

Although sun damage might seem like a good idea to eliminate termites on the property, it’s not a practical solution in most cases. Pieces of furniture and other infested items can be placed outside under the sun, but it’s difficult to separate infested beams and other wooden structures from the rest of your home and leave them outside.

Another situation where sunlight might not be effective is when the termites are found in areas that the sun can’t easily reach — like the basement or crawl space. Renting or buying UV lamps may have the same effect on the subterranean and dry wood termites, but it’s better to call pest control companies for total eradication instead.

What Temperature is Needed to Kill Termites

Most termite species prefer living in environments that are around 75°F and 95°F. They die within a couple of minutes if they’re exposed to temperatures above 100°F or below 25°F. Subterranean termites use thermal shadows to detect the temperature of their environment, allowing them to seek out the right temperature range for them.

Termites like warmer temperatures, but they won’t die unless their environment drops below 25°F. They survive cold winters by burrowing further into the ground where there’s enough moisture and warmth. Around this time, termites might seem like they’re gone even though the termite activity is just slower than normal. It’s best to stay vigilant during temperature changes because these pests might still be around.    

Termite Swarmers and Their Attraction to Light

A worker termite needs moisture to survive so they usually stay out of sight, but a reproductive termite is quite the opposite since they’re typically found above ground. Winged termites are attracted to light because it helps them move around when mating.

Swarming termites use sunlight as a signal to leave their colony and breed, so homeowners might find a termite swarm near their home around dawn. To avoid attracting termite swarms to your property, make sure to close the exterior lights before the sun rises. It’s also crucial to close and seal window panes to prevent a flying termite from entering your home.

If there are discarded wings, frass, and other signs of termite activity on the property, make sure to hire a pest control company immediately for a termite inspection. Early detection of termites is the key to preventing termite infestation and severe structural damage to your home. 

Other Natural Ways to Eliminate Termites

If the sun treatment doesn’t work for the termite problem at home, there are other ways to get rid of the pests without putting the family at risk of health hazards caused by toxic chemicals. Here are some of the best ways to eliminate termites naturally:

1. Fix All Moisture Problems

Termites need moisture to survive – whether they’re nesting underground or in the wooden structures of a building. Water damage also softens the wood nearby, making it easier for termites to chew through the material. Taking care of the moisture problems around the property means these pests have one less reason to move into and infest your home.

Keep all downspouts and gutters clean since the moisture and leaves there attract termites. The clogged gutters may also cause moisture problems that soak the fascia boards and wood in the roof. Repair all water pipes, leaking faucets, and air conditioning units. Make sure that there are no entry points around these pipes and utility lines to keep termites out.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Termites are one of the few pests that attack wood. Unlike carpenter ants that only seek wood to build satellite nests, termites actually eat the wood and other cellulosic materials they find. Eliminate the primary food source of these termites by making sure that wooden structures and wood piles around the property don’t have direct contact with the soil. 

Homeowners should also consider using chemical-treated wood when replacing the damaged wood in their homes. Inspect the yard for wood debris and tree stumps then remove them immediately. Always check the wooden fences and decks of the house to see if there are signs of termite damage.

3. Try Using Natural Repellents

Natural repellents are the best alternative option for homeowners who want to get rid of termites without spraying chemicals and commercial pesticides in their homes. However, it’s important to remember that these home remedies might not work for larger termite infestations. In such cases, it’s best to rely on a termite control company to get the job done safely and effectively.

• Nematodes – These parasitic worms are natural predators of termites. They’re a great way to kill the pests without harming bigger pets, the environment, and your family. Nematodes also help control several other common household pests. Just make sure to follow the application instructions that come with the nematodes you ordered.
  
• Borates – Boric acid and Borax kill termites naturally by interfering with their digestive system. Just sprinkle the powder directly into the termite nest or dilute it with water to make a solution. Spray the boric acid and water mixture to affected areas and repeat the application every few days.
  
• Orange Oil – The effectiveness of orange oil is still up for debate, but some studies suggest that it can kill several termites in a colony upon application. It’s a good addition to a termite prevention strategy, but other treatments are still needed to get rid of the pests for good.
  
• Diatomaceous Earth – This common pesticide is made of crushed, fossilized algae that cut through the exoskeleton of common insects like ants and termites. When their outer shells are cut, these pests slowly dehydrate and die. Sprinkle some of the powdered diatomaceous earth near the pathway of termites and wait for them to pass through it.
  
• Vinegar – The acetic acid found in vinegar messes with the termite’s digestive system, causing them to die slowly. It also softens their exoskeletons, making vinegar a good option for eliminating termites naturally. However, homeowners should be aware that vinegar might further weaken the wood structure and the smell usually lingers.

3 Termite Treatments That Are More Effective Than Sun Damage

Sunlight treatment alone isn’t enough to eliminate the termites for good. Larger infestations require the help of an experienced pest control company that specializes in termite extermination to remove the pests on the property for good.

Here are some of the most common termite control methods by professionals that are more effective than sunlight treatments:

1. Termite Traps and Bait Systems

Setting up bait systems is the most preferred treatment option for many homeowners because it doesn’t necessarily involve leaving their homes or digging up soil around their properties. It only involves placing bait stations in different parts of the house where termites might be nesting.

Bait stations use low doses of slow-acting termiticides. When the pests find the bait station, they unknowingly bring the poison back to their colony. This allows the other termites to feed on the bait and die after a few days. As a result, termite bait systems can wipe out entire colonies and eliminate the problem at the source.

2. Fumigation

Fumigation is one of the most intensive ways to get rid of termites. It involves closing the infested area and exposing the termites there to sulfuryl fluoride gas. The entire fumigation process takes around 3 days, so homeowners and their families need to stay somewhere else during that time.

The entire house is enclosed and sealed first before the gas is dispersed inside. Exterminators let the gas sit there for about 24 hours, depending on the severity of the termite infestation. After the treatment, the house is aerated and monitored until none of the gas lingers. 

Fumigation ensures that existing termite colonies are gone, but it doesn’t protect the house from re-infestations. To defend your home from future termite attacks, other preventative measures should still be in place. 

3. Soil and Barrier Treatments

These treatments are some of the most common techniques when handling termite infestations. A soil treatment involves applying liquid termiticide to the soil around the building, creating a barrier that protects the house from subterranean termites that attempt to tunnel through.

On the other hand, barrier treatments can be chemical or physical. They’re meant to protect the interior of the home from termites, so it may involve injecting foam termiticides into floors and walls or covering all possible entry points around the house. Another method of barrier treatment is installing thin metals around the wooden structures of the house.

Prevent Termite Damage at Home with Positive Pest Management

Termite treatments are most effective when they’re tailored to what your home needs. At Positive Pest Management, we help homeowners get rid of their termite problem using a wide variety of pest control options. 

We have the right training, knowledge, and experience in exterminating different household pests, so you can trust us to eliminate the termites in your home and prevent them from coming back. Call us today to know more about our services or book a termite inspection for your home. 

A regular termite inspection is crucial to keep the pests out, especially for properties that were already infested before. Having a termite bond for the property ensures that pests won’t return and attack the premises. However, some homeowners think it’s a waste of money and let their termite warranty expire – leaving their home vulnerable to pests more than ever.

So what should homeowners do when they find termite damage on the property after the termite contract expires? A termite infestation lowers the value of a property, so it’s important to call a pest control company immediately to get rid of the pests. Failure to disclose the history of property damage caused by termites to the real estate agent or buyer might lead to lawsuits or other punitive damages.

Property Damage and Expired Termite Contract: What Should You Do?

Termite problem is a common household concern that affects about 600,000 homes in the country every year. These wood destroying insects can incur thousands of dollars in termite control and repair efforts, so it’s important to exterminate them immediately or prevent them from entering your home in the first place.

For homeowners, one of the best ways to minimize the risk of a termite attack is to sign a termite bond with a pest control company that specializes in termite inspection, treatment, and damage repair.

But in some unfortunate cases, termite property damage only shows after the previous termite protection contract has expired. The best thing homeowners can do is contact a reliable termite company immediately to get rid of the pests.

If you just moved into the property and the history of termite attack wasn’t disclosed to you, then there’s the option of filing a lawsuit – forcing the seller to shoulder the costs of termite treatment for the house.

What You Need to Know About Termite Contracts

A termite bond is an agreement between a homeowner and a termite company that serves as an insurance policy for the house. Each termite bond has different terms, but most of them state that the pest control company should reimburse the homeowner for all the costs of repairs for the termite damage, treatment, and retreatment. Termite bonds are typically effective after the termite inspection and treatment are performed.

Termite control treatments for recurring termite infestations are free for as long as it’s stated in the termite bond. Periodic inspections and damage compensations are also included in many termite warranties offered by professional termite exterminators.

Termite contracts are often confused with a termite letter, which is simply a written notice or statement that tells buyers that their new home is free of termites upon the time of inspection.

Why Are Termite Contracts Important?

One of the most important things to ask the pest control company is if their termite bond is transferable. These bonds aren’t required by many states, but having a transferable termite bond gives the buyer peace of mind that their home is termite-free for a long time.

If a home inspector finds an active termite infestation or a high likelihood of termite activity, then the buyer may demand that the seller take out a termite bond first before purchasing the house. Some lenders might also require an at-risk home to get a termite warranty first before they approve a mortgage.

Who Offers Termite Bonds?

Termite bonds are issued by certified pest control companies after the termite inspection and treatment. Some home inspectors may work with trusted termite control companies to help homeowners and homebuyers find a service provider quickly.

When Should You Get Termite Contracts?

Pest control companies offer termite bonds upon initial inspection, regardless if you’re selling, buying, or remodeling the property. Termite inspections might only be required for areas with a history of termite infestations or if the property has displayed signs of termite activity. However, sellers are still obligated to disclose if the property has suffered termite damage and other pest infestations before.

It’s recommended for homeowners to get a termite bond immediately even before they see wood destroying organisms in their homes. The late discovery of the termite colony only hinders transactions if you’re planning to sell the house. If you’re also worried about the recurrence of termites, then a termite bond can give you protection and peace of mind.

How Soon Can Termite Damage Show?

Termites are extremely quiet when they attack, so most of the termite damage only becomes obvious when it’s already severe. Depending on the size of the termite colony, these pests can take about 3 to 8 years to show significant structural damage. To prevent this from happening, homeowners must watch out for early signs of termite damage.

Signs of Termite Damage and Infestation to Watch Out for

• Mud tunnels created by subterranean termites that serve as pathways from the soil to the wood they consume
• Hollow sounds on the wooden structures left by the termites as they eat and tunnel through the wood
• Rustling noises inside floors and walls at night as the pests scurry around
• Discolored, warped, or blistered wood in the walls, floors, and crawl spaces of the house
• Piles of shed wings near the opening of damaged wood hours after seeing a swarm of termites nearby
• A collection of frass near wooden structures, appearing as coarse sawdust but it’s actually a combination of termite feces, wood shavings, and some dead termites

Repairing Termite Damage in Your Property Without Termite Contract

Termite bonds can help save homeowners thousands of dollars that are otherwise spent on termite control efforts and extensive damage repair bills. But if you find termite damage at home right after the termite contract expired, you can still repair the damages in different ways:

1) Replace All Damaged Wood

Repairing or replacing the infested wood on the property is crucial. The damaged wood left alone weakens the structural integrity of the building. It’s also a way to ensure that the termites are gone for good – if they manage to survive the extermination treatments.

Replacing all damaged wood can be quite expensive, so homeowners have the choice to repair the old ones to cut some costs. However, it’s important to examine the extent of the damage first to see if wood adhesives and sealants are enough to take care of the problem. In some cases, the damaged portion of the wood should be removed first before a supporting wood is installed.

After repairing or replacing all the wood around the property, homeowners should also address the water leak or moisture problem at home. If left unattended, these moisture problems can destroy or soften the wood, attracting more termites to the property.

2) Use Natural Termite Repellents

Instead of using a store-bought termiticide that contains toxic chemicals, many homeowners prefer natural repellents to get rid of the termites at home. While some of them work to kill or keep out the wood destroying insects, these home remedies are better used for small infestations instead of large ones. Here are some of the most common natural termite repellents found at home:

• Nematodes – These parasitic worms are natural predators of termites and other common household pests. They enter the bodies of termites and poison their blood.
  
• Boric Acid – This compound messes the digestive and nervous systems, resulting in the slow death of multiple termites in the colony. Boric acid is usually added to sugar or honey to create a bait station and lure termites out.
  
• Orange Oil – This essential oil contains d-limonene, a compound that kills termites by dissolving their exoskeleton. This causes the pests to lose most of their moisture and proteins until they slowly die.
  
• Sunlight – Termites die within a few minutes of exposure to direct heat and sunlight. This treatment works best for furniture pieces that are infested with termites.
  

3) Call a Termite Extermination Professional

If the termite infestation doesn’t go away even after trying different home remedies, then you might be dealing with a larger infestation that involves at least one parent colony and multiple satellite colonies. Calling a professional termite exterminator is the best way to get rid of the termites for good because they have the right training, experience, and equipment to handle the termite problem.

Termite control companies may use the same termite treatments that homeowners tried before, but they typically use professional-grade chemicals and termiticides that aren’t commercially available. After the termite treatment, they may offer termite bonds and regular inspections to keep the property termite-free.

How to Keep Termites at Bay When Your Termite Contract Just Expired

When the termite bond expires, homeowners should renew the agreement immediately to protect their homes from property damage. Meanwhile, some preventative measures can keep the house termite-free for some time like:

• Use chemical-treated wood when constructing or remodeling the house.
• Remove all untreated wood products from the house and make sure to avoid wood-to-ground contact when storing them
• Fix all the holes in the foundation, as well as the water leaks and other sources of moisture problems.
• Keep the gutters clear of dead leaves and water buildup as much as possible.
• Make sure that the attic, crawl space, or basement is dry and well-ventilated at all times.
• Avoid storing mulch and other vegetation near the foundation of the building.
• Talk to a pest control company about refilling the termiticide of the previously treated soil around the house.

But even with these termite prevention measures in place, termite attacks are still difficult to stop. If you notice early signs of termite activity at home, make sure to contact a pest control company immediately to know more about the situation.

Depending on the extent of damage, they may use different treatments like termite bait stations, liquid termite treatments, or soil and barrier treatments to keep the pests out of the property. Most of these companies also offer termite damage repair services to their clients.

Termite Treatments and Maintenance By Positive Pest Management

At Positive Pest Management, we understand how termite infestations can be a huge problem for people selling their homes or for those who just bought a new one. We offer pre-construction and post-constructions termite treatments for our residential and commercial clients. We also provide regular inspections of the treated properties to ensure that the pests won’t return there anytime soon. 

With several years of experience serving different homes and businesses in New York City, we have the expertise and equipment needed to eliminate the toughest termite problems. Call us today to know more about our services or to get a free quote.

If you've ever had a termite infestation, you know how damaging termites can be and how tough they are to get rid of.  Whether it’s a subterranean termite colony, drywood termites, or any other type of termite, they can all cause some sort of structural damage. If you suspect that your walls are infested with termites, there are a few telltale indications to check for before deciding on a treatment option.

But what's the extent to which termites can damage your walls? Some clear indicators of active termites and wall infestation include a hollow sound within your walls, mud tubes by the base of your wall, wood debris, paint damage that typically looks like water damage, and much more. 

Common Signs of Termite Damage In Your Walls

1) Mud Piles

Homeowners can usually spot a "mud pile" or "muddy area" under a television cabinet or other piece of furniture. Termites will create a sub-nest when they discover a good supply of food and a constant food source in your home. 

Termites create a sub-nest in your home to serve as a midway house between their main nest and your home. Thousands of termites, as well as dirt and moisture, may be found in these sub nests.

The moisture begins to leak through the plaster once the mud pile reaches a particular size behind a wall. If you have a piece of furniture against the wall, the mud will adhere to it and form a mudpack. A mud pile can go undiscovered long enough to form a one-meter-high and-wide mud structure within your walls.

Most homeowners notice mud damage and spots on their walls before it reaches this point. Homeowners should, however, do routine checks beneath cabinets, mattresses, and other pieces of furniture. The sooner any possible problems are identified, the better. 

2) Plasterboard Discoloration 

On portions of the plasterboard, discoloration shows as a brownish, moist stain. Be sure to have a thorough look at the afflicted region to determine if termites are present. If termites are present, a broad area the size of a football will be covered in hundreds of small brown spots or imperfections on your wall. As the muck seeps through the plasterboard, a discoloration develops, indicating potential termite wall damage.

3) Bubbling or Chipping Paint

Skirting boards, door frames, and window frames are some of the first sites where homeowners detect termites. The wood used in these areas is usually softer than that used in structural beams and frameworks, and it is frequently these areas that exhibit the earliest symptoms of a possible presence of termites.

When people vacuum, they frequently hit the skirting boards or door frames with the vacuum cleaner, causing the wood to give way. This is because termites had entirely eaten through the wooden structures, leaving just a thin coating of paint. The structure is essentially a paint-filled empty area where you are guaranteed to find signs of termite activity.

Another indicator is if opening and shutting windows becomes difficult, or if doors become stuck. As the wood rots, it bends, warps, and sags, resulting in abnormalities when closing or opening these entryways, the feces that termites release while they chew the wood is also another factor that causes wood bending.  

4) Ticking Sounds Within Walls

Termites are extremely busy, and some species of termites are even hostile. This usually means they'll create a lot of noise inside the walls that they choose to infest, which has a really distinct tone to it. It’s often described as small crackling or cricketing. 

Many homeowners claim to hear this noise coming from the walls at night, but this is merely due to the fact that the rest of the house is quieter at this time. Termite activity is most likely what you're hearing if you're resting in bed and notice slight ticking sounds coming from the walls.

If you suspect termites in your walls, it's advisable to call pest control professionals since they employ modern tools, equipment, and technology to scan for dampness, movement, and activity. A pest control operator can detect the presence of termites long before mud stains appear on your plaster, which can save you money in the long run. 

5) Thin Lines Along The Walls

Termites prefer to dig through walls and spend most of their time there. They do, however, occasionally migrate just beneath the surface of your drywall or plaster to get from one location to another.

If you detect blistering paint on your drywall, termites may be lurking just beneath the surface. However, because termites cannot tunnel into fiberglass drywall, such as fireproof drywall, or other comparable products, this may not be a symptom of termite infestation if your walls are made of these materials. 

6) Tiny Holes in the Walls

If you notice small holes along the surface of your walls, this is one of the more visible signs that termites are present, which can also be referred to as swarmer exit holes. Termites are likely dwelling inside the inside of the wall at that spot if you find little round or oblong pinholes on its surface. If you detect similar pinholes in close-by wood structures, your walls are more likely to be infected with termites as well. 

7) Swarmer Termites Flying Near the Walls

If swarmer termites are flying about in your house by the walls or you spot broken off wings on the floor near walls or on window sills, this is another sign that termites are in your walls. Swarmers are termites' winged reproductive forms that swarm around hunting for new areas to infest. It's possible that your walls are already infested with termites if you see a significant number of them buzzing close to your walls and windows. 

8) Doors or Windows Don’t Close Smoothly

If you find that your doors or windows aren't closing as smoothly as they used to, it might be an indicator of termites. Termites nibble at the wooden components of your walls, weakening and loosening them over time, making it more difficult, or sometimes much easier, to open and close doors and windows.

Keep in mind that wooden components may contract and expand as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, so if your doors or windows are stuck in the fall or winter, it's not always a sign of termites. Before you speculate that you're dealing with termites, look for additional signs or get a termite examination from a reputable pest management company. 

9) Carpenter Ants Surrounding the Walls

Termites attract ants because they feed on their excrement, and they are also preyed upon by ants. If you notice ants along your walls, this might indicate that termites are close. However, carpenter ants may occasionally establish nests inside walls or other wooden buildings, and they can appear quite similar to termites. So if you see more ants than termites along your walls, it's likely that you're dealing with ants rather than termites. 

10) Termite Dust on Wall Base

If you notice heaps of microscopic, non-sticky powder dust on the floor around the base of your walls, you may have termites dwelling in your walls. It's probable that termites are digging into and through your wood materials and then excreting their waste or "frass" out of the walls forming this mound of dry, crumbly powder dust that emerges at the base of your walls.

Finding frass in a certain segment of your wall can indicate where they're dwelling within your wall, and the further this frass is visible from the surface of the wall, the deeper they are likely to be residing within the wall. Termites also build shelter tubes out of a mixture of feces and mud, and use these oblong tubes as a refuge and to create a passage to and from their food supply, acting as a clear indicator of a termite problem. 

11) Mud Tubes by the Wall Baseboards

A termite infestation will most likely lead to observable mud tubes. If you see mud tubes along your baseboards or between your home and the ground outside, it could be a sign that termites are on your walls.

Termites create these tubes as a way to travel from their nests up into your walls and other parts of your home undetected so that they can avoid predators and remain safe while they feed on the wooden structure of your home. If you see mud tubes extending to the interior of your house, it’s likely that termites are already infesting the wood materials inside your home. 

12) Baseboard Wall Cracks

Subterranean termites can crawl up from the bottom of the walls and into the structures within them. Termites can enter walls through the baseboards, causing cracks, making even a light touch to the baseboard a reason for it to shatter. Baseboards used by termites to enter walls will emit a hollow sound. Termites can then spread all over the floor from the baseboards. Hardwood floors that have been damaged by termites will also bow when walked over.  

Signs of Termite Damage on Your Walls By Termite Species

Subterranean Termite Wall Damage

A subterranean termite is a termite species that lives underground in moist, loose soil. Interior damage may not be seen until the infestation has progressed to the point of a full-blown infestation. Buckling wood, bloated floors and ceilings, regions that appear to be suffering from minor water damage, and apparent mazes within walls or furniture are all symptoms of termite damage.

Termite infestations can often have mildew or mold-like odor. Subterranean termites use mud tunnels made of saliva, mud, and dung to reach above-ground food sources. These tunnels are seen near afflicted homes' foundations. 

Drywood Termite Wall Damage

Drywood termites create colonies within the wooden buildings they feed on. They can be found on the inside of walls and furniture. Drywood termite infections may not be noticeable until the veneer cracks and the maze-like tunnels underneath become visible after the colony has burrowed so deeply into an afflicted region that the veneer cracks and the maze-like tunnels beneath become visible.

This type of deterioration is prevalent in antique furniture, but if this happens on new furniture, your home's floors, or walls, call a pest control specialist to discuss the severity of your infestation and treatment choices right away, as this is most likely a sign of a termite issue within your walls. 

Repairing Termite Damage

There are various options for repairing termite damage. The first step is to replace the damaged boards with fresh, termite-resistant wood. The second, more cost-effective approach is to use supporting boards to reinforce damaged wood.  

1) Self Home Repairs

You might be able to handle the termite damage repairs yourself if you have substantial restoration expertise and decent carpentry skill. Damaged wood should be repaired after all termites have been eradicated and the possibility of future infestation has been eliminated.  

2) Employing Professionals

If you're worried about your capacity to do the repairs, hiring a professional termite repair specialist who can assess and offer the best repair choices for your circumstance may be the best alternative. Some pest control companies also offer repair services for damaged walls. 

Termite Damage Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. Every minute your home is infested with termites is another minute of disastrous chewing of your house's structures.

Here are some useful tips for protecting your property against these pesky and destructive insects:

• Maintain proper moisture and ventilation management.
• Create a barrier between your yard and your home's foundations and entry points.
• Place termite baits near entrance points or infested areas.
• Put nematodes in your yard.
• Use boric acid or diatomaceous earth around your foundation.
• Keep firewood and plants away from buildings.
• Spray termiticidal repellents on undamaged wood.
• Scheduled termite inspections by a licensed termite specialist on a regular basis. 

Positive Pest Management: Your Best Bet Against Termites

If you’ve spotted any telltale signs like termite tubes or an odd piece of wood around your house, don’t hesitate to seek help. Before you can be a target of a devastating termite attack, we at Positive Pest Management can ensure that the structural integrity of your home is safe from this destructive pest. 

Our pest control company guarantees spotless termite inspection so that your space is protected, and that infestations are kept at bay so you and your loved ones are kept safe and healthy. 

Call us now at 1-800-294-3130.

The key to avoiding infestations is to spot the termites before they destroy wooden posts, walls, and ceilings. But if routine maintenance and checks don’t cut it when it comes to preventing damage to our spaces, we turn to termite treatments and hope they succeed. But the moment they do, some may wonder how soon they should do any damage repair after. 

So how long should you wait until doing any damage repair? You can begin repairing the damage to your space a few days after the treatment seeps through your home. The sooner it’s done, the more likely you could still preserve the integrity of the structure of your space, especially the parts that have been damaged by termites. It’s best to tap the professionals from reliable firms to have your damages repaired. 

How Soon Should Repairs Be Done After Termite Treatment?

It’s best to hire professionals to treat your house and manage the damages at the soonest possible time. This is because the scope of the infestation isn’t obvious to the naked eye at first, and you may miss out on key structures in the house that have already been damaged.

Likewise, if you’re moving into a new home and you find signs of termite damage, take time to work with a reputable team of termite experts to remove the pests from your home. Otherwise, you may find that the termites don’t fully go away without proper treatment. Self-treating the termite infestation may not work for larger rooms and houses. 

The most important thing to do is to ensure that no termites are lingering in the house. Minor infestations may only affect the most visible areas of the house, but larger-scale infestations can affect even attics and basements. Planting bait stations may help you find the areas with the most termites. Insecticides can help buy some time to prevent more damage from the termites. 

Once a professional team has arrived, they will use an odorless gas to exterminate the termites from your home. Depending on the size, treatment may take anywhere from a day up to a week. If you want to prevent larger-scale damage to your home, make sure to contact a professional right away.

Urgent Signs of Termite Damage

Most homeowners will only realize the extent of the damage to their homes when it is too late. The most pressing signs involve deteriorated ceilings, walls, and weaker structural integrity. However, there are a few signs that will show you the presence of termites, just in time before the infestation becomes too prevalent. These signs may indicate that you need to contact a team to come up with a plan for termite treatment and home restoration. 

1) Deformed Ceilings and Walls

Termites work by creating small tunnels and pinholes in their target areas. Most of the time, the parts of the house with the most prevalent damage are ceilings and walls. Houses that use plywood and other lighter materials are common victims of termites. 

The most common way to test for damage to your ceilings or walls is by knocking on them. If you hear a hollow sound, your ceiling or wall could be deformed from within. The deformities may happen even without obvious defects in the paint job of the ceiling or wall. It helps to conduct routine checks in these structures to look for termites.

Outside your house, you may also notice some ceilings that seem to be peeling from the surface. This is another sign that termites have infested your home. Wallpapers may also easily come off, indicating that the underlying wood is already damaged. 

2) Mud Tunnels

Mud tunnels are another concern for home properties with termites. These are the most visible signs of a termite infestation since they look like piles of soil attached to the ceilings and walls. These tubes start outside the home and into the interiors of your home, damaging the appearance of the ceilings, walls, and doors. 

The mud tunnels act as the termites’ protection from the air. Destroying the mud tubes exposes the termites to dry temperatures, which can kill them easily. The tunnels also act as their transportation for food items. However, it’s still most important to remove the termites from the area with the help of a proper extermination crew. 

Some mud tunnels may remain in the house for years, even if the termites have left. One way to check for an active infestation is to break off a small part of the mud tunnel. You may peek within the tunnel to check if there are any termites. You may not find any at first, so it helps to come back later to check if the break has been repaired. A repaired tunnel means that termites are still active in the area. 

3) Visible Termite Swarms

Visible termite swarms are a huge threat to the house and indicate that they have already infested large rooms. The termite swarms contain the insects responsible for reproduction and maintaining the colony. Termite swarm workers have large wings. You may also find their remains just outside the mud tunnels. 

To test for active infestations, you may add a lightbulb near suspected areas. Swarmers are attracted to bright light sources, so this is one way to find the most actively infested sites in your home. They will simply approach the light source. Swarmers don’t live very long and you may also find discarded wings along with your windows and doorways. 

Swarms look similar to flying ants, although they have straighter skeletons and wings.

Common Methods of Wood Repair After Termite Damage

Although it can be tempting to repair the damaged wood by yourself, a professional can easily fix these areas faster and more reliably. Self-repair is only advisable for smaller areas, as larger rooms may need a mixture of different wood types to create a long-lasting structure. Repairs that involve posts and ceilings are also more complicated, so it helps to contact a reliable repairman for the job. 

1) Wood Replacement

One of the most common ways to repair wood is to replace the damaged materials altogether. Most of the time, the hollowed-out wood is too far gone to be used again. These may also attract more termites since the spaces may act as a possible housing platform for new swarms. Make sure to work well with the repairmen in choosing the material, as it might alter the appearance of your home.

2) Wood Support

Sometimes, parts of the wood can still be salvaged to create new structures. The spaces may be filled with wood hardeners and other materials. To ensure the success of the wood support, you have to wait for it to dry out. Once the material seems to have dried, it helps to check the structural integrity of the platform by pushing and moving it to check its stability.

You can use sandpaper to match the surface of the wood with the initial shape and appearance. This method only works if the wood has retained enough of its composition. Severely hollowed-out wood is best discarded to avoid a return of the termites.

For wood that has larger grooves, a wood filler is more suitable than a hardener. When applying the fillers, make sure you follow the instructions to prevent air bubbles from appearing. Use a knife to even out the wood and ensure that the wood looks its best.

Termite Treatment for Prevention

Prevention is still the best way to get rid of termites fast. Mud tunnels running through the side of the house are a telltale sign of infestation but could mean that there are already large colonies of the insects around the house. As soon as you feel any hollowness in the walls and ceilings of your home, try to apply some of the common methods to check and prevent termite infestation.

These include:

• Termite traps
• Nematodes
• Sun exposure
• Insecticides

You can start by finding the most common areas for termite infestation. These include the bathroom and kitchen—areas that usually experience dampness. In these areas, look for flaky or swollen surfaces. You can also listen carefully for light buzzing, which usually indicates swarms of termites inside the walls.

1) Termite Traps

Termite traps are pieces of cardboard used to lure the insects out of hiding. This method is done by stacking wet pieces of cardboard together to attract termites. Since the trap acts as a new food source, the insects will flock toward it for nutrition. Once the termites are attached to the trap, you can grab them while wearing a glove.

Remove the trap and burn it. You can repeat this process many times. Unfortunately, this will not completely destroy the termite colony.

2) Nematodes

Nematodes are small parasitic worms used in some rural areas for pest treatment. The worms can be purchased in gardening stores. You have to plant them in moist soil areas near the suspected colonies for maximum efficiency.

3) Sun Exposure

In some cases, it helps to take out the infested furniture and place it under direct sunlight. Termites don’t like direct sun exposure, and the heat will kill many of them within days. You may supplement this method by adding nearby cardboard traps to lure more termites in the area.

4) Insecticides 

Insecticides are a common method to get rid of light termite infestations. Many hardware stores carry spray bottles that contain Boric acid, a chemical lethal to termites. The acid dehydrates the termites and kills large groups of termites with one application. However, the acid needs to be applied in areas close to the infestation so it can directly interact with the termites. 

How Does Treatment for Termites Work?

Treatment experts use 2 different methods of treatment. These include liquid termiticides and baits. Termiticides have long been used to get rid of termites in both rural and urban areas. These chemicals work by introducing barriers in the soil, preventing the termites from entering domestic structures like houses. Although they primarily function as a preventive measure, the termites inside the home also die out as well. 

New forms of termiticides directly kill termites upon contact. They also destroy nearby tunnels. These chemicals are carefully administered by technicians to ensure safety and maximum efficiency. 

When it comes to baiting, professionals use a specific type of termite food to lure out the insects. Unlike cardboard baits, no burning is necessary to kill the termites. The exterminators combine the food with termiticide to ensure that the pests die out entirely. These traps are placed underneath the soul to act as a preventive measure against termites. 

Since the traps contain food, the termites are tricked to share it with their colony members, destroying entire groups near your area. Baits may be used in conjunction with liquid termiticides to completely remove termite infestations. The availability of these treatments may vary per area. 

No matter what approach you end up going with, it is best to ask a proper team of pest management experts to apply the solutions. You may end up harming yourself when handling lethal chemicals if you self-treat. Additionally, they may also help you come up with long-term solutions to repair the structural damage in your home. 

Fix Your Termite Problems Fast With Positive Pest Management

When it comes to selecting a termite company for your needs, you should consider time, budget, location, and availability. An extermination company should help you get rid of the termites as fast as possible to stop any further damage. Choose a firm that is willing to work with you to help restore the beauty of your home. 

At Positive Pest Management, we ensure that you receive the best quality termite extermination services in Manhattan. We serve the wider New York City area, as well as the nearby Nassau County in Long Island. Restore your space to its former glory and keep termite infestations at bay with us. Contact us today for a quote. 

Termites are among the most destructive pests that can enter any household. These insects eat through the wooden structures in a house, putting you and your housemates at risk during heavy weather. After all, they can damage ceilings, exposing your house to rain, snow, and other similar hazards. If not treated, your house may even deteriorate entirely.

So how do you know if a structure in your house is lost to termite damage? It depends on different factors, including the appearance and extent of the termite damage. Some hollowed-out wood frames can be salvaged if there is still enough material to allow fillers to settle in. However, a structure with extensive damage needs to be replaced entirely.

How to Spot Termite Damage

Termites can destroy entire houses and businesses if you don’t catch them in time. Since houses are made from wood, the termites see the structures as a possible food source or a place where their colonies can thrive. 

Although it’s not a common practice, one of the best ways to catch termite damage before it’s too late is to inspect the wooden framework in the drywall. But of course, it’s best to hire professional exterminators to make it easier to find these insects.

1) Look for Wall Pinholes and Mud Tunnels

Termites destroy wood by making pinholes in them using their teeth. These pinholes may not be visible from afar, since they are quite small. A closer inspection of your walls and ceilings will make it easier to find these pinholes. These act as entry and exit points for some termites, especially if their colony is hidden deep beneath the walls and ceilings.

Mud tunnels are another sign of termite damage. These tubes provide termites with protection from direct sunlight and dry air. These two things can kill them since they thrive in humid and dark areas. You can usually find these mud tunnels quite easily, usually in areas like wooden closets, doors, walls, and ceilings. 

2) Inspect the Paint Job

Termites damage the wooden interiors of your structures, making them hollow from the inside. Because of this infestation, the paint job of the walls and ceilings may also become affected. If you find air bubbles or flaky parts in your paint job, it is a common sign that you have termites in your home. There are some companies that sell specialized termite-proof paint. You can look into these to protect your walls from damage from termites.

3) Check the Floorboards

The floorboards of your house may also show signs of termite damage. These may be less visible to you since floors are less prominent in the house than walls and ceilings. Although it is common for some floorboards to make these sounds, louder creaking can indicate weaker structural integrity from termite damage.

If you use soft wood as the material for your flooring, then it is advisable to check on these floorboards as soon as you can. 

How to Prevent Termite Damage

Termites are resilient, and unless you hire an exterminator to fully remove them from your property, they may keep on popping back up to wreak havoc in your house. If you are lucky enough to have a termite-free house, there are a few methods you can apply to prevent these insects from damaging your home.

1) Keep the Soil Foundation Dry

Termites are easily attracted to wet areas. These insects thrive on moisture and are likely to infest houses where the soil foundation is moist. Water should be directed away from your house and into gutters. In addition, any faucets, water pipes, and other sources of moisture should be closed at all times. Besides attracting termites, these could also erode the structures around your home. 

2) Close Any Unnecessary Openings

Termites enter the house through gaps in the structures. These are most common when the wooden parts of a house come in close contact with the soil. The termites find ways to easily travel through windows, doors, and cracks on the floorboards. During home repair, it’s best to minimize contact between the wood and soil to prevent termites from entering the house.

3) Fix Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes also attract termites due to the moisture they provide. These pipes should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent excess water from coming into contact with the soil. The moisture acts as an invitation for termites. Additionally, the water may come into contact with wood—providing more food sources for the termites.

4) Keep Vents Clean

Ventilation systems should be cleaned routinely. Dirty vents can act as passageways for termites, especially when they are near wooden structures. Another common termite breeding ground is the bathroom since it is one of the areas with the most amount of moisture. Additionally, vents also catch some of the steam from hot showers, which provides them with the right environment for breeding.

Make routine inspections of your ventilation systems to prevent termites from breeding. You can do this by dusting off the covers and washing them with soap. Vacuum the passageways to get rid of dirt and excess moisture. 

5) Conduct Routine Inspections

Termites may take years before they show visible signs of infestation. At this point, they may have eaten through a sizable portion of your wooden frames. One of the best ways to catch these termites before they do damage is to conduct regular inspections. You can do a termite inspection by yourself by knocking on walls and ceilings to check for hollow spaces. 

Additionally, you can also look out for mud tunnels in rooms where moisture is common. Overall, routine inspections are good methods of getting an idea of whether it’s time to seek help from the professionals, especially if the telltale signs are bothersome already.

What Are the Different Ways to Get Rid of Termites?

Termites can be persistent—simply burning them off might do more harm to your house than the termites themselves. There are different ways you can use to eradicate them from your home, some better working than others.

1) Non-Chemical Treatments

Some people use non-chemical treatments, such as physical and steel barriers, to prevent termites from entering a home. These only work for cases where termites have been spotted in the surrounding soil but not the house itself.

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can be used to prevent termites from penetrating wooden surfaces. These are placed across different areas of a home, especially those with multiple cracks. These may come in the form of sand barriers or basaltic sheets. There are also physical membranes composed of polymer sheets, which come with a coating of termiticide. 

Barriers can be scattered across the yard to surround the house. They may also be modified or painted to fit the aesthetic of the surrounding house. 

For maximum effect, you can opt to use paint that has termite-repellent ingredients. You can ask around your nearby hardware store if they have termite-proof paint in stock. These usually have eco-friendly ingredients, so they can be safe for use around children and pets.

Steel Mesh

A steel mesh is a form of physical barrier that is applied on top of a house’s slab foundation. These are commonly found in areas surrounding a large pipe. They are made from stainless steel with no openings, preventing the termites from finding ways to enter the house. Steel meshes are especially useful for barns and farmhouses. 

2) Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments are a common method for getting rid of termites. They can be bought in bulk in hardware stores. Most people use them in combination with physical barriers for maximum effect. Some variants come in spray bottles that you can use to apply the pesticide by yourself. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation, as chemicals like boric acid can trigger allergic reactions in some people. 

However, the more premium-grade chemicals are best suited for professional use. If you have a home-wide infestation curable only by chemical treatments, it helps to hire an exterminator so you can spread the chemical via a spray tank. Make sure to wear protective gear like goggles, face masks, and gloves when handling certain chemicals. 

Pesticides

Pesticides specifically designed for termites, also known as “termiticides,” act as repellents for termite colonies. When applied to wooden surfaces, they can help prevent termites from penetrating through the barrier and eating through structures. Some of the common ones include chlorpyrifos and lindane. 

These chemicals are mixed with water at a fixed ratio to make them safe and effective. Follow the directions in the packaging to ensure you don’t dilute the solution. Too much water can make the chemical less deadly for termites. 

Termite Baits

Termite baits are a different approach to pesticides since they function like small traps placed within the most common infestation sites around a home. The bait contains cellulose, a chemical component of wood that attracts termites. The cellulose is mixed together with an insecticide that targets termites. 

Unlike other termiticides, the chemicals used in baits are slow-acting, preventing the termites from easily identifying which areas to avoid. Instant-kill chemicals are less effective as bait since other termites don’t lure their colony members to the food source. Baits are best used as a preventive measure since they may not work to wipe out large colonies of termites. 

Wood Treatment

You can also apply chemicals directly onto the wood to prevent termite infestation. One of the most common wood treatments is borate, an insect repellent that comes in sprayable form. You can apply the borate onto the wood before painting or laying wallpaper on top of it. Allow the borate to dry before using the wood as normally intended. 

If you’re still in the process of putting together parts of your house, you can choose to use a form of pre-treated wood. These types of wood naturally repel termites, making the use of insecticides unnecessary. These include cedar and redwood, which work best for structures that need to be put at least on the ground level. Teak is another kind of wood that works well against termites, although it is less versatile than other species.

3) Professional Extermination Services

Fully eradicating a large infestation of termites will take more than self-treatment methods. If your house’s structures are experiencing more damage than you can fix by yourself, then it might be time to consult a professional team of exterminators. These people have the right equipment to reach even the most hidden corners of your house. They have access to masonry drills, spray tanks, and other materials that can destroy large colonies of termites.

If you suspect that you have termites around the house but cannot find any mud tunnels or obvious signs, you can ask professionals to conduct a preliminary check. Although you can easily fix a small case of termites, such as a mailbox or a small post, a house-wide infestation will need larger resources for permanent eradication. 

Some providers also offer wood restructuring after treating your house. However, it may take some time to come up with an appropriate treatment plan that also fixes the damaged walls and ceilings in your house. You may also have to cover some of the chemicals necessary to remove the pests from your house. 

Positive Pest Management: Your Trusted Partner In Keeping Your Spaces Pest-Free

When it comes to a provider that can best resolve your termite problems, it’s best to choose one that can deliver fast and safe results. Termites can be a recurring problem if you don’t address the root cause. At Positive Pest Management, our team can find the source of your termite infestation and give you back your peace of mind.

Our professionals are among the most experienced exterminators in the entire New York City area. We also provide extermination services for household pests other than termites that may linger in your rooms. If you have any questions about our packages, you may contact us to book a schedule for your termite consultation. 

Termite damage can be difficult to deal with, especially if it affects your walls, ceilings, and posts. These insects can eat through even the most durable wooden architecture. Some homeowners make the mistake of treating all of these insects the same way, even though there are two common species of termites that can infest a home.

So what are the differences between drywood and subterranean termite damages? Some telltale signs of a drywood termite damage include hollow-sounding wood and sandy particles, while those of a subterranean termite damage include small holes with dirt and the formation of mud tunnels.

Signs of Drywood Termite Damage

Drywood termites leave visible traces of their infestation, although the more obvious signs signify that the damage has advanced to a more complex stage. Some of these include hollow spaces, visible cracks, sandy particles, termite skeletons, and wings.

When drywood termites destroy wood structures, you should start by getting rid of the termite colonies before fixing the damaged parts. Otherwise, you may have to spend more money to get rid of recurring termite problems. 

1) Hollow-Sounding Wood

Since they are smaller and quieter, drywood termite colonies may not be detectable unless they cause visible damage to your wooden structures. The most common victims of termites include door frames, floorboards, and windowsills. In some cases, they may also eat through wooden closets and pantries in the summer months.

Drywood termites live inside the wood structures. They may live undetected in the walls for years. One of the only ways you can find drywood termites in the early stages is to knock on your surfaces and furniture. If they make a hollow sound, then termites might be present in your home. 

2) Damaged and Weak Wood

Drywood termites directly infest the wooden structures in a home, especially furniture. Without a nest in the soil, they live within the walls and ceilings of many houses. Over time, they eat through the wood, leaving many structures weak and brittle. During the advanced stages of an infestation, you may notice that some walls only have a thin outer layer left.

3) Sandy Particles

These “sandy particles” you may find in your homes are termite droppings, also known as “frass.” They’re a mixture of soil and fecal matter. Termite frass collections are small, hard particles that look similar to sawdust. Large amounts of frass indicate that there are drywood termite colonies inside your home.

4) Visible Termite Remains

Drywood termites are very sensitive; swarms may die out if they last long without returning to their nests. If they spend too much time exposed to sunlight or dry air, their remains may fall onto the floor. 

5) Bubbling Paint

Drywood termites eat through the inner wooden frames of structures. As a result, they may affect the physical appearance of some walls. The thin wooden layers left from the damage may not be enough to retain the coating of paint on the exterior of the affected area. If you see large bubbles of paint on a wall, they could be a sign of drywood termite damage.

Signs of Subterranean Termite Damage

Subterranean termites are easier to spot since they leave mud tunnels and a visible mound of dirt when they infest a household. They also need contact with soil before entering a house. In addition, they also make louder noises than drywood termites.

1) Buzzing Noises

Subterranean termites make loud, buzzing noises that can easily be heard in a quiet room. If you bring your ears close to a wall, you may hear them. You can knock on the suspected area to check if it’s hollow. A hollow area with buzzing indicated the presence of a subterranean colony.

2) Small Holes With Dirt

Subterranean termites eat through wood via pin holes or small entry points. They may leave dirt particles when they enter these holes. If you find clumps of soil around openings in your wood, you may have an infestation of subterranean termites.

3) Mud Tunnels

Mud tunnels are the most obvious signs of termite infestation. These look like tiny lines of hard dirt placed on doors, walls, and ceilings. These tunnels act as transportation and protection for termites. To check if there’s an active infestation of termites, you can break away a small tunnel piece. Some termites may go out to repair the break in the area.

4) Droopy Floorboards

Although floorboards are less susceptible to damage than walls and ceilings, their weakness is a sign that there may be subterranean termites nearby. The floorboards are close to the soil, where these insects build long-term nests.

5) Swarms of Insects

Although drywood termites also have swarms, subterranean termites travel in larger numbers. In fact, some subspecies of subterranean termites can have a million members in a single colony. Their nests can also be easily seen in the soil, as they resemble anthills.

Get Rid of Termite Damage In Your House With Positive Pest Management

Whether you have drywood or subterranean termites in your home, it is best to consult a team of professional exterminators to prevent recurring infestations. At Positive Pest Management, we have a capable group of specialists that can treat your termite problems. We can also help you repair any long-standing damages in your home.

Get your peace of mind back and give us a call to schedule an initial consultation. You may also visit our website for more information.

Termite infestation is one of the pest problems dreaded by many homeowners because of the billions of dollars in damage they cost in the U.S. annually. Termite colonies also multiply quickly, putting the structural integrity of your home at risk. Because of this, you should act fast and resolve the problem once you see signs of termite damage. You might see termite wood damage to homes or business establishments, but there’s still a way to save these.

So how do you treat termite damage? You first need to assess the level of damage from termites in your home or area to know the appropriate steps for treating it. Before repairing the structural damage, treat it first with the right termite control treatment. To repair termite damage, remove the rotten wood first with a chisel, sand it down, and restore the wood by adding support, filling it with wood filler or hardener, or replacing the wood.

Types of Termite Damage

Reproductive termites have a cycle of leaving their previous colony to start another one, worsening your infestation sooner than you expect it. Because of this, destructive termites, like subterranean termites and drywood termites, can easily ruin the foundations of your home. Be sharp for signs of termite activity, like mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, frass, noise, and more.

Drywood and subterranean termites may leave different types of damage to your foundations. Before planning termite damage repair, assess the situation first to see if you can actually repair it. Here are different types of termite damage:

• buckling walls or ceilings
• mud tunnels on home and other establishments' foundations
• the appearance of water damage
• maze-like designs in wooden structures
• termite swarms
• mud tunnels on home foundations

You must address these types of termite damage immediately. Whether the termite wood damage is aesthetic or structural, proper treatment must be done.

Can You Still Fix Termite Damage?

An infestation not treated with termite control will probably leave a house damaged beyond repair, but this instance is pretty rare. A type of subterranean termite, called the Formosan termite, causes the most severe damage, rendering a house beyond repair in just 2 years if left untreated. Other species would take more time to cause extensive damage, but that shouldn't be a reason to stay lax about having termites in your home or establishment.

Termite damage can usually still be fixed; not noticing telltale signs of termite activity before they cause significant wreckage is pretty rare.  

How to Restore Your Foundations from Termite Damage

Do a termite inspection to ensure these pests are not the ones doing damage to your foundations and not other pests, such as carpenter ants. Apply different types of termite treatments on the affected wood first before repairing termite damage. Remove the rotten wood with a chisel, sand it down, and repair damage by adding wooden support, replacing the wood, or applying wood fillers or hardeners.

1) Treat Your Wooden Structures with Termite Control Products

You may be repairing termite damage in your foundation, but it's still best to call a professional pest control company first. They will have your structures treated against termite infestation. They will apply slow-acting insecticide and other treatments, like liquid termiticide, termite bait, and others.

They will also confirm if your home or business establishment is already free from termite and other pest infestations. This is for your safety from future infestations, and so that your repairs wouldn't go to waste.

2) Remove Rotten Wood With Chisel

It would be difficult to work on rotten wood because they're not as sturdy anymore. More than this, termite-damaged wood might attract infestations again. Because of this, you need to remove the rotten wood first using a chisel. You can see a piece of ruined wood if it looks decayed or discolored.

3) Apply Wood Hardener

Once you've removed the damaged wood, you'd find the cavities where the termites have created their colonies and eaten off the part of your structures. Before patching these up, apply a wood hardener first to restore the remaining hardness of the wood.

For minimal damage, you may use wood hardener alone to fill in the cavities. Ensure choosing a product that matches your type of wood and its level of damage. You may also apply wood sealants to suffocate the remaining termites if there are.

4) Repair Termite Damage

Once you've prepped your wood with a hardener, you can have several options for patching up the damage, depending on its severity. You may fill the cavities with wood filler, add wood to support the damaged wood, or replace the structure completely.

Apply Wood Filler

For severe damage enough to see the channels or cavities in the wood, patching it out using a wood filler will do. Wood fillers would look like a wood putty or sealant that will fill in the gaps created by the termites. Ensure mixing the wood filler properly and apply them to the gaps little by little to avoid them from sagging. You might need multiple applications to finally achieve coverage, similar to the wood's surrounding area.

Check out the wood every time you enter the wet seasons because new cracks may develop in the wood fillers. To avoid this, keep it as dry as possible.

Add Wood Support

If you cannot fill the damaged wood with wood filler, you can still consider adding structural support to the damaged wood. This offers less expensive solutions suitable for both non-structural and structural repairs. Ensure accurate measurements for the woodwork you may need.

Replace Damaged Sections of Wood

For severe damages, you might have to replace the damaged parts of your structures. This option may be more complicated and costly. It may only be for cases where wood fillers and wooden supports no longer work. The wood may have already been in terrible shape, and the only option is to replace it. Provide the right support temporarily for the structure's integrity during repairs.

If you think you're capable enough, you may cut out the part of the wood on your own, but it's best to leave the job to professional contractors to ensure accuracy and safety.

5) Seek Help from a Professional Contractor

For advanced termite damage, you may need to seek the help of professional contractors. This gives you a more cost-effective solution than you think. If you do it yourself even if you're inexperienced, you may be left with subpar work with safety hazards. This will make you seek help from a contractor at the end of the day to fix the problem. This also ensures the utmost safety and quality of work.

Exterminate Termites with Positive Pest Management

Structural damages from pest infestation can still be fixed, but you must prepare the right termite damage repair cost. You can either use a wood hardener or wood filler to patch up the cavities left by the termites. You may also install additional support on the broken fixtures. If you're up against severe damage, better seek a professional to replace the damaged sections of your home or establishment.

The damage to structures caused by termites may still be saved, but it's still best to prevent termite infestation in the first place. Seek the services of a professional exterminator who can treat your home or establishment regularly to ensure control of not only termites but also other types of pests, like Positive Pest Management. Schedule an inspection by visiting our offices or browse through our website to know more about us.

Be it subterranean termites or drywood termites, infestations from these destructive pests have been dreaded by homeowners and establishments. Having a termite colony on your property means possible destruction of its structural integrity, specifically those made of wood. They also multiply pretty fast. Businesses and homeowners must put their first lines of defense up and do preventative measures against termite infestation, especially if they’re susceptible to one.

So how do you prevent termite damage? After inspecting your property for areas susceptible to infestations, you can start executing termite prevention steps. Among other things, you should avoid wood from having contact with soil, eliminate the presence of moisture, declutter your property, place infected things under direct sunlight, and apply borate as well as other termite control products on wood before priming and most importantly, seeking help from a professional pest control team.

Ways to Protect Your Foundations from Termite Damage

Some locations and conditions are susceptible to termite infestation, like wooden structures in contact with moist soil, leaks, or any form of liquid. Wood serves as the food source of these termites and having them in contact with excess moisture will make matters worse. It's always best to do preventative measures against future infestations to keep the integrity of your foundations intact.

1) Avoid Ground Contact

Avoid having your wooden foundation or crawl space from coming into direct contact with soil, especially moist soil. Wooden structures on soil highly attract termites because it's conducive to their living needs: it offers an abundant source of food, shelter, and moisture. It also allows a hidden but direct entrance to your property. Your wood siding, window frames, or door must be above ground level at about 6 inches.

You can invest in having a concrete foundation to cut the soil-to-wood contact. You might need to pull the soil or wood mulches back from your foundation and cut off the bottom of the wood latticework. You may also provide posts or additional support on the concrete base.

2) Eliminate Moisture

Termites love humid places. Properties with an abundant buildup of moisture and wood are perfect habitats for termites. To avoid termite invasion, ensure fixing water damage in your home or establishment. Inspect your water pipes and check for water leaks, and ensure that your faucets, toilets, and showerheads are functional.

Eliminating moisture also includes checking the overflow pipes of your water heater and air conditioning units. Some homes or establishments have water dripping at the side of their property, which keeps the wooden siding and other wooden fixtures wet.

3) Declutter

Like most pests, clutter can also attract termites. Pay attention to cardboards, papers, old newspapers and magazines, boxes, and others, because these are perfect for nests and sources of food for termites. Avoid moving furniture or stuff from a room with termite infestation to other rooms because that may spread your termite problem.

4) Place Items With Termites in the Sun

Place furniture or any other type of furniture infested by termites under direct sunlight for 3 days straight. Better do this during the summer when it's hotter because termites don't like the heat. The heat from the sun will kill the termites and remove moisture. You may also dust off your furniture or infected item while it's out in the sun and apply termite control spray before bringing it back to your property.

5) Apply Borate on Wood

Borate or boric acid is one of the most reliable termite treatments you can easily find. It's also effective against other pests infesting your home. Spraying borax on your wood structures before applying primer and paint. The wood will absorb the borate and serve as a barrier to termites wanting to eat it. Borate spray can keep termites off your wooden structures for decades.

6) Apply Preventative Termite Treatments

Seeking the help of a professional pest control company is still the best option for treating your home with termite control products. Proceeding with termite control treatment without further assessing and studying the situation may aggravate the problem. 

Here are some pest control products you can use:

• termite bait - termite baits are slow-acting pesticides that lure termites to eat from it and distribute them to the rest of their colony. By the time the poison has already kicked in, it's already spread throughout the nest.
• direct chemicals - these are fast-acting termite control products that exterminate termites upon contact. These are suitable for applying at holes, crevices, and other entry points termites may crawl into.
• termiticide barriers - these are slow-acting pesticides, like termite baits. These non-repellent sprays may be applied on the perimeter of your homes or business establishments for termites to crawl on. Termites with contact with the treatment will also spread the poison to the entire colony once they return to their nest.
• bacterial nematodes - those looking for more natural options may place these natural parasites and mix them with soil in the garden or lawn.

Here are just some of the termite control treatments you can use. Ensure inspecting your property for signs of termite infestation, such as the appearance of mud tubes, hollow sounds of wood, wood debris, and more.

7) Seek Regular Termite Inspection From A Pest Control Professional

If you want to ensure you're protected from different termite species from infesting your property, it's best to invest in a professional pest control treatment. They are equipped with the most advanced pest control solutions and materials that can keep your property protected not only from termites but also from other types of pests.

The Best Pest Control Services at Positive Pest Management

While it’s good to be aware of the telltale signs of termite infestations, it’s better to be safe than sorry from possible structural damages due to termite infestation by seeking the services of a reliable pest management professional. This is to reduce the risks of termite infestation and keep not just your property but also you and your family protected.

Choose Positive Pest Management for keeping you protected against termites and other types of pest infestations. We offer our services in both New York City and Nassau County Long Island for residential and commercial establishments needing pest treatments. Get a free estimate by giving us a call or schedule an inspection from us right away.

While termites are far less common than regular insects, they may cause far more damage than other pests, and even jeopardize the structural strength of your home. A termite infestation isn't something you should ignore or put off. If you don't conduct a termite inspection right away, you'll soon notice the consequences of their presence.

But how can you tell the differences between old and new termite damage? Active termite damage suggests that pests are actively plaguing your home and eating wood and other cellulose-based materials. The sight of old termite damage without living insects just indicates that your home was formerly infested by these wood-destroying parasites. Early detection of a termite infestation can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and extermination expenses.

How to Spot the Difference Between Old and New Termite Damage

An active termite infestation indicates that your home is currently being munched on. Inactive termites are those that have indications of a prior infestation but no live termites. If you encounter live termites, you know you're dealing with an active infestation. The absence of termites does not indicate an inactive infestation. You'll require a professional pest control company to evaluate and assess your property.

Signs of Termite Damage

There are two varieties of termites that infest homes across the United States. The most dangerous termites reside in the soil and dig tunnels to their food source, which is your home. Drywood termites, on the other hand, burrow themselves into wood. Both have the potential to wreak massive damage. While drywood and subterranean termites look similar, their behavior is completely different. 

Drywood termites are found in warm climates in the United States, but subterranean termites are found all throughout the country. Drywood termite colonies are substantially smaller than subterranean termite colonies, with populations of about a few thousand. Termite colonies can have a population of 5 million to 10 million insects. 

Drywood termites establish nests inside the structure they're eating, whether it's a house, a log, or pieces of furniture; subterranean termites build nests underground. When compared to a subterranean infestation, serious structural damage takes more time to take place with a drywood infestation. The latter devour wood up to ten times faster than the former. Here are some telltale signs of termite infestation.

1) Damaged Wood

You may not notice damage to your wood until the infestation is serious, but you can evaluate different areas of wood in your household to determine if there are any significant differences. When you tap drywood termite-damaged wood, it will sound hollow or dull. Drywood termites consume cellulose, which causes the wood to rot from the inside out.

2) Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build a highway system out of soil and wood. The termites' nest is connected to their food source through these "mud tubes," which are about the size of a pencil. They also keep moisture in and protect termites from predators. They're frequently seen at the foundation of a house.

It's probable that you'll stumble across mud tubes that aren't active anymore. Break off a little section of the mud tube to examine if termites are still moving into your home. If the tube is restored within a few days, termites are still active and utilizing the tunnels.

3) Frass

If your home is being devoured by drywood termites, you may notice frass or termite droppings, which are small wood pellets. They resemble sawdust in large mounds. Termite frass is often out in the open, which may surprise you. When drywood termites build their nests, they produce galleries or tunnels. To maintain the area clean, the termites will drill holes in their tunnels to force the droppings out.

4) Blisters in Flooring

Your floorboards may blister or expand if termites are munching on wood beneath your flooring. Termite activity, including swarming, can be easily detected on wood decks. Springy deck boards, sunken and rippling surfaces, and hollow-sounding wood are less evident indications of deterioration. Inspect for mud tubes and grooves in the wood to tell the difference between termite and water damage.

5) Swarmers and Discarded Wings

Drywood and subterranean swarmers or reproductive termites emerge from their nests in the spring to mate and start a new colony. Swarmers may fly, but you're more likely to notice clumps of discarded wings nearby closed doors and window sills. Termites discard their wings once they reach their destination when they’re no longer needed.

6) Headbanging

Subterranean termites make a clicking sound by banging their heads against walls or shaking their bodies. The vibrations produced by colony members are interpreted by termites as an alarm signal. Termites hammer their heads together to notify a threat to the colony, and people can hear the sounds from miles away.

Active Termite Infestation

If you witness winged creatures swarming within or outside, around the window sills or crawl spaces, your home is almost certainly infested. You might encounter their abandoned wings in these areas if you don't spot the actual insects. You may also notice their feces or frass. 

Subterranean termites use their frass to construct tunnels, while drywood termites produce pelleted frass. Even if you don't see pests, mud tubes surrounding the foundation, floor joists, crawl spaces, and support pillars are signs of an infestation. These tubes are made of termite feces and saliva, rather than simply dirt.

Old Termite Infestation

It's likely that the mud tubes are emptied, and the termites are no longer using them to get from their colony to your home. An exterminator will open the tubes and search for "worker termites," which are tiny cream-colored insects. An active infestation might not be present if these insects aren't found in numerous places of the tube, specifically if the tubes appear dry. 

To identify whether there are active termites on your property, an exterminator must conduct a comprehensive inspection.

How to Inspect for Termite Activity

Termites can survive for a long time on your property or within your home before being discovered. Drywood termites, which penetrate deep beneath wooden structures, and subterranean termites, which live underground, can be difficult to detect before major damage has been done. It's critical to recognize warning symptoms as soon as possible to prevent and minimize damage.

Key Areas to Inspect 

Termites are notoriously difficult to spot. While hiring a termite specialist for an annual inspection is recommended, there are several symptoms of damage you may look for on a routine basis around your home. Watch out for any of these indicators and then investigate more. If you notice any of the signs listed below, contact a pest control specialist immediately.

Window Sills and Doors

The noticeable indicator of termite damage involving windows and doors is chewed wood. Difficulties opening or closing them can also be an early warning sign of termite activity. As the insects feed, they produce moisture, which causes wood home pieces to deform and change shape. Doors and windows can also warp and swell in hot and humid conditions.

Wood and Drywall

Drywall sagging or cracking could be a symptom of an undetected termite damage. Termites devour wood and drywall paper as well as carpets, furniture, textiles, books, and other cellulose products. Extended water damage on floorboards can also cause soft or decaying wood, so search for mud tubes near the damaged locations. Water damage might also seem discolored, spongy, and smell musty.

Blistering, buckling wood flooring, bloated panels, or soft wood that can be easily examined with a knife or screwdriver are all things to look out for. If you discover a wall or floor section that seems different from the others, such as cracks or splitting, perform a knocking test. The differences between papery, hollow wood, and solid wood are obvious to hear. If you hear any differences, it could mean the wood has internal deterioration.

What Can I Do About Termite Damage?

Take note of the distinctions between active and old termite infestations, whether you decide to conduct your termite inspection or call a professional pest control firm. No one wants their house to become an all-you-can-eat termite buffet, so stay on top to get it done either way. The sooner you locate the termites infesting your home, the less wood and money they will cost.

Exterminators

Termite control is not a do-it-yourself project. Focus on choosing a reliable termite control company. Ask for referrals before selecting a firm, and verify with the state regulatory authority to make sure potential companies are officially licensed. Termites munch slowly, so spending many weeks looking for the best pest control firm won't make much of a difference in damages made to your home. 

Look for pest control services that are affiliated with state or national organizations. A termite inspector will extensively evaluate your home, determining the type of termite responsible for the damage and the level of activity. The type of termite and the extent of the infestation determine the treatment required to manage the insects. Annual inspections and spot treatments in your home may be required, as indicated in the exterminating company's contract.

Prevention

Try to fix any leaking water pipes to prevent termites from infiltrating your home or to guarantee that inactive termites remain that way. Any pipe or utility line openings should be sealed. Regularly clean your downspouts and gutters, and don't let water accumulate on your roof. 

Check the downspouts multiple times a year to ensure that they are channeling water effectively. Don’t store firewood or other debris near your home. Keep mulch and plantings far from the foundation of the house. Termites require water to survive; without it, they will quickly become dehydrated.

Worry-free Termite Inspections with Positive Pest Management

When a termite inspection is required, you should contact the best pest control firms available. A thorough inspection by well-trained technicians could be just the step you need towards a termite-free space. All cracks and crevices, as well as typical access sites, must be inspected, treated, and maintained so pests and insects don’t come back.

At Positive Pest Management, our termite control services can protect your property from wood-destroying insects that could compromise its safety. We use the right tools and methods so that you get back your peace of mind and fight off termite infestations long-term. Contact Positive Pest Management for a free estimate on our pest control services today.

The presence of termites in an establishment’s inner structure isn't like your typical pest infestation — it’s like a ticking time bomb. . They're pretty quick to multiply and they can cause serious damage to homes and establishments by destroying their wooden structures, amounting to thousands of dollars in repair costs. Some may wonder how quickly these termites damage the internal structures of establishments. 

So how long does it take for termites to inflict structural damage? The span of termite damage depends on how big the termite colony is in your home and what type of species they are. It takes subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites about 3 to 8 years. A type of termite called Formosan termite is more complicated to handle as it can cause destruction in a shorter period of time.

How Long Do Termites Ruin Your Foundations?

Destructive termites take about 3 to 8 years to inflict noticeable damage to your property--this will still depend on the species of termite and the mature size of their nest. A colony consisting of 60,000 termites can eat 2x4 wood within 5 months. 

The Formosan termite is one of the types of termites known to be aggressive in causing destruction. They can cause extensive damage to a home in just 6 months because they can eat around 1+ ounce or 31 grams per day.

A termite is a formidable pest to have in your home because its colony can cost you structural damage to your foundation, especially wooden structures in contact with soil. Swarms of termites cause billions of dollars worth of damages yearly.

Wood is the termites' top food source: they have special bacteria, protozoa, and enzymes that allow them to digest the organic fibrous material of wood called cellulose. Subterranean termite damage from the largest colonies can chunk up a pound of wood daily. 

Termites are often called "silent killers" because by the time you see the damages, it may be worse than you think. They slowly eat your structures from the inside, weakening the structural integrity of your property. This is also the reason why your slab foundation may have a hollow sound.

More than this, most termite species multiply fast, capable of having a bigger-sized colony that can speed up the damages. Even if you sense no termite activity, it's best to invest in termite control especially if you know your location and structure are both susceptible to termite infestation. Do termite control professional inspection yearly or at least once every 3 to 5 years.

Signs of Termite Damage

Property owners must be vigilant with the telltale signs of damage from termite infestation. More often than not, these signs may be subtle or unnoticeable, so it's crucial to be sharp in inspecting your property.

Here are the signs of termite damage you should watch out for:

• hollow sound when knocking on wood - especially when using a heavy object, hollow sounds on wooden structures may be a sign that termites are eating its insides
• appearance of mud tubes - these are small, narrow tunnels where termites travel
• bubbling or peeling on the painted wall - termites might have already invaded the insides of the structure, causing the paint to not adhere better.
• small holes - termites create small holes to serve as their entryway
• water damage - termites love moisture, so water damage could be a telltale sign of a termite infestation 
• buckling walls or ceilings - termite damage weaken wooden foundations, causing them to buckle
• maze-like designs - termites eating away at your wooden structures would leave it with maze-like designs
• droppings - if you see soil looking like piles of sawdust or coffee grounds, those are most likely termite droppings from dampwood termites
• appearance of swarms - swarms of termites usually come out during spring

These are just some of the signs of a termite infestation. Still continue to seek regular inspections from a professional pest control company to be sure and worry-free.

How to Properly Exterminate Termites

Seeking the services of a professional pest control services is still the best option, especially some termite control efforts might exacerbate the infestation if you've done it wrong.

But if you want to set your first lines of defense, here are the best things to use for subterranean termites:

• termiticide barriers - apply these on the perimeter of your home. Termites won't be able to detect these slow-acting treatments, so they will spread into their colony once contaminated termite returns.
• termite baits - like termiticide barriers, these are slow-acting pesticides that termites eat and bring to the colony to share, poisoning every termite once it kicks in.
• direct chemicals - unlike termiticide barriers, these are fast-acting insecticides you may use inside your home. Spray it in openings and perimeters where termites are likely to enter.
• beneficial nematodes - apply these natural parasites in your garden to poison termites with their symbiotic gut bacteria

For drywood termites, here are things to use:

• essential oils - spray a mixture of 10 drops neem oil or orange oil in 2 cups of water and drops of dish soap on infested wood.
• spot treatment - drill holes on finished or painted wood until you feel a resistance from the nest. Fill the nests with termiticide and close up the holes.
• boric acid - spray this on your ceiling, cracks, and crevices where termites are likely to burrow.

What was mentioned are just some of the termite control efforts that you can do. Ensure inspecting your property to verify termite infestation and the type of species you’re up against.

The Best Termite Infestation Treatment Plans at Positive Pest Management

For full pest control services, trust only Positive Pest Management in New York City and Nassau County Long Island. We offer pest extermination services for residential and commercial properties, taking pride in our comprehensive treatment plans to exceed our customers' expectations. Our team of pest control specialists uses botanical pesticides with low health risks, keeping you, your kids, and your pets safe.

We offer pest control solutions not only for termite infestations but for other types of pest infestations as well. Get a free estimate by giving us a call or browsing our website to know more about us and our services. You may also visit our office to schedule an inspection.

Dampwood termites can be a silent problem in your home until you notice significant property damage. These termites only feed on wet or decaying wood, so on top of dealing with water damage, wet rot, and decay, you also have to deal with the termite infestation that’s damaging the structural wood inside your property’s walls even further. In New York, you can find types of termites like the pacific dampwood termites, one of the largest types of termites in the United States, causing extensive damage to buildings. 

So what are some natural treatments to prevent or ward off pacific dampwood termites? If you’re worried about the chemical residue that pesticides leave, you may consider using some natural home remedies and common household products to eliminate termites from your property. But in case you spot termite activity and signs of an infestation, it’s best to leave it to professionals that can provide safe and controlled pest management solutions. 

Natural Ways to Treat Pacific Dampwood Termites

Here are some of the ways you can treat your property’s pacific dampwood termite problem without having to resort to chemical pesticides:

Sodium Borate

More commonly known as borax, sodium borate is a natural mineral with plenty of home uses. While safe for some home uses, it can be used to kill ants and termites as it affects their ability to digest food, which can cause its death. Many treated wood items are often coated with a borate solution to prevent termite infestations. To protect untreated or unfinished wood, you can have a coat of borate solution applied to protect your wooden items. 

There are, however, some limitations to using borax on its own. Borax powder is more effective for drywood termites than dampwood termites, and even then the powder has very limited reach. You can spread borax powder around your property – particularly near areas where pacific dampwood termites may infest – but keep in mind that Borax only kills the termites that come into contact with borax, and not the entire colony. 

If your wooden object isn’t already treated, you’ll need a professional to apply a borax solution to keep it uniform outside and when it seeps into your wood. If it’s not done properly, your wood won’t be fully protected.

Vinegar and Lemons

Termites can be killed by the acidic combination of vinegar and lemons. Mix half a cup of vinegar with the juice of two lemons and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray this mixture around the area where you suspect termites. Spray the area regularly. 

While this can work effectively on drywood termites, it might not be as effective depending on the severity of your wood’s water damage. The moisture content on damp wood can dilute the acidic concentration. 

Orange Oil

Orange oil contains D-limonene, a colorless liquid found in the oils of citrus trees and citrus fruit peels. When termites come into contact with orange oil, their exoskeletons dissolve along with their moisture and proteins. 

However, just like vinegar and lemon juice, this can be diluted with additional moisture from wood. You can find orange oil online or in stores that sell essential oils. This also may not kill the entire colony since the wood in contact may not necessarily spread the orange oil throughout the wood.

Get Rid of Decaying Wood

Rather than relying on any natural substance, there are some practices you can do to prevent an infestation from occurring on your property without relying on chemical pesticides. One way to do this is to get rid of any decaying wood that can attract pacific dampwood termites onto your property. You can tell wood is decayed by the following features:

• If it sports a dark brown color compared to its original state
• Signs of fungal growth like spores and mold
• Musty or unpleasant odor on the wood
• If you stab the wood with an awl or a sharp blade, more than an eighth of the blade can slide easily into the wood. 

Outdoors, this can include tree stumps, fallen tree branches, dead trees, stockpiled firewood, any type of rotten wood, and fixtures like wooden fences, gates, and wooden sheds. Ideally, your fixtures should be treated with wood that can withstand water exposure from rain, damp ground, and other elements. 

This can prevent it from absorbing excessive moisture and decaying from the inside out. Indoors, check for any wooden furniture or wooden items especially in rooms with access to water like your kitchen or bathroom. 

Check Your Property for Leaks and Ventilation Issues

If your home’s natural condition is prone to plumbing leaks, has roofing damage, or has recently experienced flooding or heavy rain, there’s a risk of water damage within the structural wood. Hire a plumber or contractor to assess your home and see if there’s any damage that can cause excess moisture within the structural wood. If left unchecked, this can be prone to pacific dampwood termites. 

Make sure that your home has proper ventilation. For your kitchen or bathroom, open a window or install a ventilator. Wipe away any puddles, standing water, or any type of moisture that have contact with water immediately to prevent it from seeping in. Ensure that areas like your basement, attic, or crawlspace are well-ventilated and not prone to moisture. 

Understanding a Dampwood Termite Infestation

Dampwood termites – and similar termite species like the pacific dampwood termite – are one of the largest types of termites found in the United States. However, their habitat and nature differ from most subterranean termites. During the summer, dampwood termites in the reproductive caste fly to other locations to start new colonies, which means finding other areas within your property to infest. 

Unlike subterranean termites that burrow underground, dampwood termites create their colonies inside wood. And unlike most species of termite that feed on any type of wood, dampwood termites will only feed on wood with high moisture content. This includes wood that’s been affected by water damage, wet rot, or any type of decay. 

Because of their nature, they don’t attack your property unless there’s wet and moist wood for them to feed on. Which is why if there’s water damage to your home, there’s a risk that dampwood termites are nearby to worsen the condition of your wood. 

How to Prevent Dampwood Termite Infestations

Since dampwood termites only attack homes with highly-moist wood, maintaining dry conditions and preventing excess moisture is a good way to prevent termite infestations. Dampwood termites don’t attack dry wood, so minimizing moisture can prevent them from settling and building colonies within your property. Some of the ways to spot dampwood termites on your property are:

• Wood damage. Unlike other termite species that burrow underground, dampwood termites tend to colonize in large pieces of decayed wood. You should see damage that goes across the grain caused by the worker caste.  
• Dampwood termite fecal matter. Dampwood termites use their fecal matter to seal their entry points and protect their colony. Moist wood can result in the feces sticking to the wood. But if it’s dry on the outside, you can find the pellets on the ground close to the decayed wood. 

Some of the steps you can take to do this include: 

Plumbing, Roofing, and HVAC Maintenance 

Have a professional plumber, roofing contractor, and HVAC technician conduct general maintenance on your property at least once a year. Since water damage is a common cause for attracting dampwood termites, you’ll want to keep your home free from any damage or regular wear and tear that can cause water damage around your property. 

Plumbers can check for leaks in your fixtures and assess if your pipes are due for replacement. They can also check areas in your kitchen and bathrooms for any leaks that can spread to the structure of your home. Roofing contractors can check your roof for holes and cracks that are causing leaks that spread to your attic or within your walls. Repairs or complete roofing replacement may be necessary, depending on the state of your property. 

Lastly, HVAC technicians can check your ventilation and air circulation around your home to ensure that your home has the right humidity levels and there isn’t too much moisture in the air that wood in your property can’t absorb. 

Check Indoors and Outdoors for Potential Vulnerable Areas

Since dampwood termites only attack wood with high moisture content, you can limit your focus to areas that may be prone to water damage or wet rot. Check outdoors and indoors for ways to prevent wood from decaying by maintaining dry conditions. 

Outdoors, you can practice the following:

• Invest in pressure-treated wood or decay-resistant lumber for outdoor areas like decks, wood siding, wooden sheds, gazebos, or any outdoor feature made of wood. Every piece of wood in exterior projects should either be painted on all sides or stained to protect wood against water damage. 
• Prior to the rainy season, ensure that your roof and gutters are free of debris like leaves, branches, nests, etc. These can cause roof sagging and gutter clogging, which can cause these fixtures to direct water towards your property and cause damage. 
• Avoid placing untreated plywood, ladders, or any untreated wooden items in contact with your home’s walls. It only takes one piece of wood to decay and spread rot onto the walls of your home, especially during the summer when winged reproductives leave the colony to find a new location to start another colony. Also, prevent wooden pieces from getting in contact with soil, as it can absorb moist soil and begin decaying. 

Indoors, you can prevent water damage by:

• If your home has a moisture issue and its natural conditions lean towards the moist side, install devices like dehumidifiers or air conditioners that can reduce the moisture content in the air. 
• Using your home appliances properly. Appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher can potentially cause flooding in your kitchen if misused. Don’t overload them and use them according to their manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Clear your kitchen and bathroom drains. Aside from opening a window, you can prevent puddles and standing water by having your drains cleaned regularly. 

Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

In case you’ve seen evidence of termite activity on top of the water damage in your home, it’s best to hire a professional termite exterminator to handle your termite swarm. While some natural home remedies may kill a handful of termites, having limited knowledge of how termites function can make it difficult to exterminate one or more termite colonies within your property. 

Rest assured, pest control companies like Positive Pest Management use safe and effective methods to remove termites from your property. We cater to both residential and commercial properties and have experience with pest control in areas like healthcare facilities and food service businesses and can conduct safe pest control that won’t harm people within the property. 

Contact Positive Pest Management for Reliable Termite Control

Pacific dampwood termites can worsen the property damage caused by wet wood or rotten wood. The most effective natural method of preventing dampwood termites is by preventing water damage to your property. But if that fails and you notice the presence of termites, leave it to the professionals to safely and effectively remove every single colony from your residential or commercial properties. 

We can protect your property from termites and other wood-destroying insects that can compromise your property’s safety. Get back your peace of mind and contact Positive Pest Management today for a free estimate on our pest control services.

Known as the largest type of termite species, dampwood termites are capable of causing substantial damage to your home. But unlike other termites that feed on any wood on your property, dampwood termites only feed on wet, moist, or rotting wood. While that might not be a problem for many residential and commercial properties in New York City, properties that are prone to humidity, chronic leaks, and heavy rainfall are susceptible to dampwood termite infestations.

So how can a property owner get rid of dampwood termites? If you see signs of infestation, it’s best to contact experienced pest control specialists that can exterminate special types of termites. But if you suspect that your property may be prone to dampwood termites, the best way to get rid of them is to prevent your property from providing everything they need to thrive and increase their population. 

Ways to Get Rid of Dampwood Termites

If you see signs of a dampwood termite infestation or suspect that your home may be prone to an infestation, you have two options: ensure that your home isn’t the perfect breeding ground for termites to thrive in, and then contact an exterminator to assess your property. 

Check Your Home for Leaky Pipes and HVAC Damage

A common source of moisture that homes experience excessive wet and humid conditions is because of a plumbing or roofing leak. When water seeps into your property’s structure, it can reach the wooden areas within your property and cause moisture issues and eventually decay from the inside. This damp wood can attract dampwood termites into finding moist areas around your home. 

To prevent this, it’s important to keep your property leak-free. Conducting plumbing and HVAC maintenance at least once a year can help you find potential leaks before they get worse. Leak-proofing your pipes, updating your fixtures, repairing your roofing, and ensuring all moisture is contained can prevent water damage that attract termites. 

Keep Your Home Well-Ventilated

Practices like maintaining your home’s HVAC systems, opening windows, and installing ventilators in rooms like your bathroom can help you control the moisture on your property. For rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is prevalent, opening windows and cleaning up puddles can immediately prevent excessive moisture from seeping in. Ensure that places like your home’s crawl space, attic, and basement are well-ventilated to reduce humidity that can turn into moisture. 

Get Rid of Any Decaying or Damaged Wood

Dampwood termites are attracted specifically to wood that’s water-damaged or decaying due to excess moisture. Check your backyard for any signs of decaying wood pieces and dead trees and dispose of them properly. If you have wooden objects in your garage, basement, attic, or shed, make sure that these are properly sealed or kept away from sources of moisture. 

If your home has experienced heavy rain or flooding, have a professional check your property for any potential water damage. Some signs of wet rot inside your walls and other wooden fixtures in your home include:

• Wood that’s a darker color compared to its original color
• Soft and spongy wood
• A cracked, shrunken appearance when the wood is dry on the outside
• Signs of fungal growth (mold and mildew surrounding the wood)
• A damp, musty odor

A good way to spot rotting wood is to take a sharp knife or any blade. If you can easily stab more than an eighth of an inch into the wood, it’s a sign that the wood has been compromised.

Use Wood Treatments

For wooden furniture and wooden fixtures, it can help to use chemical treatment on the outer layer of your furniture. On top of repelling excessive moisture, it can be possible to ward off dampwood termites from burrowing and finding another place to build their colony. 

Contact a Termite Exterminator

The problem with dealing with termites is that they can silently infest your property. If you don’t aren’t conducting annual termite checks, it’s possible for termite colonies to grow right under your nose until you spot the signs of an infestation through expensive property damage. Termites can also be difficult to remove without understanding their behavior, habitat, and potential areas where they’ve formed a termite colony. 

Rather than just trying to kill a handful of termites, professional termite exterminators can remove all dampwood termites from your premises. They understand the behavior of colonies and can administer the right treatment method to use on properties of all sizes. This is the most effective solution to remove all termites from your property and worsen any more damage. 

Spotting Dampwood Termites in Your Home

There are several ways to spot signs of dampwood termites on your property. Here are some ways to spot dampwood termites on your property. 

Their Habitat

Like many other termite species that aren’t considered subterranean termites, dampwood termites burrow tunnels through wood. But unlike most termite species, dampwood termites tend to frequent areas with high moisture. This means they’re likely to infest the walls around your bathroom and kitchen. 

Outdoors, you can find them frequenting logs, stumps, dead, trees, fence posts, and many other untreated wooden areas that are prone to wet rot. Unlike other subterranean termites, they don’t burrow underground and instead look for wooden areas they can burrow into. 

What To Look Out For

Water-damaged wood is the most common reason why most properties attract dampwood termites. Start outdoors – watch out for wooden objects like tree stumps, fallen branches, extra planks, and any wood that comes into direct contact with water and the ground. 

Dampwood termites aren’t subterranean termites and will find wood to burrow into rather than build underground. These attract dampwood termites onto the grounds of your property, which can then lead them to search for other wet wooden items indoors. 

If your property has experienced a major natural incident like heavy rains or storms, it’s important to check for signs of leaks or water damage. If left unchecked, this can both compromise the structure of your home while also attracting termites to come into your property. 

Signs of an Infestation

Termite nests can be built right under your nose. If you see signs of a dampwood termite infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. 

We can eradicate the termites on your property and then help you assess the damage to determine if you should have it professionally repaired or replaced. Some signs of an infestation on your property include:

• Wood damage. Unlike other termite species that burrow underground, dampwood termites tend to colonize in large pieces of decayed wood. If you find damage that goes across the grain, especially in decaying and rotten wood, there may be dampwood termites in it. 
• Dampwood termite feces. Instead of mud tubes, dampwood termites use their fecal pellets to seal the entry holes of the wood they infest. When the wood is soft and moist, the pellets are also moist and tend to stick to the wood. But if it’s dry on the outside, you can find the pellets on the ground. 
• Winged swarmer sightings. These may look like winged ants, but they’re actually male and female winged termites made for the purpose of finding new areas to start new colonies and mate. Some people may have difficulty telling these reproductive termites apart from winged ants, but dampwood termites are much larger than winged ants and can be identified by their straight antenna, four pairs of wings, and mandibles on the front. 

Let Positive Pest Management Protect Your Property

On top of water damage, wet rot, and structural instability, dampwood termites can cause substantial damage to your property. Keeping your home dry and controlling your indoor humidity and moisture content can prevent your property from attracting dampwood termites. But if you’re already experiencing an infestation, it’s best to contact reliable pest control services to remove all termite colonies from your property before seeking out professionals to repair the damage on your residential or commercial property. 

Contact Positive Pest Management can quickly and effectively remove insects from your property for your comfort and safety. Get back your peace of mind and contact us today to receive a free estimate on our termite control services.

Termites are destructive household pests that can cost you thousands of dollars in repair if left alone. While all termite species look the same to most people, there are actually termite species that require different pest control methods. Telling dampwood termites apart from their subterranean counterparts can help homeowners find the best way to get rid of them.

So what’s the difference between dampwood termites and subterranean termites? The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at their appearance and nesting habits. Dampwood termites are bigger than subterranean termites, don’t build their nest in the soil, andprefer attacking wood with high moisture content instead of sound wood. To eliminate termites or prevent infestations, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. 

How to Tell the Difference Between Dampwood vs. Subterranean Termites

About 600,000 homes report termite infestations every year, making these pests a common household problem in the United States. These invasive species attack wood for food and shelter, causing the building’s foundation to weaken and the property value to drop. Termites are hard to spot, so most termite damages are only discovered when it’s already severe.

Subterranean termites and dampwood termites are 2 of the most common species of termites to invade homes.Knowing which termite species you’re dealing with is important in choosing an effective treatment method against a termite infestation, but it might be difficult to differentiate them for people who aren’t familiar with insects.

Here are important differences to know between dampwood and subterranean termites: 

Appearance

Dampwood termites are the largest termite types to invade homes with bodies that measure about 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long. They also have a pair of antennae and 6 legs attached to their long, narrow, and oval bodies that are usually creamy white to brown in color. Another noticeable physical feature of dampwood termites is the large pinchers in their head.

On the other hand, subterranean termites are much smaller with bodies that are only about 1/8 inch long. They also have 6 legs, a pair of antennae, long and narrow bodies, and creamy white to dark brown or black color.

The physical appearance of subterranean termites varies according to which of the 3 distinct castes or roles in the colony they belong. The queen subterranean termite is the largest one in the colony while the king is much smaller.

The alates or reproductive termites have dark bodies and milky-colored wings. Worker termites have small jaws that allow them to chew dead wood and move materials around, while soldier termites have large mandibles they use to defend the colony. 

Nesting Habits

Subterranean species of termites are social insects that got their name from their nesting habit. They live in colonies underground and build tunnels into wooden structures in search of food. These pests need a lot of moisture, so a subterranean termite colony underground is always damp and cool.

Dampwood termites don’t live underground but they still need a lot of moisture to survive. These pests usually attack wet, rotting, or decaying wood in the house. They prefer staying near a water source like the leaky roof or faulty drainage systems. They can also build a dampwood termite colony in tree stumps, woodpiles, and leaf litters that are close to the soil. 

Diet

Both dampwood termites and subterranean termites consume wood to survive, but the main difference is that dampwood termites are commonly found in dead trees or rotten wood that has high moisture content.

Subterranean termites may attack decayed wood first and then move on to dry wood or sound wood if they need to. They just need the wooden structure to be in direct contact with soil where their main colony is located. 

Termite Damage

Regardless of their species, termite damages across the country can add up to about $5 billion every year. These destructive pests weaken the foundation of property by eating the wooden structures of the building, as well as the wood floorings. They also cause serious damage when they attack the antique wooden furniture in a home.

But aside from the structural damage they cause, dampwood termites also make it easier for microorganisms like fungi to attack the decaying or wet wood. The dampwood they leave behind also serves as a meal to other pests like carpenter ants and other termite types.

Termite damages also lower the value of a home if the homeowner has plans to sell it in the future. Most home insurance policies don’t cover this type of household issue, so homeowners have to prepare thousands of dollars out of their pocket to pay for the termite control treatments and repairs. 

Signs of Dampwood or Subterranean Termite Infestation

Dampwood termites, drywood termites, and subterranean termites are difficult to spot because of their size and color. But homeowners should remain vigilant of the things that happen in and out of their homes so they can spot a termite infestation before it causes a huge problem.

Here are the common signs of dampwood or subterranean termite activity to look out for:

• Mud Tubes – Subterranean termites create shelter tubes to travel between the colony and the food source without being exposed. Dampwood termites don’t make mud tubes when foraging.

• Hollow Wood – Termites usually attack wood inside out so homeowners might notice hollow sounds when they knock on the wooden walls, floors, or other timber materials.

• Frass – Subterranean termites may leave grainy fecal material near the opening of the infested wood, but dampwood termites cover the exit holes with their own fecal pellets.

• Discarded Wings – Winged termites or termite swarmers leave wings lying near the entry point of their chosen termite nests after the mating. 

Recommended Termite Control Methods

After identifying the types of termites in the property through a termite inspection, pest experts should develop a recommended termite treatment plan based on the situation.

For subterranean termites, most pest management professionals recommend applying a chemical barrier on the soil around the property. This kind of subterranean termite treatment prevents the pests from entering the house while ensuring that most of them die as they return to their main colony.

Direct treatment of the affected wood using borate-based products is the best extermination method for dampwood termites. The infested wood should then be discarded and replaced to avoid re-infestation.

But regardless of which species of termites attack your home, it’s important to have preventive measures in place after they’re treated. Make sure to fix all moisture problems at home, reduce humidity in crawl spaces, and avoid storing wood debris near the ground to keep your property termite-free. 

Hassle-Free Termite Extermination by Positive Pest Management

Subterranean and dampwood termite infestations can be a pain to deal with. DIY treatments are rarely successful in the long run, so it’s best to leave this kind of household issue in the hands of an experienced pest management expert like Positive Pest Management.

We are a top-rated pest control company based in NYC that uses proactive treatment methods to get rid of termites and other pests in residential and commercial properties. Get your peace of mind back and don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-294-3130 to book an appointment or request a free quote.

Nobody wants to see termites eating their wooden beams and furniture pieces at home, especially if it’s the dampwood termites which are the biggest of the bunch. These pests are a huge concern for many homeowners because of their large size and the amount of damages they cause in a short amount of time.

So how serious are the damages caused by dampwood termites? Dampwood termites attack wood that has excessive moisture content, causing them to be hollow or damaged by fungi. Replacing the infested wood and repairing all kinds of damages can cost a homeowner up to thousands of dollars out of their pocket. With this said, it’s important to eliminate dampwood termites the moment you see signs of their infestation, or better yet, keep them at bay. 

Dampwood Termites and The Damage They Cause

Termites are the worst pests to invade a home because they’re extremely destructive. These household pests are responsible for up to a collective $5 billion worth of property damages in the United States every year, so it’s important to keep your home free of termites and avoid thousands of dollars in repair.

One of the many species of termites that homeowners may find in their homes is dampwood termite. They’re the biggest termite species, which makes it easy for them to quickly attack the wet wood in a property and cause significant damage in a short time. It’s important to tell them apart from other species of termites so proper termite control measures can be applied before they cause further damage. 

Identifying Dampwood Termites

The first step to eliminating dampwood termites is to tell them apart from other types of termites like the Formosan termites, subterranean termites, and drywood termites.

Dampwood termites are larger than most termite species with a body that measures around 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long. They also have a pair of antennae and 6 legs attached to their long and narrow bodies that are creamy-white to dark brown in color. Some of them may also have wings that extend beyond the abdomen.

Nesting Habits of Dampwood Termites

Whether or not dampwood termites will attack and build their termite nests depends on the degree of moisture of the wood. They prefer damp and decaying wood over sound wood, hence their name.

Unlike subterranean termites, these pests don’t create dampwood termite colonies in the soil. They only attack wood structures on the ground, like tree stumps, fences, sheds, leaf litters, and decayed wood piles if they have high moisture content.

Aside from moist wood, these dampwood termites are also found near a source of moisture. Even if the climate is already humid, they still need close contact with water or else they won’t survive. 

Structural Damages By Dampwood Termites

Like other species of termites, dampwood termites that attack the wet or rotten wood in your home can cause serious structural damage. They weaken the foundation’s stability and even attract fungi that attack the moist wood structures.

One of the most alarming things about dampwood termite infestations is how hard they are to find. Unlike subterranean termites that create shelter tubes, these pests can completely live inside the wood they eat and remain unnoticed for years. They also plug the openings of the wood they attack to preserve humidity, making it hard for homeowners to spot openings on the damaged wood.

Although termites aren’t a health hazard to humans, they can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repair as they chew on the wet or dead wood around the property. Homeowners are also required to discuss to homebuyers about wood destroying insects that infested the home, lowering the value of the property by about 25%. 

How to Find Dampwood Termites At Home

One crucial part of eliminating dampwood termites at home is to know how and where to look for them. It’s essential to find them before they start causing irreparable damage, so make sure to look out for these signs and check these places for termite activity:

Signs of Dampwood Termite Activity

• Piles of shed wings after the swarming season
• Soft spots or hollow sounds in infested wood
• Smooth and velvety termite galleries in discarded wood
• Accumulation of ejected wood pellets
• Fecal pellets near the wood galleries or wood siding (usually elongated with round ends, but the surface isn’t flattened)

Places to Look For Dampwood Termites

• Any wooden structure that’s near a leaky pipe or another kind of water source
• Rotting planks
• Leaky roof eaves
• Log piles outside the house
• Fence posts
• Utility poles
• Planter boxes
• Dead trees
• Wet timber
• Tree stump 

What To Do About a Dampwood Termite Infestation

When it comes to treating dampwood termites, termite control service providers need to evaluate the degree of termite infestation first and check if these pests have soil contact or not before creating a dampwood termite extermination plan.

If the dampwood termites are nesting inside wood that isn’t in contact with soil, then pest management professionals should apply treatment methods similar to drywood termite extermination. But if the infested wood touches the ground, then the pest control company should use the appropriate treatment methods for subterranean termites.

Instead of simply eliminating one nest, it’s important to get rid of the entire colony of dampwood termites so they won’t repopulate and reinfest the property. Here’s an effective guide on how to eliminate the termites and keep your home safe from these pests: 

Step 1: Treat the Infested Wood with Bora Care

Bora Care is a borate-based product that’s mixed with equal parts of water to kill the dampwood termite as they feed on the treated wood. The thick solution is usually sprayed, foamed, or painted on the wood to interfere with the digestion of the termites. It also works well in getting rid of other termite species. 

Step 2: Replace the Damaged Wood

Most of the attacked wood is already dangerous to keep because they’re already hollow inside. There's also a chance that the surviving termites may reinfest if left alone, so make sure to prioritize the replacements of wood on the property after the treatment of termite attack. 

Step 3: Fix Moisture Issues

Moisture is critical to dampwood termites, so make sure that they won’t be attracted to your home anymore by fixing all the excess moisture problems. This includes issues like leaky pipes and faulty drainage systems. Another part of effective moisture control is to reduce the humidity of the home by correcting the ventilation in the basement, attic, and crawl space. 

Defend Your Home From Termites with Positive Pest Management

Dampwood termites can cost thousands of dollars in structural repair, so make sure that your home is free of these pests. If you suspect termite activity at home, don’t hesitate to call a pest management professional like Positive Pest Management to take care of the problem for you.

We use IPM-based methods to safely and effectively get rid of dampwood termites without harming the residents, their pets, and the environment. We also provide tips and preventative measures to keep your home termite-free for a long time.

To know more about our pest control services or book a free estimate, call us now at 1-800-294-3130.

Termite infestation is a widespread problem and it can affect almost any homeowner. There are many different types of termites and it’s important to know which one you have in order to determine the appropriate method to treat them. Two of the common termite pests that usually pose a great deal of frustration are dampwood and drywood termites. 

So how do you distinguish dampwood termites from drywood termites? Dampwood termites species prefer to live in decayed wood with a high amount of moisture content. Meanwhile, drywood termites don’t need moisture requirements and they can live in dry, sound wood. They’re a more destructive species than dampwood termites and cause severe structural damage and infest furniture and other wooden materials. 

Identifying Dampwood from Drywood Termites: Differences You Need To Know   

When it comes to termite species, everyone is probably already familiar with the Formosan termites and subterranean termites. They’re some of the easily recognizable pests with their cream-colored bodies, elongated heads, and large mandibles which they use to chew through wood. They can be found in almost any part of the country, unlike drywood and dampwood termites which usually infest homes in the southern part of the US and along the Pacific Coast.

Another thing to note about subterranean termites is that they feed mostly on wooden elements, making them the most destructive species of termites. However, dampwood and drywood termites can also pose a significant threat to your property and it’s important to know how to look for them to minimize the damage they can cause. 

Here are the main characteristics that you need to know about drywood and dampwood termites: 

What Do These Termite Types Look Like? 

The color of the bodies of dampwood termites can vary from creamy white to dark brown. Their sizes can also differ depending on their caste, with soldier termites growing up to 1/2-3/4 inch and swarmers up to 1 inch with their wings. Their reproductives, or the king and queen termite, can grow between ½ to 5/8 inch in length. Their large head also features a mandible on the front. 

On the other hand, drywood termite species are smaller than the family of dampwood termites. Typically, their soldiers can grow about 3/8 inches and the reproductive termites measure about 1/2 inch in length. Their bodies are usually dark brown but some species can have a light brown or yellowish shade. Their winged termites usually have a pair of wings that are transparent or gray in color. They also feature a set of mandibles with teeth on their head. 

How Do Their Nesting Habits and Behaviors Differ? 

As implied by their name, damp wood termites are attracted to environments and food sources with a high degree of moisture. Outdoors, they can build their colonies within decaying tree stumps, rotten wood, fence posts, and utility poles. Meanwhile, indoor dampwood termites can be found hiding in infested wood furniture, crawl spaces, and isolated areas with excess moisture. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need to rely on contact with soil to survive. 

Drywood termites are a unique type of pests because they don’t require access to water and soil contact. They tend to live above ground and actively search for sound wood where they can establish their nests. For this reason, dry wood termites are the common culprits for damage in wooden beams, wood siding, flooring, furniture, and structural timbers of your home. 

They also like to feed on any cellulose-containing material such as paper and cardboard. They can also be found nesting on firewood, tree stumps, and dead wood. 

When Do They Usually Swarm?

Swarming refers to the activity when the winged termites leave their colonies and fly in search of a new living environment. Termite swarms typically occur when their existing colony has matured or reached maximum size and capacity. During swarming seasons, thousands of alates or winged adults emerge from the termite nests with the purpose of mating, reproducing, and building a new colony. 

Dampwood termites are usually active throughout the year but their swarms can take flight during the summer months. It normally occurs during evenings when the humidity in the environment is high. Meanwhile, drywood termite swarmers typically come out during late summer or early fall. You can mostly find the traces of drywood termite activity on window sills where they usually discard their pairs of wings after mating. 

How Much Damage Can They Do To Properties? 

Drywood termites are an aggressive termite species and once they’ve fed on wooden structures, they can cause costly and irreparable structural damage. They tend to create termite galleries or chambers within the wood they’ve infested so you may notice a hollow sound when inspecting wooden surfaces or furniture. They may also damage the joists in your flooring, causing your tiles to sag and become loose. 

Meanwhile, the extent of damage by dampwood termites isn’t as severe as the destruction caused by subterranean and drywood termites. Most of the time, wooden structures that have been infested by dampwood species appear smooth inside and may also have a hollow sound.  

Signs of Dampwood and Drywood Termite Infestation  

Although drywood and dampwood termites are both wood-dwelling pests, there are different ways to determine the presence of their activity in your home. Here are the usual signs of infestation for drywood and dampwood species: 

Drywood termite	Dampwood termites
You can typically find them behind wood framings,  attics, cracks, vents, and under eaves and overhangs You’ll notice frass droppings nearby their kick-out holes from their nests Hollow-sounding wood and squeaky floors also indicate drywood termite infestation Flying drywood termites also like to shed their wings on windowsills after swarming	They don’t build shelter tubes on wood surfaces like most termite species do but they leave signs of fecal material or pellets inside their galleries You may also find discarded wings near horizontal surfaces or doors and window sills If you cut a piece of damaged wood, you may notice that it looks clean and soft inside since they like to eat the grain of decaying wood

Common Pest Control Methods To Get Rid Of Dampwood and Drywood Termites 

For Dampwood Termites: 

• Termite bait stations - Bait systems are installed within the perimeter of your property and they contain food infused with a slow-acting insecticide. They work by attracting worker termites so they’ll bring back the toxic bait and share it with their entire colony. This method has been proven effective for exterminating the whole family of termites.
• Liquid treatment - This termite treatment involves placing a chemical substance in the soil around your home. It creates a protective barrier that can keep pests away and kill the worker termites that go near it. 

For Drywood Termites: 

• Localized or spot treatment - Termite spot treatments involve drilling holes into wooden surfaces and injecting an amount of termiticide. This method works if you’ve determined a localized termite infestation in your home. 
• Wood treatment - This pest control method involves application of a termite repellent on the outer surface of wooden structures to prevent drywood termites from infesting and nibbling on them. 

How To Keep Dampwood and Drywood Termites Away From Your Property 

To avoid having termites in your home and to prevent a severe infestation from breaking out, here are some reminders that can help you make your home unattractive for these pests: 

• Look for any possible source of moisture such as roof leaks, plumbing problems, and water leak from the AC. Be sure to repair them before dampwood termites settle in these environments. 
• Replace damaged wood and use pressure-treated wood since they’re less vulnerable to decaying and won’t easily attract termites. 
• Avoid placing stacks of firewood near to your home and keep them away from the ground. 
• Drywood termites can also gain access to food sources via small openings so make sure to seal possible entry holes, cracks, and crevices. 
• Place infested wood or furniture outside in the sun to remove excess moisture. Most termites can’t stand the heat so they may be killed by putting them under sun exposure. 

Get Expert Help For Your Termite Problem at Positive Pest Management 

Dealing with a termite infestation begins with identifying which species of wood termite you have in your home. Dampwood and drywood termites have distinct nesting habits, swarming behaviors, and signs of infestation. 

Consulting with a pest control company can also help you better determine which type of termite is the source of your problem. At Positive Pest Management, our team of pest control technicians can perform termite inspections and recommend the best treatment approach for your space. We’re also experienced with exterminating other household pests like bed bugs, ants, rodents, and roaches. Contact us now to learn more about our pest control solutions.

Termites can remain active throughout the year and even cold weather conditions cannot stop them from taking shelter and hiding deep within wood structures inside your home. One of the common species of termites that you may likely find indoors is the dampwood termite.  

So what attracts dampwood termites to get inside your home? Dampwood termites get their name because they actively look for decayed wood surfaces and wooden structures with water-related damage or excess moisture content. If you have an existing roof leak, damaged water pipes, plumbing issue, or ventilation problems, dampwood termites will be easily drawn to your home. 

What Causes Dampwood Termite Infestations Indoors?  

Termites aren’t only a nuisance household pest but their infestation could lead to structural damage and costly annual repairs. Unfortunately, these invasive pests are silent wood destroyers and you might not notice that you have a dampwood termite infestation until you see visible property damage. 

Being proactive in pest control and using preventative measures can go a long way in avoiding a severe dampwood termite problem. One of the most crucial steps in termite control is having good knowledge about what starts an infestation. Here are the possible reasons for an indoor dampwood termite infestation: 

1) You have ventilation problems which cause high humidity indoors 

Having poor ventilation can cause moisture and condensation to accumulate in the foundation walls and wood surfaces inside your home. This can make your house an attractive nesting place for dampwood termites since they have high moisture requirements to survive.  

2) You have old furniture with rotten wood 

Termites are notorious for being wood destroyers and if you have wooden furniture, there’s always the risk of having a termite infestation. However, dampwood termites will just not infest any wood and they’re more interested in damaged and decaying wood. They’re likely to attack old furniture with untreated wood that has started to rot or have accumulated mildew and fungus. 

3) You have leakage problems 

Another possible cause of dampwood termite infestations is that you have unresolved plumbings issues or water problems. Leaky faucets, sinks, and air conditioners can increase moisture levels and invite termite pests to settle inside your home. Dampwood termites are likely to hide in the crawl spaces, basements, wooden door frames, and attics where there’s excessive moisture.

4) Your drainage is not working properly due to clogged gutters 

Having clogged gutters and downspouts can affect how water flows away from the roof of your house. If it’s not draining properly, the water can spill over the sides of the gutters and damage your foundation. This can eventually lead to the accumulation of moisture in the exterior walls and create an ideal nesting ground for dampwood termites. Water may also drain to the soil in the ground and attract dampwood termites once it becomes excessively moist. 

5) Your home has direct wood to ground contact 

Having some parts of your home’s foundation or structural wood in direct contact with moist soil can make it easy for dampwood termites to enter inside. If you have overgrown shrubs or tree limbs that are extending to your home, the termite pests can use them as a way to sneak inside your home. The tree branches may also block the entry of sunlight into your home and encourage moisture to accumulate indoors. 

6) You have plenty of dead woods, tree stumps, logs around your home 

Placing stacks of firewood and damp wood piles close to your home can also attract dampwood termites. Likewise, if you have garden mulch touching the wood siding or foundation of your home, the termites can use this as a bridge to enter your house and destroy the structural integrity of your property. 

How Do You Know If It’s A Dampwood Termite? 

There are thousands of termite species scattered throughout the country and any one of them can be the culprit of infestation in your home. It’s important to have an idea about the unique characteristics of each termite type to know which species is invading your property. Here are the differences between the common termites: 

1) Dampwood termites

These pests are normally larger in size compared to other types of termites. Its soldier caste and nymph dampwood termites can grow up to 1/2 to 3/4 inches and the winged swarmers can measure up to 1 inch. 

They generally have brown bodies but their nymph caste have a creamy white appearance. Dampwood termites are active year-round but they usually go out to swarm during late summer months.  

2) Drywood termites  

Unlike dampwood termites, the drywood species are more likely to infest dry and sound wood, furniture, flooring, support beams, and can be found hiding in the cracks, holes, and wall voids inside the home. 

They appear smaller in size, ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. The worker caste usually have cream-colored bodies, the soldiers can appear dark to light brown, and the reproductive termites can vary from brown to black with translucent sets of wings. 

3) Subterranean termites 

These termites prefer to live underground where they have access to soil. However, they can also travel inside homes through the cracks in the foundation and feed on the wooden materials and structures indoors. The workers of subterranean termites can measure up to 1/4 inch while the swarmers can grow up to one-half inch long with a pair of termite wings. 

These termites are known for building mud tubes on wall surfaces, ceilings, and baseboards so if you see some mud-like tubes inside your home, you most likely have a subterranean termite infestation. You may also find swarms of subterranean termites during warmer months. 

4) Formosan termites 

Formosan termites are a sub-species of subterranean termites and they are one of the most destructive wood-eating pests. They can measure up to 1/2 inch long and they have cream to light brown bodies with yellowish wings. Formosan termite colonies can be found inside walls, attics, and roof areas of homes and buildings. They may also establish their nests above ground near water sources.  

Common Signs Of A Dampwood Termite Infestation  

Unlike other termites, the dampwood species don’t usually leave any external evidence like mud shelter tubes or kick out holes in the wood that they’re infesting. Dampwood termites do a good job at hiding themselves so you may need the help of pest control professionals to confirm their activity in your home. During a pest inspection, the team may look for the following warning signs of dampwood termites: 

• Discarded termite wings - Like any other termite swarmers, the reproductives of dampwood termites will shed their wings once they land after swarming. They’re usually drawn toward light fixtures so they will discard their wings near windowsills or floors in your front porch. 
• Termite droppings or fecal pellets - Dampwood termites can also leave fecal material or frass droppings. Most of the time, the droppings are stuck to the sides of the galleries that they create or piled outside the wood structures.
• Hollow sound - When tapping on the surface of an infested wood, you may notice a hollow or soft sound that occurs because the dampwood termites has eaten away most of the wood material. They also like to create chambers in wood which is the most common sign of their wood damage. 

What To Do If You Find Dampwood Termites Indoors?  

There are several preventive measures and pest control methods that can help mitigate dampwood termite infestation. Here are some of the things that you can do to get rid of these termites: 

• Eliminate moisture sources by fixing your plumbing and water-related problems 
• Replace rotting wood and use pressure-treated wood materials to prevent termite infestations 
• Use a dehumidifier to control indoor air flow and avoid excessive moisture levels 
• Don’t place firewood, wood debris, or any structural lumber close to your home foundation  
• Avoid using mulch for your landscaping and remove direct wood to soil contact 

You should also consider calling a professional pest control company that can help exterminate dampwood termites. Depending on the extent of the infestation, they may recommend either of the following termite control methods to solve your pest problem: 

• Termite baiting systems - Bait stations work by using a slow-acting insecticide bait which the worker or nymph termites will share with the members of their colony. When installed in the right location, bait stations can effectively eradicate the entire dampwood termite colony. 
• Barrier treatment - Termite barriers are designed to prevent dampwood termites from entering your home. This method can place either chemical liquid treatments or soil treatments within the perimeter of your home to stop the termites who are attempting to look for food indoors.
• Heat treatment - This termite control method helps raise the indoor temperature to eliminate moisture and kill the termites that are nesting inside the wood in your home. 

Eliminate Your Termite Problem With Positive Pest Management   

Dampwood termites prefer living outdoors where they are close to moist soil, dead trees, and decaying wood. However, they can also invade your home if you have wood structures with water damage, damp walls and surfaces, leaky pipes, and ventilation issues. 

Our team of experts at Positive Pest Management can help make your home free from dampwood termites. We offer comprehensive pest management solutions, prevention measures, and extermination programs to help give you back your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection with our team.

There are several ways you can address the problem of dampwood termite infestation at home. This can include termite-proofing your property by removing any moisture source, fixing leaky roofs and pipes, and getting rid of piles of damaged wood. However, one of the best ways to protect your property is by eliminating these termites with bait systems.  

So how can termite bait stations help kill dampwood termites? Bait stations contain paper, cardboard, or any wood material mixed with an effective insecticide that will kill the termites. The worker termites will discover the bait station during their search for food and they will take the toxic bait and share it with other members and the queen in their colony. Termite baits are slow-acting and it can take a few months for the entire termite colony to be eliminated.

A Guide To Using Bait Systems for Dampwood Termites  

Among the different types of termites, the dampwood termite species are less likely to be found inside wood surfaces and infested furniture like subterranean termites and drywood termites. 

However, they may still be present in your home and hide within crawl spaces, attic spaces, leaky roof eaves, utility poles, and frames of buildings that have a high degree of moisture content. They’re also more likely to nest in infested wood and structural lumber with soil contact. 

These termites are silent workers and you may not know that you have them until you notice significant damage to your home’s wooden structures and support beams. When you want a pest control method that can help you find the source of termite infestation and eliminate them gradually, installing a termite bait station can be a good solution. 

What Do You Need To Know About Termite Baits 

Termite baiting is an extermination approach that kills the termite population slowly but it can guarantee the removal of the entire colony. It uses an active slow-acting insecticide combined with any cellulose material such as paper, cardboard, and moist wood. 

Baiting takes advantage of the fact that dampwood termites are social insects and they survive by relying on worker termites who frequently go out to look for food for the colony. Termite baits are strategically set up below the ground or within the perimeter of the home where the worker termites usually travel to. 

During their forage for food, the worker termites will discover the bait station and mark it with their pheromone trail so that other termites will easily find it. They’ll take the bait and carry it back to the colony where they will share it with other members and feed it to the queen and king termites. 

The insecticides used in bait stations are primarily insect growth regulators and they affect the immature termites that are still growing while having little effect on the adult dampwood termite workers and winged reproductives. 

However, once the immature termites die, the colony will have fewer members that can search for food and maintain their nest. After a few weeks without getting food, the king, queen, and worker termites will starve and the entire colony will eventually die. 

What Is The Process for Dampwood Termite Baiting?

It’s important to seek the help of a pest management professional when you want to install termite bait stations in your home. The process for setting up baits can be quite complex and it requires a well-thought-out strategy to efficiently eliminate the dampwood termite colony. Here are the procedures for effective termite baiting: 

1) Termite inspection 

The first step in termite baiting is having a team of termite control experts do a thorough assessment of your home. Termite inspections are an essential part of the pre-baiting process since it helps detect the possible locations of the mature colonies. This also gives you an idea of where to best place the bait system so that the worker termites will easily find and take the bait. 

2) Installation of bait systems 

After inspection, the bait stations will be installed underground about 2-4 feet away from the foundation of the home. To increase the chances of being discovered by the worker termites, multiple baits are usually set up at least 10 to 15 feet away from each other. Additional baits may also be placed near areas where they’re known to infest such as tree stumps, decayed wood, and dead limbs or tree branches in the garden. 

3) Pre-baiting and monitoring 

During the pre-baiting stage, you’ll need to create a feeding connection with the termite colony and the bait system. Like most species of termites, dampwood termites feed on cellulose so you may prepare cellulose-containing food sources like paper, cardboard, or wood in the feeding or inspection cartridge. 

In order to establish a solid feeding connection with the worker termites, it’s important to place food consistently in areas where they won’t be disturbed. During pre-baiting, the worker termites will continuously take the bait from the station while leaving behind their pheromone so they can communicate to other termites how to get to their food source. 

The process of pre-baiting can take some time but once you’ve successfully created a connection with the colony and the bait station, you can begin to slowly add the active toxicant. 

4) Addition of the toxic active ingredient

Once the worker termites have started to regularly feed on the bait systems, an insecticide will be mixed with the food in the feeding station. Most of the time, pest control experts use an insect growth regulator which targets the young termites and interrupts their life cycle by inhibiting their growth and reproduction. 

The immature termites in the colony will continuously feed on this growth hormone until they die out. Once the young termites are exterminated, there will be fewer termites who can scavenge and replenish their food supply. This will eventually cause the reproductives and adult winged termites to starve to their death until the whole colony is exterminated. 

5) Termite extermination and control 

Getting rid of the entire dampwood termite colony can take some time depending on the size of their nest and the amount of insecticide that was used. It can take several months for termite bait stations to completely kill the colony. It’s important to regularly check and maintain the bait stations on a monthly basis to ensure that the baits haven’t been depleted yet. 

How Effective Are Baits For Dampwood Termites?  

When installed and used properly, bait stations can effectively wipe out the entire family of dampwood termites. They’re also proven helpful for preventing a serious infestation by controlling termite activity just when they’re beginning to invade your property. Some pest control experts say that termite baits can also work even when you’re unsure about the exact location of their nest. 

Baiting systems can also be an excellent long-term solution for termite control. When set up in the right places, the bait stations can deter worker termites from entering your home and infesting on your wooden structures and foundation. Proper bait station monitoring and maintenance is the key to successfully protecting your home from the threat of dampwood termites.

Benefits of Using Baits as Termite Treatments

Unlike the conventional barrier treatments, baiting stations are more convenient and you don’t have to worry about setting them up on your own since you can get professional pest control experts to do it for you. It also offers other advantages which can include: 

1) It gets rid of the colony by killing the king and queen

When you want to eliminate a termite colony, you need to target its reproductive members which are the kings and queens. The king and queen termites are responsible for mating and growing the population of their colony. With bait stations, the worker termites can continuously feed on the bait and share it directly with the king and queen. 

Once the king and queen are taken out, it’ll be hard for the existing colony to thrive and the remaining worker termites will only be able to live for a few more weeks. 

2) It’s environment-friendly and safe for kids 

Other common pest control options such as boric acid, insecticide sprays, and liquid and soil treatment aren’t entirely safe and eco-friendly. However, most termite bait systems are chemical-free so you don’t have to worry about the risk of insecticide poisoning or affecting your soil and plants with harmful chemicals. 

3) It can provide year-round termite control and protection 

Unlike chemical treatments which can be affected by the composition and temperature of the soil surface, termite baits are designed to withstand different weather conditions. For this reason, baiting systems aren’t easily compromised and can effectively provide termite protection regardless of the season and environmental conditions. 

4) It doesn’t require indoor drilling

Chemical and liquid treatments are normally applied by indoor drilling or digging into the soil around your home. On the other hand, the use of termite baits doesn’t require indoor drilling and they’re usually installed outdoors. 

When Is The Right Time To Set Up Bait Stations? 

To know the best time when you should install bait stations, you need to know when the dampwood termites are most active. While you can notice them at any time of the year, their swarming activity usually occurs during the months of August to October. 

During this period, you may find increased signs of their infestation which can include droppings of their fecal pellets and discarded wings of the reproductive termites. You may also notice a hollow sound when you tap structural wood which is a common sign of termite damage by dampwood termites. 

To successfully bait dampwood termites, it’s recommended to install them during late-fall and winter months. During this period, termites tend to look for food within the vicinity of their colony so if you’ve installed a bait station nearby, there’s a high chance of discovery. You can also set up bait systems during summer but it may be less effective since termites usually forage in farther areas during this time. 

Tips To Avoid A Severe Dampwood Termite Infestation

A serious dampwood termite infestation can be a great deal of frustration and they can be harder to control once they’ve infested in large numbers. To avoid a serious termite problem, here are some preventative measures that you can do: 

• Fix ventilation inside your home and repair plumbing problems such as leaky showers and pipes to remove a possible source of moisture 
• Replace or get rid of infested and rotten wood in conjunction with elimination of a moist environment 
• Don’t place any damp wood debris, tree branches, fence posts, and other wooden materials inside your garage or next to your property 
• Check your foundation and eliminate direct wood contact with soil 
• Use wood treatment like Bora-Care to prevent decay or damage to any sound wood 

Get Professional Termite Control At Positive Pest Management 

Bait stations are an effective method of termite control that can eradicate the entire colony of dampwood termites. However, since it has delayed action in killing termites, you need to have patience and be sure to regularly monitor and maintain the bait systems to ensure their effectiveness. 

At Positive Pest Management, we take pride in offering quality pest control services and prevention measures to keep your home termite-free. Our team of technicians has experience in treating any kinds of household pests including ants, rodents, bed bugs, and roaches. Call us today to schedule your home inspection and get a personalized pest control program.

When you find a termite swarmer within your property, the chances are high that there’s a mature colony nearby and they’re threatening to start an infestation in your home. These swarmers are most likely coming from nearby nests or mounds where termites live with their colonies. Depending on the species of termites, the common places where they build their nests depend on their preferred habitats. 

So where are you most likely to find a dampwood termite nest? Dampwood termite species prefer to establish their nests in places with excess moisture. They typically nest inside decayed wood, damp logs, stumps, and dead trees. They’re also likely to enter homes and infest wooden structures and furniture if you have plumbing problems, roof leaks, and other moisture issues. 

Where Are Dampwood Termite Nests Usually Found? 

Dampwood termites are aptly named because of their unique preference to live inside damp and rotting wood. Unlike other species of termites, they don’t require contact with soil but instead, they need close access to water. For this reason, they usually build their termite colonies in places with high humidity and moisture content. 

Here are some of the ideal nesting locations of dampwood termites: 

• Moist wood
• Wood surfaces that have been exposed to water damage 
• Wooden siding and construction beams that have been destroyed by rainfall, leaks, or irrigation 
• Rotting firewood 
• Crawl spaces, baseboards, door frames, and attics 
• Nearby leaky showers, damaged roof eaves, moist sheds, and other wooden structures with poor ventilation or water issues 
• Utility poles and fence posts 
• Old furniture with untreated wooden surfaces

What Do Termite Nests Typically Look Like? 

The appearance of termite nests can vary depending on which type of termite species built them. But generally, most nests of termites can be found in trees, soil mounds, or hidden underground. Here are the main types of nests that can be established by termites: 

1) Ground mounds 

There are one-piece nest structures built above the ground and they’re usually created from fecal material, saliva, and mud. Termite mounds are carefully constructed with a series of tunnels which worker termites use when searching for food and it also acts as a chamber for their air supply and regulates the temperature inside. 

These ground mounds are known for having a particularly large size, with the biggest one recorded at 19 feet wide and the tallest mound measured at 41 feet wide. The common species that build ground mounds are termites that live in hot climates such as the Macrotermes termite type. 

2) Tree nests

These are termite nests that are usually found attached to the branches, barks, or trunks of large trees. Trees are abundant in cellulose which is the termites’ favorite food source. You may usually find visible shelter tubes or mud tubes constructed along the tree surfaces and this structure protects them from predators and serves as their path when foraging for food. 

Some wood-infesting termites can also build their nests at the base of the trees and slowly infest the living tree by munching on its roots and bark in the soil. The common termites that establish tree nests are Nasutitermes and Microcerotermes termites. 

3) Pole nests

These are nests that are found on human structures like fence posts, utility poles, and telephone poles. Like other termite nests, they are usually constructed from fecal matter and soil and have a rough or grainy appearance from the outside. Dampwood termites are one of the common species that are known to build pole nests, especially if there’s obvious decaying on the wood surface. 

4) Subterranean nests

These are underground nest structures that are usually located at least 4 to 18 inches below the soil. These nests contain several chambers or termite galleries which are connected by the tunnels that termites use to get to their food source. The subterranean termites and Formosan termite species are the ones who commonly build these types of nests. They may also build secondary colonies away from their main nest if they find a suitable habitat with adequate moisture. 

5) Tree wood nests 

These are nests constructed inside living or dead trees. Both dampwood and drywood termites are known for dwelling inside trees. For drywood termites, they can live directly within sound wood and create tunnels or chambers inside the trees that are infesting. On the other hand, dampwood termite nests can be found inside dead wood or decaying trees. 

What Is Inside A Dampwood Termite Nest? 

Dampwood termites are social insects and the members of their colony work together to maintain their nests and ensure their survival. Their nests are more than just a pile of dirt, soil, and fecal matter. It can contain thousands of termite members and since they follow a caste system, each termite has a role of their own.

Here are the different types of termites in a dampwood colony: 

1) Reproductive termites 

During swarming season, winged reproductives emerge from their existing colonies and search for a suitable location where they can create their new colonies. Once the termite swarmers find their mate, they shed their wings and become the respective king and queen termites of the new colony. 

Dampwood termite reproductives can measure between 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length. They tend to have brown to light tan and yellowish bodies with a pair of dark brown wings.

2) Nymphs or immature termites 

Dampwood termite colonies typically don’t have a worker caste. However, they have nymphs or young termites who take up most of the responsibilities of worker termites. They can grow up to 5/8 inches long and although they’re small, they can do their job of searching for food and bringing it back to their colony. 

They’re usually wingless but they can grow to become winged adults by undergoing molting which is a process where they shed their exoskeletons to become fully-developed reproductives. When the colonies reach maturity, they can take part during the swarming season. 

3) Soldier termites

Dampwood termite soldiers can measure up to 3/4 inch in length and they have distinct large dark brown heads with sharp mandibles. The soldier termites are primarily tasked with protecting the colony and nest from external predators. If they detect a threat, they will send a signal to their colony and they are capable of biting other pests who attempt to attack their nests. 

Signs That A Dampwood Termite Nest Is Active 

There are different signs that can indicate that there’s an existing dampwood termite colony within your property. Here are the usual pieces of evidence of dampwood termite infestation: 

1) Discarded wings 

When dampwood termites swarmers find their mate, they shed their wings on surfaces like windowsills or near door frames before going off to look for a new place to build their colony. You may find increased sightings of termite wings during summer months which is the optimal time for swarming for dampwood termites. 

2) Hollow sound

Dampwood termites like to create galleries inside the wooden structures that they infest and this can lead to a hollow, soft sound that you can hear when you tap on the surface. This happens because the majority of the interior of the wood structure has been eaten away. Another sign of damage by dampwood termite is when the inside of the wood looks smooth and clean. 

3) Fecal pellets 

When you cut open a decayed wood, you may also find frass or fecal droppings stuck to the sides of their galleries. In some cases, you may find them piled up just outside the structures that they’re infesting. 

What Attracts Dampwood Termites To Your Property? 

In order to survive, dampwood termites are always in search of food sources and will establish their nesting sites wherever they find a suitable environment. Here are some of the living conditions that may be attracting dampwood termites to your property:  

1) Decaying piles of wood 

Stacks of firewood and rotting wood debris are the number one attractant for dampwood termites. They may also be easily drawn to dead trees, logs, and stumps in your backyard. To prevent a possible infestation, make sure to keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and eliminate direct soil contact. You should clear your vicinity and remove dead wood from your property. 

2) Crawl spaces, vents, and clogged gutters 

Houses with leaking structures, poor ventilation, and plumbing issues are ideal living locations for dampwood termites since it has excess moisture. Additionally, clogged gutters can lead to unwanted build-up of leaves and water which can cause damage to homes by forming molds in roofs and attracting dampwood termites. You should make sure to fix and repair any leak problems, regularly check your ventilation, and clean the gutters to avoid these pests. 

3) Mulch  

While using mulch can improve your home’s landscaping, it can contribute to an increase in soil moisture which can become an attractive source of food for dampwood termites. It’s best to use alternatives to mulch or if you really want to, just install them at least several feet away from the home’s foundation. 

Common Dampwood Termite Control Methods 

Pest control professionals can use different approaches to solve your termite infestation. Here are the common effective methods for exterminating dampwood termites: 

• Wood treatment - This termite treatment involves application of insecticide or repellent to wood surfaces. You can also apply a coat of varnish to the wood to prevent them from termites or use a wood sealant to control moisture and protect them from water damage. Another option is to use pressure-treated wood for your outdoor furniture and construction elements.
• Bait stations - Termite bait systems contain an active insecticide bait that worker termites will bring back to their colony. When termite baits are installed in the right locations, it can be effective for eliminating the entire colony.
• Heat treatment - This termite control method is effective for killing termites inside the house. It is done by sealing the house and using heaters or fans to bring hot air into the interior of the home. This method works for dampwood termites because excessive heat can effectively reduce indoor moisture. 
• Barrier treatment - Termite barriers help prevent termites from finding access to your home. It can use liquid treatments which involve placing chemical termiticide within the perimeter of the home or soil treatments that use contaminated soil to repel termites.  

Work With The Best Termite Control Professionals at Positive Pest Management 

Dampwood termites may not be as destructive as the drywood and subterranean termites but its infestation can still be a great cause of concern for many homeowners. To protect your property from a serious dampwood termite problem, you should minimize sources of moisture and dead wood where they’re likely to build their nests. 

At Positive Pest Management, we can help you take control of your termite issues with our pest control services. We can offer a comprehensive pest control and management program which includes inspection, extermination, and prevention to keep your homes termite-free. Call us today and schedule a home visit from our pest control team.

There is no homeowner who’s completely safe from the risk for termite infestation and other pest problems. Without a proper termite control or barrier in place, termites will always find their way into your home in search of food source and shelter to ensure their survival. It’s important to know that termites are active almost all year round so it’s best to always be prepared to keep swarms of flying termites away from your property. 

So could a flying termite come from a neighbor’s house? You won’t necessarily get an infestation of flying termites from your neighbor. Professional pest control companies today can effectively kill a single termite colony without driving them to your property. However, there’s a chance that your home may be infected with termites since it could mean that the termites are already present within the vicinity of your community.  

Can Termites Fly From Your Neighbor’s Home to Yours?  

Termites are one of the most active pests that cause problems for many homeowners in the United States. In particular, the subterranean termite and the drywood termite are the two common termite species that infest homes. They’re also destructive and can cause significant termite damage that annually amounts to millions of dollars in damage and repair. 

If you live in an area or state where these pests are widespread, there’s a high possibility that you and your neighbor will be a potential living space for termites. Even if you haven’t detected any sign of termite activity in your home, you should be on high alert if your neighbors have reported that they have a flying termite problem. 

The preferred method of travel of termites is through the mud tubes that the worker termites create in the underground or along cracks inside the walls. Once they have established their colony in one house, they will stay put in that place and occasionally roam the area for food.

It’s during their peak swarming season that winged termites emerge from the colony and find a new location for their termite nest. A swarming termite may depart from their original colony to find their mate and then fly until they make their way to your home. If the living conditions in your property are desirable for them, they will land on your ground and enter your house through the gaps or holes in the foundation connected to the soil. 

In most cases, your neighbors will call for a professional termite exterminator or pest control company to handle their termite infestation. They can choose among soil treatment, termite baiting system, or fumigation (termite tenting) to exterminate the termites in their property. The treatments are precise and they will kill the termites inside the house without pushing them away to your house. 

What Should Be Your Next Step if Your Neighbor Has a Termite Infestation? 

So you’ve discovered that your neighbor has recently gotten help from a pest control company to eliminate their termite issue. The best thing you can do is to check for any signs of flying termites swarm in your own home. Here are some of the most visible signs of termite presence: 

• Severely damaged wood structures - Check your walls, furniture, or even flooring for any sign of structural damage or chewing done by termites. Drywood termites love to feed on cellulose which is found on many dry wood structures and surfaces.
• Shedded or discarded termite wings - Once these flying insects have found a location where they will build their colony, they will slough off their wings from their body. You can spot a small heap of wings on surfaces like window sills, corners, attics, and on the ground.
• Presence of mud tubes - A sign of subterranean termite infestation is the sighting of a mud tube or shelter tube along walls and foundation. Termites build mud tubes for the sole purpose of protection from other insect predators and it’s where they usually pass through when bringing food to their entire colony.
• Piles of termite droppings or frass - Termite frass or droppings are residuals of the wood that the termites have chewed or eaten. After consuming wood, they will push out the frass and leave them outside their nest.
• Hollow wood sounds - Wood furniture or surfaces that have been infested by termites will have a hollow or echoing sound. Tapping or knocking on the surface will help confirm if you have current termite activity.
• Noises inside the walls - If you listen closely or use a stethoscope to find termites inside walls, you can hear a rattling sound. Termites make this sound when they’re disturbed or threatened or when they’re munching on the wood. 

If you have checked all these signs, the next thing you should do is to call a professional pest control company to do a thorough professional inspection of your home. They will help confirm that you have a termite attack and will pinpoint the exact location where they built their entire colony. The team will suggest the right termite solution that can help eliminate them and prevent further damage to your home.

Termite Swarms: Why They Happen and What You Should Do When You See One

There are different types of termites that may be causing a ruckus inside your home. The most common household termite species are the subterranean termites, formosan termites (also known as formosan subterranean termite), drywood termites, and dampwood termites. They all have distinct appearances but the one thing they have in common is their swarming activity. 

To better understand why active termites swarm, you have to understand that termites are social insects and they follow a specific caste system within their colony. An active termite colony is usually comprised of the following: 

• Reproductive termites - these are the king and queen termites, and they’re responsible for mating and building their colony. 
• Worker termites - they’re the largest group in a colony and they often scavenge for food and help maintain the termite nest. 
• Soldier termites - they’re essentially the guardians of the colony and they protect the queen from predators. 

When a colony matures, winged termites or alates prepare to leave the colony. Termite swarmers usually come out at night and they’re drawn to areas with light. The swarm will last for several minutes to hours. Successful pairs of termites will look for a new suitable location for their colony and if you’re unlucky, they may decide to settle in your home. So if you find an ongoing swarming activity in the streets, you should switch off your lights to avoid luring them inside. 

How to Control and Get Rid of Flying Termites for Good  

It’s never too early or too late to put up termite prevention measures that will repel flying termites from your home. Here are some of the best practices to help termite-proof your surroundings: 

• Seal any holes, cracks, and gaps where winged termites could enter from the outside.  
• Keep any water drainage away from your home foundation and fix any leakage under the water pipes, roofs, and fixtures to prevent attracting termites to the moisture.  
• Use a termite treatment such as termiticide or insecticide to kill termites within the vicinity of your home. With the help of an expert, you can create a termite barrier using termiticides to keep them away. 
• Make sure to situate termite attractants such as stacks of firewood, tree stumps, and wood piles away from your home. 

Eliminate Flying Termites and Other Household Pests With Positive Pest Management

When swarming termites get out of control, the smartest move is to entrust the safety of your home to the hands of pest management professionals. At Positive Pest Management,  our pest control technicians have years of experience and expertise in effectively dealing with termites and other pests. 

We offer safe and quality pest control services like inspections and exterminations to residents troubled by common household pests such as termites, bed bugs, roaches, mosquitoes, and flying ants. Our team will visit on-site to check your home and come up with the best solutions to get rid of termites for good. Call us now for a free quote and discuss a customized plan with our team for your termite control needs.

Flying ants and winged termites are a sight that no homeowner wants to see in their homes. These two destructive pests are known to cause extensive damage that can amount to thousands of dollars in repairs. Now if you have an active ant or termite infestation, you might be wondering why they only appear at certain times of the day, specifically when it’s dark out. They might even appear in swarms and frighten your family in turn. 

So what exactly is the reason for the swarming activity of ants and termites at night? Swarms of winged carpenter ants and termites often come out at night because of the high humidity levels as well as attraction to sources of light. Both flying termites and winged ants like to swarm in huge groups because they’re  searching for food, or pairing off with a new partner to establish a new colony. 

The Reason Why Ants and Termites Like to Swarm at Night 

One thing that sets ants and termites apart from other household pests is that they’re social insects. This means that they thrive in living together with large groups, and ant colonies or termite nests can house up to thousands or hundreds of individual members. 

To have a better understanding of where swarming ants and termites come from, you have to understand that these insects follow a very specific caste system or hierarchy in their colonies. They’re divided into three general groups: workers who are tasked with hunting for food; soldiers who are responsible for protecting the queen and the entire colony from predators; and male and female reproductives who will lead the swarm when it’s time to leave the colony.

It’s the group of reproductive ants and termites that have wings and when swarming season comes around, they will depart from their colony to mate and create a new nest. Ant and termite swarmers are most widespread during evenings. You’ll most likely see them in a huge huddle flying around a streetlight or near lights in your backyard or porch. 

The warm and humid temperature at night is highly favorable for these winged ants and flying termites. It’s also said that a swarm is more likely to happen after a heavy rain during summer months. Ants and subterranean termites that live underground will fly to look for a dry shelter after the rain. 

Once the reproductive swarmers have successfully paired off, they’ll look for a new location where they will build their colonies. So if you see an ongoing swarm outside your homes, it’s best to turn off any light source to avoid attracting them inside. You should also make sure that all windows are tightly shut and any potential entry points are blocked to keep them from swarming into your home. 

The Differences Between Flying Termites and Flying Ants  

​​From afar, it can seem that flying termites and flying ants have similar appearances and characteristics. But if you observe closely, there are quite a number of differences when it comes to their bodies, habitat, and diet.  It’s important to know the difference between the two to help determine the appropriate method of pest control. 

Flying Termites  

A termite swarmer can differ in color according to their specific termite species but in general, they have a straight antenna on the top of their head. They have a broad and thick waist and their body shape is typically uniform in width. A female or male termite swarmer can measure around 6 mm to 12 mm in length. They also have a unique set of wings that can appear white or almost translucent in color. 

Some species of termite may also have distinct markings or patterns on their wings. For a Formosan termite and Eastern subterranean termite swarmer, their wings can have two peculiar vein outlines while drywood termites will have three or more. Termite wings are also equal in size and length and they come in two pairs. 

Termites are usually attracted to environments with moist conditions and their population can be typically found near piles of wood debris, tree stumps, lumber, trees, garden mulch, and wooden structures. Their diet consists of cellulose and they prefer to feed on furniture, dead wood, paper, and other cellulose-based material. 

Flying Ants

On the other hand, you can identify a carpenter ant swarmer with their uniquely bent pair of antennae. They also have a thin body and a pinched waist which clearly separates their abdomen and thorax. Flying ant swarmers also have two sets of wings but compared to the wings of termites, theirs have different lengths. The front portion of the ant wings is usually longer than the ones in their back. 

Flying ants are also considerably bigger than flying termites. The size of the body of the ant swarmer can range from 13 mm to 17 mm in length. Ants are adaptable insects and they can survive both in the underground or inside trees when outdoors. Meanwhile, you can find their satellite nests or ant colonies inside wall voids, behind cupboards, countertops, or in any wood structure. 

Unlike termite insects, ants are not particular with their diet and can eat almost anything. They’re omnivorous types, feeding on sugars, sweet snacks, pet food, grease, meat, leftover food debris, and even dead insects. 

Common Signs of Ants and Termites Infestation at Home 

A professional pest control company can help determine whether you have an ant infestation or termite infestation at home. For starters, here are the common telltale signs of carpenter ant infestation: 

• Actual sighting of ants inside your home - One of the visible signs of ant problem is when you see large clusters of ants roaming surfaces and walls in your home. 
• Ant trails or pathways - When ants are traveling in search of food, they often leave behind a pheromone trail which can help direct other ants to their food source. These trails can be seen along cracks, gaps, or on the floor, and it’s very obvious to catch them walking in a straight line. 
• Piles of dirt or soil - If you’re wondering what is the heap of dirt or mounds of soil that you’re seeing outside your yard or garden, it’s most likely an ant nest. It’s important not to step or disturb this nest site or else the ants will become aggressive. Usually, it’s the fire ants species that love to build their mounds outside. 

Meanwhile, the signs of termite infestation are the following: 

• Presence of mud tubes - These can be found along basement walls and foundation surfaces of your home. 
• Termite droppings or frass - These are the small, fine pellets or wood shavings that termites like to push out of their tunnels after feeding on the wood. 
• Hollow-sounding wood - Another obvious sign of termite infestation is when the walls or wood structure you have in your home produce a hollow sound. Dampwood termites are notorious for making these sounds. 
• Noises inside the walls - When termites are hitting their heads on the walls or currently chewing the wood, you can hear a rattling or vibration sound. 
• Discarded wings - When flying termites land on the ground, they will shed their wings from their body. Usually, you can find this clutter of discarded termite wings on surfaces like window sills, corners, baseboards, crawl spaces, and on the ground. 

What You Need to Do if You Have Swarming Ants and Termites 

There’s no telling when flying ants and termite swarmers can come attack your home. So before an active infestation happens, here are some best prevention practices that can help keep ants and termites from swarming indoors: 

• Secure and seal all holes, cracks, and gaps where termites and ants could potentially enter from the outside. 
• Avoid leaving any leftover food unattended on the table to prevent  attracting ants. 
• Get rid of excess moisture and keep indoor spaces dry. Termites are attracted to moisture, so if there are any leaks in your roofs, pipes, or under the sink, be sure to fix these issues. 
• Remove termite attractants such as wood piles, stacks of firewood, and tree logs away from your home. 
• Schedule an annual termite inspection to detect early signs of termite ant activity and prevent costly damage and repairs. 

Keep Flying Ants and Termites From Your Home With Help From Positive Pest Management  

Find the best termite and ant elimination methods and services with Positive Pest Management. We have an experienced team of pest control technicians who can quickly and effectively exterminate your pest problems for good. 

Our services include pest control extermination, safe application of pesticides, thorough home inspections, and more. We offer a customized and comprehensive treatment plan for all kinds of pests including bed bugs, roaches, fleas, mites, and moths. To learn more about our pest treatment solutions, call us now for a free quote or book an initial inspection.

Termites are extremely destructive pests and without any sort of structural protection, they can easily make their way to your home and start an infestation. Naturally, no homeowner wants to have a termite infestation so it’s always best to set up your defenses as early as possible. One of the popular termite control measures is the termite baiting system. 

So can you use a termite bait system to drive away swarms of winged termites? Yes, a termite bait system is an effective termite killer that can eliminate an entire colony. The presence of a termite swarm usually indicates that there’s a nearby termite nest and you can prepare a termite bait station to lure the foraging worker termites of the colony. Bait systems contain termites’ favorite food combined with conventional insecticides or liquid termiticide to poison them until they die. 

Termite Bait Systems for Flying Termites: Do They Work? 

Flying termites or a termite swarmer usually appear for one main reason: to multiply and expand their colony. The swarming season is typically different for every species of termites but it normally falls in the summer months for the common subterranean termite and drywood termite. You may notice that their swarming activity often happens late at night because they prefer the high humid conditions in the evening.  

Winged termites are harmless and they won’t attack you in any way. However, they do strongly indicate the presence of a nearby termite colony which you will want to find and treat immediately to avoid a potential serious termite infestation. 

Among the available methods for termite treatment, a termite bait station is one of the most effective solutions for controlling and exterminating these pests. What a termite bait system does is that it attracts the worker termites of the colony. A termite worker has an important role in hunting down food and bringing it back to the entire nest. 

Bait stations commonly contain any cellulose-based material since that’s what a termite’s nutrition usually consists of. Any type of wood, plastic, cardboard, or paper can be placed in the termite bait. To make it effective for termite colony extermination, the baits must be laced with a slow-acting insecticide or poison to kill the termites. 

A baiting system doesn’t instantly exterminate termites unlike chemical-based termiticide and termite sprays which are fast-acting termite killers. When you use a strong chemical to instantly kill termites that find the bait, there are chances that the other termites in the colony will recognize the bait and move their colony to another location.

While using a slow-acting chemical on the bait may take several months, this process will eventually wipe out the entire colony. Worker termites won’t immediately notice the presence of the chemical and they can take back the food to their nest. This means that the flying termite swarmers and reproductive termites can also ingest the bait. 

Why You Should Consider Baiting for Termite Treatment

Baits are excellent solutions for managing the issue of flying termites infestation, as well as exterminating them for good. At the same time, using a current termite baiting system for pest control has several benefits such as: 

• Safe and non-toxic to humans and pets: Termite bait stations contain chemicals that are not harmful to humans but are extremely lethal to termites. Likewise, a pest management professional will ensure that the baits are installed underground or in an area that’s far from the reach of your kids and pets. 
• Environment - friendly method of termite treatment: Unlike chemical termite treatment and liquid spot treatments, baiting is more eco-friendly since it doesn’t require doing any digging or drilling to place them within your property. If you have a garden or greenhouse, you can rest assured that the baits won’t be toxic to your vegetation, plants, and flowers. 
• Resistant to bad weather conditions: Termite bait stations are durable and are efficient for long-term termite control. Termite barriers that apply chemicals to the soil and ground can be easily affected by weather changes and flooding. But a termite bait system can be conveniently placed in any location and will be safe throughout the year. 

How You Can Set Up Termite Stations at Home

Effective termite baiting can be done with the help of a professional pest control company. If you suspect that you have an active infestation, you should call a pest control team to conduct a termite inspection in your home. Once they’ve confirmed the locations of the current termite activity, there are three steps that can be done to set up the bait stations: 

• Initial pre-baiting phase: Early detection of termite activity is important to know where the stations will be placed. Termites need to familiarize themselves with the termite bait system hence pre-baiting stations are installed so they’ll create a feeding cycle with the termite bait. These pre-bait systems include a termite inspection cartridge that will encourage the worker termite to feed on the bait. During this initial stage, the bait station will only contain the food without any chemical or toxicant yet.
• Application of the toxic termite bait: Once the termite workers have gotten used to the bait station, the pest control technician can add the active bait with the toxicant or insect growth regulator. This is done so that the termites will continue to feed on the station without any suspicion about the bait. The amount of time that it takes for the active bait to take effect will depend on how often they feed and the size of the termite population.
• Monitoring of the termite station: Termite control with a baiting system is a slow and gradual process. You need to constantly visit the station to make sure that it hasn’t been destroyed by termites or other insects. There are also cases when the bait has run out which means you need to put a fresh active bait to continuously lure the worker termites. A termite technician can come back to check if the bait has worked and eliminated the entire colony.  

Other Termite Treatment Methods That Can Help Eliminate Swarming Termites  

Some of the most popular bait monitoring systems and solutions for household termites are Advance Termite Bait System, Spectracide Terminate, and Hex Pro Termite Baiting System. But there are other termite control options that can work for getting rid of flying termites. Your termite treatment options can include: 

1. Liquid Treatments 

There are types of termites that live in the soil beneath the ground such as the Eastern subterranean termite and Formosan subterranean termite. Putting up a barrier within the perimeter of your home can serve as good protection against termites. 

A pest control technician can put a liquid soil treatment or termite barrier around your property to stop termites from reaching possible entry points. Liquid termite treatments can also be applied in the location sites that they have already infested to instantly kill them.

2. Wood Treatments

Wood termite treatments are good for getting rid of termites and preventing future termite infestations. This method typically requires applying varnishing and termite sprays to treat any type of structural wood to keep termites from chewing on the wood. This is especially effective for drywood termite species who love to cause termite damage on wood structures and furniture.

3. Termiticide Sprays 

Another method to get rid of termites is termite sprays. Unlike liquid chemical barriers and baits, the application of pesticide typically needs to be directed to visible flying termites. The active ingredients in the termite sprays will penetrate their exoskeleton and dehydrate them until they die. 

How to Keep Termites Starting an Infestation in Your Home

If you live in an area infested by swarming termites, flying ants, and other pests, there are some practices that you can follow to prevent a potential infestation. Here are some professional tips to avoid an active termite infestation: 

• Keep away lumber, moist wood debris, and piles of firewood from your home. As much as possible, you want to minimize possible soil-to-wood contact so drywood and subterranean termites won’t be able to enter underneath your house’s foundation. 
• Look for any sign of water leakage and fix broken sinks, roofs, or other fixtures to avoid attracting termites.  
• Remove their supply of food sources such as tree stumps and other cellulose material within your home. 
• Switch off your porch lights and shut your windows at night to avoid swarming termites going into your home. 
• Schedule an annual inspection with a termite and pest management professional to look for common signs of termite such as active mud tubes, hollow sound on wood and walls, or the presence of discarded termite wings.

Expert Termite Control Services Available at Positive Pest Management

Keep yourself from worrying too much about termite infestation with a reliable and effective termite bait system in place. At Positive Pest Management, we offer quality services and termite control measures that will help bring back a termite-free environment for your home and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Our team of pest control experts  guarantee effective extermination of your pest problems. Our services aren’t limited to termites as we can create a customized and comprehensive plan to treat any kind of household pests including carpenter ants, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, and more. Call us now to book an appointment and we’ll drop by your home for an initial assessment. 

Read More: Could A Flying Termite Come From A Neighbor’s House?

Winged termite swarmers are a serious sign that you may have a termite infestation. At the very first sightings of their traces in your home, it is a smart move to immediately set up termite bait traps to prevent the infestation from getting worse. Most termite killers and termiticide options in the market are chemical-based and if you have children or pets at home, you’d want a more natural way to eliminate and drive off the termites for good. 

So what are the natural methods to get rid of flying termites and other household pests? You can set up your own termite traps and treatment using non-chemical ingredients that you can buy from the local store like boric acid, vinegar, rubber mulch, cayenne pepper, orange oil and other essential oils, and diatomaceous earth. You can also use a bug zapper to catch and electrocute them or put your termite-infested furniture out in the sunlight. 

9 All-Natural Methods to Kill Flying Termites At Home  

The first thing you need to do before preparing your DIY termite treatment in place is to do an inspection and locate the area with high termite activity. It’s easy to identify a flying termite because of their winged bodies and they usually like to shed their wings on window sills, floors, and corners. If you’re having a hard time finding their termite colony, you can enlist the help of professional exterminators to do a thorough sweep of your house. 

Once you have an idea of their location, you can begin to plan for your termite elimination methods. Before these termites do any more irreparable damage to your furniture and property, here are  natural treatments and simple measures you can do to eliminate and stop them from building their entire colony in your home: 

1. Make Your Own Termite Bait With Boric Acid 

Borates, also known as boric acid or borax powder, is a widely known effective termite killer and repellent. This substance is an all-natural pesticide that can slowly bring termites to their death once they have ingested it. It works by disrupting their digestive systems and cutting off their supply of nutrients from the dry wood. It can take up to 72 hours for boric acid to completely take effect in the termites and pests’ organs. 

It can be bought in powder form and you can use it to make your own pesticide spray. All you need to do is to mix one teaspoon of boric acid in a cup of warm water and place them in a bottle spray. Stir the mixture until the powder is dissolved and you can spritz a generous amount of the boric acid termiticide in the affected areas. 

2. Create Your Own Natural Termite Spray With White Vinegar

White vinegar is another great alternative for homemade termite repellent spray. White vinegar is a highly acidic substance made of acetic acid and termites have extremely fragile and soft-shelled bodies. When they come into contact with surfaces sprayed with vinegar, they could absorb the acid moisture which can dehydrate them to their death.

To make your own termite spray with white vinegar, you need to prepare two lemons and squeeze their juices in a cup. Put half a cup of vinegar in the lemon mixture and shake them in a bottle until they are well-mixed. This homemade spray works for any termite and carpenter ant that you may see on surfaces. You can also spread it on the entrances of a termite nest that you see on the walls or crevices. 

3. Use Rubber Mulch to Keep Them From Entering Indoors

Aside from wood, the one thing that termites also like to feed on is plants. If you are raising a garden, the potted plants and shrubs can serve as a conducive environment for termites since they are moist and a good food source for these insects. If your house’s foundation has close contact with the soil where your plants are growing, termites can easily make their way into your homes through holes and cracks. 

To protect against termites trying to enter your home, you can use rubber mulch for your plants and flowers. A rubber mulch is made of recycled tires and they don’t attract termites, ants, and other pests as much as wood mulch does. Since it’s made of rubber material, they don’t have cellulose and termites will not feed on them.

4. Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper Along the Areas With Termite or Ant Trail  

Cayenne pepper is a readily available termite bait ingredient that you can find in your kitchen. This powder ingredient popularly contains capsaicin and it can cause irritation to the exoskeleton of the termites. Similar to boric acid, termite baiting with cayenne pepper works because it directly harms the termites’ nervous and digestive systems.

If you have a localized area with minimal termite activity, you can simply place a good amount of cayenne pepper powder on the surface or directly on their trail. You can also choose to create a natural paste by mixing the pepper with vegetable oil and applying them to the infested areas. When you check back on the treated areas after several days, you can find that the termites have been exterminated. 

5. Repel Termites With Beneficial Nematodes 

A nematode is a type of parasitic worm, more specifically known as a microscopic roundworm, and it works by hunting on the termites in your home. They are a natural predator to termites and they will attack their digestive systems by releasing a harmful poison. The nematodes will enter the host’s body and release a symbiotic gut bacterium that will induce blood poisoning and kill the termite. 

Once they are done with their first host, the nematodes will find and consume their next termite victim. This means that termite elimination with nematodes is a long-term solution and they are very effective in controlling widespread termite infestation. 

Beneficial nematodes can be bought at pet stores or shops that offer termite control solutions. You can simply use them by releasing them in the termite-infested areas or you can mix them in water to create a spray. The spray method is effective for application to wooden furniture and wall structures where you suspect termites are residing.  

6. Go Natural With Essential Oils for Homemade Termiticide 

A winged termite and flying ant can also be eliminated with the help of essential oil treatments. Most ingredients used to produce essential oils are known to be toxic to termites. One of the most common organic essential oil termite treatments is orange oil. 

Orange oil is extracted from the rinds of orange fruits and it contains D-limonene which is said to be toxic to termites, particularly the drywood termite. A termite’s exoskeleton will immediately dissolve upon contact with the oil, and they will become dehydrated and lose their ability to process nutrients. 

Neem oil and tea tree oil are also believed to be helpful in termite control and elimination. Both are natural repellents to termites and other insect species, and more specifically, neem oil has a toxic property that affects the hormonal system of termites. It effectively prevents reproductive termites from laying eggs and stops them from spreading. When applied to the infested areas, these oils also have a unique smell that deters termites. 

7. Create a Trap With Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that contains remains of fossilized algae that are found in bodies of water. They are made of silica compounds and are thought to have sharp particles that can dehydrate and dry out the exoskeletons of termites. The worker termites can pass on the food to the queen termite and soldier termites and they will die within 24 to 48 hours. 

You can simply buy a bag of diatomaceous earth in your local store. The trick for successful termite elimination with diatomaceous earth is to apply them to all surfaces where termites pass.  You can also mix a good amount of powder into their food in a termite bait station. 

8. Use a Bug Zapper to Kill Termites  

Bug zapping is a pest and termite control method that doesn’t require a meticulous preparation of any bait system or ant traps. A bug zapper looks like a lamp but it emits a UV light that will attract any flying termites or flying ants into the electrical trap. The electric discharge instantly kills the flying termites the moment that they enter the trap. 

You can strategically place the bug zapper in a corner of the room or you can hang them outside on the porch or balcony. This equipment can also come in the form of a racket, similar to a fly swatter, so you can just swing them in the air to catch the flying termites. 

9. Expose Termites in Sunlight 

If you have wooden furniture or structures that you suspect have been infested by termites, you can bring them outside and let them sit in the sun. It’s said that almost all termite species cannot stand sun exposure and they will immediately die if they are exposed to brightness and open air.  During the summer months, you can clean your furniture and carry them outside for a few minutes to allow the sun to kill the termites. 

Which Type of Termite Do You Have atHome?

There are more than a thousand termite species found in the world, and these destructive termites are responsible for hundreds of dollars in annual termite damage and repair for many residential homeowners. Termite infestations at home can be caused by the following types of termites:

• Subterranean termite - This class of termites likes to live in humid environments and they prefer to build their termite colony in soils under the ground and surrounding the homes. They can be distinguished by their cream brown color and they can grow up to 1 inch long. 
• Drywood termite - These termites can appear light brown to tan in color and they like to nest in wood structures situated above grounds. They can survive without water, moisture, or soil contact since they get most of their nourishment from cellulose in the wood. 
• Formosan termite - Formosan termites belong to the family of subterranean termites and they are known to be the most destructive termite. They consume wood faster than any other known termite species and they thrive in areas with moist wood and soil. They can be identified by their yellow to brown color and they can appear 1/2 inch long. 
• Dampwood termite - These termites naturally love to feed on damp wood or damaged structures and moist surfaces. Piles and stacks of firewood, tree stumps, wood debris, and lumber can lure dampwood termite swarms to your property. Their bodies appear brown and their length can be measured from 1/2 to 5/8 inches long. 

When Is the Best Time to Set Up Termite Control and Treatment?   

Termites are social insects and they move and live in groups, also known as a termite colony. This colony is composed of members namely the king and queen termites, worker termites, and soldier termites. During peak swarming season, a termite swarmer moves out of its nest and flies to look for a new home. This happens when the colony has reached its maximum members and they need a new colony where they will survive. 

Most species of household termites, such as the subterranean termites and dampwood termites, are most active in swarming during the spring and summer months. Meanwhile, swarmers of drywood termites come out during the late summer season.

Swarming termites are mostly active at night and they are drawn to any light source which is why you’ll find traces of their discarded termite wings near window surfaces. Other signs of flying termite infestations are visible wood damage, hollow-sounding woods, the presence of mud tubes along the interior and exterior walls, and termite droppings or frass. 

Termite control and treatment don’t need a specific time or season. It’s best to have year-round protection from termites to avoid irreversible structural damage and minor health risks. You should contact your pest control provider for a regular termite inspection and they can help set up proper measures to prevent infestation. 

Tips to Prevent Infestation of Flying Termites and Other Pests   

You should always keep an eye out for flying insects and winged termite sightings within your home. Here are some tips to help you manage and get rid of termites to prevent a serious infestation: 

• Look for holes, cracks, and gaps in your walls, especially on the exterior, and make sure to seal them to avoid termites from entering. 
• Remove piles of firewood near your house and minimize wood contact with soil and ground. 
• Protect your wooden furniture and other surfaces with a varnish solution.  
• Seal any water leaks under the sink and other fixtures to avoid moisture from building up and attracting termites.  
• Put a wet cardboard trap to lure termites and throw or burn them outside after a few days.

Find the Best Pest Control and Treatment With Positive Pest Management 

When it comes to effective extermination of termites, you may need more than just natural household remedies and require professional pest control service to eliminate them for good. At Positive Pest Management, our expert pest control team can suggest the right methods to remove flying termites, ants, and other insects safely and efficiently. 

We offer quality extermination treatments, termite inspection, and preventive measures to help keep your home free from termites and household pests. All our services are customized according to the needs and problems of your home. Contact us today and book our pest control team for an initial home visit.

Termites can weaken or entirely destroy a house's timber-bearing structures over a few years. Termite extermination is a matter of life and death for your home. A termite treatment that you can do yourself is a must.

So what are the  best outdoor deck insecticides to kill flying ants and termites? Harmful pests will have permanently destroyed most wooden buildings when the homeowner finds the existence of termites, and DIY termite remedies will be ineffective. As a result, it's critical to uncover the insects' existence as quickly as possible to begin eradicating termites right once.

What Should You Do To Conduct An Adequate DIY Termite Remedy?

• Look for the following indicators of a termite infestation in your home: It doesn't mean the insects aren't there just because you didn't see any traces of them the first time. Sagging floors and minor holes in wooden pieces could be indirect evidence of their presence. These indicators should prompt you to consider eradicating termites immediately. This also goes for any food source of leftovers.
  
  
• Gauge the stability of the timber pillars and trusses in the underground with a flashlight and a screwdriver. Make a tapping sound on the wood. If it sounds deep and some grit comes out of it (which is presumably termite dust),  termite tunnels have already emptied it out. Another warning indicator is if a screwdriver can readily pierce the wood. It's the appropriate time to start eradicating termites straight away.
  
  
• House termite feces resemble tiny grains that are somewhat darker in color than wood. They can be found under wooden things.
  
  
• Find the house termites' nest: A splitting series of tunnels will lead to the nest, which can be found on the surface from within the timber frames.
  
  
• Decide whether it's subterranean or dry wood. Dry wood termites basically live in wood, while subterranean termites reside underground, inside woodpiles, and manure heaps. Treatments for subterranean termites and dry wood termites differ, so it's crucial to figure out which species have infected your home.

 If termites have infested your home, you must act quickly to avoid more structural damage. Termite killers are available in a variety of forms, including liquid termiticide, baits, and direct chemical treatments.

There is no certainty that a do-it-yourself termite treatment can eliminate termites. The degree of the infestation, the skill of the individual performing the DIY termite treatment, and the termite killer chemicals utilized are all factors to consider.

Since selecting a termite killer might be difficult, we've compiled a list of the top termite killers for 2021. While these remedies may provide some temporary respite, they are no comparison for expert termite control.

What’s The Best Outdoor Deck Insecticide To Kill Flying Termites?

Termites can harm your home a lot. Fortunately, there are various tools for termite extermination on the market that can assist you in protecting your house. Yet, there are so many alternatives available that picking the finest one might be challenging.

The essential point is that you should choose pesticides with a lot of positive feedback and excellent ratings. You might prefer one of the items listed in this brief review if you want to save time on research. You can rest assured that each of them will give you the most remarkable customer service possible, and you'll never have to worry about termites again.

Commercial Aerosol

Commercial bug poison baits are available for use against all types of ants including carpenter ants, and any ant insecticide spray should be adequate against flying ants. Choose an aerosol kind with an easy-to-direct spout if you want to catch the ants in mid-flight.

• To avoid unintentional and even dangerous abuse, always follow the label directions.
  
• Don’t use aerosol sprays on any other people or animals in your home.
• If you plan on eliminating carpenter ants indoors, make sure the pesticide you use is harmless to those around you.
  
• Make sure the aerosol you're planning to use is allowed in your location.

Peppermint Spray

Cleaning their path with soap and water, or using incorrect signals or removers like peppermint oil, would break the chemical track and dissuade the ants from returning. Suffocation is how peppermint oil kills flying ants. To make your own natural pesticide spray, combine peppermint oil, water, and dish soap in a spray container.

• In a spray bottle, mix one part liquid soap with two parts water, then add several drops of peppermint essential oil. To blend, whisk everything together thoroughly. This solution should be sprayed on any flying ants you notice, whether at rest or in flight.

Dishwasher Soap

Dish soap is excellent against flying ants because it adheres to their bodies and dehydrates them, resulting in death. Dilute the dish soap with water in a regular spray bottle to generate a solution that can easily combat flying ants.

• Add a few squirts of liquid dish soap to a container filled with water. Mix thoroughly to spread the soap evenly throughout the water. Spritz winged ants while they are flying or resting.

Commercial Pesticide

As long as any ant bait and other commercial poisons have indications that they should be used against ants in particular, they will work against flying ants. Look for chemicals that the ants will bring back to the nest, as these will cause the most harm especially to other ants.

• Ant baits are one of the most efficient ways to get rid of ants, especially flying ants. The ants return to the colony with the bait, which the queen consumes and causes her death. The rest of the entire colony quickly follows the queen's death.
  
• Gels, granules, and stations are all types of ant baits. Although most are safe to use around pets and children, you should keep them out of reach as much as possible.
  
• It's worth noting that these baits can be sugar-based or protein-based, and these are proven to entice most  ant species. Try the second option if the first doesn't work.
  
• To avoid utilizing the poison in a possibly deadly way, always carefully follow the directions.

What’s The Best Outdoor Deck Insecticide To Kill Flying Ants?

Orange Oil Spray

In killing pests, both inside and outside the house, orange oil is effective. D-Limonene, the primary component of the oil, is a powerhouse peel extract. The ants are killed by the destruction of the wax cover of the respiratory system of the insect.

You can buy or produce the orange oil yourself, or you can cold-press orange peels and collect the oil that comes from it. Another approach to getting orange oil is by filling a container and covering it with water with citrus peelings. Just leave them sitting for a few days and then your oil is ready to use.

The killing power of orange oils on fire ant  mounds may be improved by molasses or compost tea. A simple approach to make a solution for fire ants is to mix 6 oz. of orange oil, one blackstrap tablespoon, one squeeze of a liquid dish of soap, and one gallon of water.

Termite Killer

Termite chemicals can best eliminate termite wings. They are chosen according to their behavior and which is more appropriate for the situation.

• The most used thermal treatment chemicals are fluid insecticide fipronil. It is mixed with water, as directed, and then used to cure wooden constructions or to fill the moat surrounding the house’s base. When they soak in the ground, this type of winged termites chemistry repels house termites and establishes a pest control barrier.
  
• Granules is a renowned and straightforward termite killer that’s effective in solving a termite infestation. They can be spread over wooden buildings or homes. For a 60-meter strip surrounding a certain property, 4 kilogram of chemical products is sufficient. This chemical termite treatment is twice as cheap as other products. There are several imidacloprid treatments on the market that respond directly to how termites can be disposed of.
  
• Fipronil Termidor foam is a slow action of termite chemical treatment. A long nozzle of a pressure can push the foam into difficult areas, sealing the doors to the house's terminal nest. This is one of the termite compounds that produces house termites paralysis after 8-10 hours. 80% of consumers prefer to use foam due to the convenience and long-term effects on plagues. It results in the removal of the mission of termites.
  
• A spray can with a nozzle: a quick-acting, permethrin-based termite killer. This type of termite chemical treatment is up to 4 weeks effective. It’s the most excellent deadly spray on wooden surfaces, nebulized with termite. This is the cheapest product on this list.

Learn More: Is It Okay To Spray Swarms of Termites?

Eliminate Flying Ants and Termites with Positive Pest Management

It can be difficult to find the right control effective methods with a flying ant colony at home alone. When a swarm starts, hundreds of thousands of flying ants will emerge. Fortunately, it usually lasts a few hours to a couple of days before it stops.

The objective of the ants is to make use of their wings to quit and replicate the carpenter ant colony. There is not much swarming, thus pesticide control firms concentrate on preventive rather than reactionary services. You may suction and remove the fourths flying as you can see.

By choosing Positive Pest Management,, you have better control of termites and flying ants in your home, among other pests and insects. Not only do they have exceptional customer service to ensure they handle your pest problem right away, but they're also home to licensed pest control experts that get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Whether it's flying insects, termites, bugs, ant infestations, or any kind of common pests, they've proven their reliability in their pest control services. Contact them today to know more about their services.

There are flying insects that look like winged termites, which can be difficult to distinguish from other insects because of their similar characteristics and elements. However, drain flies can be annoying and bothersome to have in your home, and it’s essential to seek damage control immediately. 

So what are those flying insects that look like winged termites that come out of the drain? Drain flies (e.g. black carpenter ants) are tiny moth-like organisms that can be seen in abundance around sinks, showers, and bathtubs. These pests can multiply in as little as 48 hours, making it easy for your bathroom or kitchen drains to become infested in a short period.

What You Need To Know About Drain Flies

Drain flies thrive in wet places that are covered with nutrient-rich organic matter. They’re found in homes and storm drains, as their name implies. You can also spot them among compost piles and decomposing logs.

Almost anywhere where there are degrading organic materials, eggs are laid in uneven heaps. Drain fly eggs hatch into white larvae that are practically translucent. Temperature changes and low oxygen levels have been known to kill these larvae. The flies can go through one generation in as little as one week under ideal conditions. It's more common to wait two to three weeks.

After maturing, the larvae will pupate or rest until they’re ready to emerge as adults. Adulthood is the only stage of life that is commonly witnessed. Drain flies live for about two weeks as adults, but newly emerging adults quickly replace them. Because of their appearance, these flies are sometimes known as moth flies: they’re tiny and hairy, with large, oval termite wings and conspicuous antennae.

In just 48 hours, drain flies can nest and produce up to 300 eggs, so it's critical to get ahead of the problem before it spreads across your pipelines. They can live for 8 to 24 days.

What Attracts Drain Flies Into Your Home?

Drain flies prefer stagnant water, which even gathers a tiny quantity of bacteria and wastewater and is therefore typically found around:

• kitchen and outdoor sinks
• shower and bathtub drains
• basement sinks
• sewers
• septic tanks
• soil that contains sewage

Shallow, stagnant water is a common factor in all these areas. Drain flies can lay eggs inside the pipes through which the water baths are formed and the waste collected. Drain flies can therefore also be attracted:

• set mops and buckets
• compost piles
• storm drains with standing water
• garbage cans, birdbaths, barns or any other kinds  of wet locations

Drain flies feed on organic substances found in standing water, including wastewater or other polluted water. They’re attracted to it when a film forms in a humid section of pipes with standing water. Drain flies flourish and multiply in these conditions, so your drains are significant for them. Food and sewage can also be found near rubbish, food source, or compost piles. These factors are what attract drain flies in your home on a regular basis.

Learn More: The Best Outdoor Deck Insecticides To Kill Flying Ants and Termites

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

Humans are unaffected by drain flies. Drain flies are not disease-carrying insects, although they can spread bacteria in large groups. Even if they’re a significant annoyance in your home, they have not been shown to cause any health problems. As previously said, drain flies may multiply quickly, establishing nests in your pipes that can be costly to remove if left unattended.

How Do You Get Rid of Drain Flies?

Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may get rid of drain fly infestations using either a natural or chemical approach. In many cases, you may get rid of drain flies quickly by using materials already in your kitchen or under the sink.

Washing out your pipes can sometimes eradicate both the drain fly eggs and any opportunity for drain flies to resurface. Use these ways to handle your infestation as both a preventative and a management strategy. Here are some natural ways to get rid of drain flies.

Boiling Water

Pouring boiling water down your drain 1-2 times a day for approximately a week is the simplest way to clear out your drain fly problem. If the water did not catch all of the organic matter accumulated inside, the flies would not return tonight.

Baking Soda + Salt + Vinegar

To make a natural cleaning solution, combine these pantry staples and pour them down your drain overnight. Baking soda expands when combined with vinegar, allowing it to reach more locations than boiling water. After letting the solution sit until morning, flush the drain with boiling water.

Soap + Water + Sugar + Vinegar

A cup of water, sugar, and apple cider vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish soap can also do the trick. Allow the bowl to sit near the drain for a few days to draw drain flies in. The other soap thickens the water, trapping the insects.

Apple Cider Vinegar + Plastic Wrap

You may make a decent DIY fly trap by wrapping a bowl, jar, or mug in plastic wrap. You should add an inch of apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the container. You should punch small holes at the top of the plastic to allow the flies to go in but not exit.

Drain + Duct Tape

Use the detecting as mentioned earlier procedure to get rid of some of your drain fly problems. Cover the drain with duct tape for several nights in a row to catch flies that try to reach the surface.

Drain flies are typically found in or around pipes; thus, you can also use conventional drain cleaners and chemicals to get rid of them. Always read the instructions before using chemical cleaners, and never mix them with other chemical or natural cleaning solutions. Here are several chemical-based methods for getting rid of drain flies:

Traditional Drain Cleaner

You may clear up the residual residue with solutions after emptying your tank with warm water and brushing it with a metal pipe brush. Check if these goods may be used more than once and if they can be used in plumbing outside of the toilet if necessary.

Chemical Sprays and Repellents

When the pests are indicated on the label, many standard pest control agents, such as fruit flies or gnats, can also kill drain flies. Because many of these include caustic chemicals, see if you should store them out of the kitchen and be cautious of drain damage.

Green Gobbler

This well-known fly killer is safe to use in sewers, septic systems, and even sewage systems.

Natural Armor

This gel-based cleanser is excellent for clogged drains requiring a giant cleaner to catch different nests or insects.

American BioSystems

It’s a radical alternative for removing germs from drains, especially with a drain pest outbreak. American BioSystems is typically advised for commercial gutters.

Read More: Is It Okay To Spray Swarms of Termites?

The Dangers of Having Drain Flies in Your Home

Since they infest in vast numbers, these insects can be an annoyance. Drain flies may clog drains and spread germs from the squalor they reside in once inside, potentially poisoning food. Drain flies, while annoying, are rarely dangerous to humans because they don’t bite. 

On the other hand, Drain flies can quickly become a problem due to their tendency to block plumbing systems in large numbers. Despite their filthy living conditions, these bugs are not reported to spread infections in humans.

When Should You Seek a Professional When Dealing with Drain Flies?

The invasion of drain flies should not persist for more than 20 days. If you've tried and failed to get rid of drain flies on your own, you might want to hire an experienced exterminator. This is where it’s best to call Positive Pest Management to handle all your pest and drain flies problems. Their licensed pest control experts are thorough in termite control, spotting obvious signs of termites,  controlling drain flies, or dealing with any kind of pest problems you may have. 

Especially when you're dealing with something out of hand like termite colony or termite infestations, you’ll need professionals to do the job. They currently have 6 locations to cater to homes and communities that need help with the insect infestation and other related problems.  Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Don’t be alarmed if some termites appear in and around your home. If you see flocking termites, the first thing you should do is to turn off anything that attracts them, like outside lights.  If you see dead termites, you can sweep them up or save them in a container for inspection. They don't eat hardwood, bite, or sting; they're just a pain in the neck. Swarmers are incapable of building mud tunnels or creating visible damage to lumber.

So is it normal to see swarms of winged termites flying away when spraying to kill them? Well, it's not the best idea to just spray swarms of winged termites in your home, especially if you don’t have protective gear on, or if you’re not familiar with strategies to deal with termite problems properly. Compared to your average termites, swarmers can actually go out of control, and spraying them will do more damage than good. It’s best to let the professionals deal with termite control. 

What Happens if You Spray Swarms of Termites?

Don't spray the termite wings that are swarming. Swarming termites determine the location of the colony. Instead, take a deep breath and look around for where the swarmers might be entering. Tape any spots that need to be marked. Swarming termites don’t bite or sting, and they are unable to harm you, your children, or your pets in any way. 

Most likely, the moment you spray the swarm of termites, they’ll sense danger and move to a safer location. In other words, you’re not eliminating the swarmers by spraying them. This will do more harm than good as the swarmers will move to a less noticeable spot in your home, and it’ll be harder for you to control and eliminate them. An example of a less visible area they could move to after spraying these swarms is the roof. 

What To Do if You See Swarms of Termites

Termite swarmers may look like something out of a sci-fi film, yet they are a normal and required occurrence for termite survival and dissemination. So, what will you do if you come into termite swarms?

Try to Contain Them

You can accomplish this by simply closing the door to the room where they are congregating. You can place a clear plastic sack over the exit hole to allow the swarmers to fly into it.

Vacuum Them

If you see termite swarmers, vacuum them up. When you're through, just throw away the bag or empty your canister vacuum. In a short length of time, the swarming termites will fall and die. Swarmers, on the other hand, are incapable of building mud tubes or damaging timber structures.

Don’t Use Insect Spray 

Termites are swarming, so don't spray them. Swarming termites determine the location of a colony. Instead, quietly check the area for swarmers. It is unnecessary to empty a can of insecticide because it will die organically in the air.

Don’t Panic

Attempt to plug the exit holes. Swarmers must escape, and covering the holes with tape or other materials will just encourage them to create new holes through which they can escape.

What’s The Best Approach in Eliminating Termites?

Are you concerned about termite damage? If that's the case, you're not alone. Termites wreak billions of dollars in extensive damage every year, and homeowners spend more than two billion dollars treating them.

This preliminary report concentrates on how you, as a customer, may recognize termites and help keep your home from them by taking practical preventative steps and using termite treatments appropriately.

Identify What Type of Termite

Termites are found in about 40 different species in the United States solely. Although they have individual traits, the majority of them appear to be the same.

• Size & Length: They are usually 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length.
• Body: The bugs' bodies are delicate, and their antennae are straight.
• Color: The colors range from pale brown to white. Swarming termites are darker than worker termites.

Subterranean

These are the termite species that cause the most damage. They must, however, be exposed to water frequently. As a result, they build their nests underground and occasionally attack timber foundations. Subterranean termites vary from dry-wood and damp-wood termites in that they require constant contact with the soil to obtain adequate water to survive.

Colonies can survive without ground contact in some circumstances where structural timbers are sufficiently damp. The underground colony lives in a succession of chambers and galleries where they build mud tubes to transport the wood they eat. If there is a steady water source, such as a leaking pipe or an air conditioner, they can also build their nest above ground.

Dampwood

Because of the wetness, damp wood termites are occasionally found in dwellings and prefer to live in the woods. Moist wood termites, unlike subterranean termites, do not need to reside in the soil and can be found in damp woods as well as soil.

Drywood

Unlike moist wood termites, drywood termites can cause harm to your home. Wood, hardwood flooring, and timber are common places to find them. They don't need to be in contact with soil like moist wood termites. Drywood termites can cause damage, but they do it at a far slower rate, unlike subterranean termites.

Reproductive Termites

These termites are also known as the flying ants above the ground or prolific termites. The majority of termite activity takes place underground. These termites have the ability to live above the earth. They are frequently the earliest and most obvious indicator of activity. They go outside the colony in search of new partners and colonization sites.

Worker Termites

Moisture is required, and the organism must be kept hidden. The majority of the group is made up of employees. They excavate tunnels, find a food source, and look after the rest of the termites. They feed the colony by breaking down the cellulose in wood and grass.

Soldier Termites

Safeguard the colony from unwelcome visitors at access points while enabling their other termites to move around freely. They are able to do so because their bodies are substantially larger than other termites' and are particularly useful in blocking routes. These termites have been seen risking themselves for the benefit of the entire colony.

Nymph Termites

Termites that have not yet matured into their full potential. The worker termites take care of it. As they molt into alates or soldiers, their growth can take months.

The termite colony becomes more efficient and capable of scaling to huge numbers due to these classifications. Termite colonies typically include roughly 40,000 members. However, there is evidence of a colony as large as 70,000,000. 

Learn More: What’s The Difference Between Flying Tropical Rough Head Drywood Termites and Eastern Subterranean Termites?

Expose Termites to Sunlight

Termites resemble vampires in appearance. They make a concerted effort to stay out of the sun. They can even die if they are exposed to direct sunlight. You can break open a termite nest near your home to expose the pests to the sun. You can also carry infested logs, furniture, or other items into an area of your yard that receives direct sunlight, which can kill the termites and prevent them from spreading into your home.

You can't exactly cut out a wall and drag it into the center of your yard if termites have already infested your house. However, UV lamps that mimic the sun's rays can be rented or purchased and directed at the infestation. Because you may not be able to reach all of the termites if they go further into the house, sunlight may not be a viable approach for complete eradication in some circumstances.

Freeze Termites

Temperatures between 75 and 95° Fahrenheit are ideal for termites. Termites will perish in a matter of minutes if the temperature is over 100°F and below 25°F. Subterranean termites employ "thermal shadows" to detect different temperatures and will aggressively seek out their preferred temperature range.

Termites like warmer temperatures, but they will not die until temps reach 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This enables them to survive the majority of winters. Termites burrow deeper into the soil where the temperature is increased when the temperature is below 25°F. Termites will keep going as long as there is dampness lower down.

The termites may appear to have gone away and decreased their activity since they burrow down during the winter. When burrowing, certain termites may expand their tunnels further and then emerge when the temperature rises. When the temperature changes dramatically, it's always a good idea to be cautious.

Regrettably, it's not all fun and games when you're chilly. Despite its effectiveness, we don't offer it as a termite remedy at Positive Pest Management – and for one important reason: freezing procedures aren't safe. On paper, liquid nitrogen may appear to be a good answer, but freezing procedures put your drainage systems at stake.

Seek Professional Help

 Thrown-away wings, mud tubes, sunken or broken wood, and cracks in wood floors are all clear termite symptoms.If you see these termite indicators anywhere around your house, it's important to have a termite management expert evaluate them.

While some DIY termite control methods may work for a modest infestation, most households would rather not take chances. It's usually preferable to contact an experienced termite exterminator because determining the degree of the invasion, as well as the extent of the damage, is challenging.

What We Know So Far About Termites

Termites prefer to reside in dark, wet settings underground. Termites are harmed by sunlight, air, and severe temperatures. Keep an eye out for early termite indications and know what to do if you see any. Make every effort to keep your home well ventilated and free of dark, humid regions. Organic termite control methods should be employed exclusively on limited outbreaks or as precautionary measures. Only two termites are required to survive and re-establish the colony. 

Read More: What Are Those Flying Insects That Come Out of the Drain?

Get Expert Termite Removal And Control With Positive Pest Management

If you suspect a serious termite infestation, call a professional exterminator right away to avoid more structural damage. You'll be more equipped to keep termites out of your house now that you understand the many varieties of termites and how to kill them. Have control over infestations at home, in your office or wherever: ant colonies, subterranean termite colonies, Formosan termites, swarms, or any other kinds of insect infestations with Positive Pest Management.  

They not only provide excellent customer service to guarantee resolve your pest problem quickly and safely, but they also employ qualified professionals who can identify existing colonies and assist you in avoiding future problems. A pest management professional will thoroughly investigate your property before prescribing a treatment plan to help safeguard your most valuable asset - your home. To know more about our services, contact us today.

Termites are considered to be one of the most expensive pests, especially for homes, due to their destructive nutritional requirements. Termites, like other pests, come in a large variety of species of termites, with roughly 2,750 worldwide. Only a few of them, however, are considered pests because of their interactions with people.

So what's the difference between flying tropical rough head drywood termites and eastern subterranean termites? Drywood termites are brown while subterranean termites are cream-colored. Drywood termite colonies also generally have smaller colonies than that of subterranean termites. Meanwhile, the existence of frass indicates a possible drywood termite infestation, and mud tubes indicate a possible subterranean termite infestation.

Facts About Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are the less common species of the two, and they are mostly found by the shore and in other damp areas. They require high humidity conditions since they obtain all of their water by removing it from the wood.

Furthermore, drywood termite colonies are often much smaller than subterranean termite colonies because they reside entirely inside the wood they invade. They become more difficult to identify as a result of this.

Eventually, drywood termites prefer both hard and softwoods as a source of nutrients. Because they eat both alongside and around the grain of the wood, their tunnels inside of it vary from those of subterranean termites.

Size

The size of drywood termites varies based on their caste. Soldiers are around three-eighths of an inch long on average. Reproductives (both male and female) are about a half-inch long.

Color

Drywood termites are often pale brown, but they can also be dark brown or light yellowish-tan. Alates, often known as winged termites, have transparent or smokey gray wings.

Behavior

Drywood termites, like other termite species, are classified into castes. A queen picks a mate (or king) and begins laying eggs once she has found a suitable location for a colony (typically in the rafters of a house). The eggs hatch and join the worker caste, which eats (and destroys) wood and looks after the colony's other members.

Some termites grow into reproductive or army castes as the colony matures. Reproductive termites develop wings, swarm, and establish new colonies. Soldier termites defend the colony from ants, other termites, and other dangers.

Like other termite species, this termite feeds on cellulose, which is present in wood and other plants. This is why they are drawn to wooden structures, which can be seen in homes, fences, and trees. Drywood termites, on the other hand, chew across the grain, destroying both soft springwood and stronger summerwood development.

Learn More: Is It Okay To Spray Swarms of Termites?

How Do You Know If You Have A Drywood Termite Infestation?

The presence of frass is a common indicator of a drywood termite infestation.

Termite waste, often known as frass, is referred to as frass. Dry-wood termites, unlike subterranean species, use feces to create a termite nest and tunnels for foraging. They don’t use it because they only carve holes in wood. They dispose of their excrement by drilling a tiny opening in the lumber and shoving it out.

The accumulation of frass on the ground or concrete slab underneath the wood they are infesting is a clear symptom of a drywood termite infestation. Termite frass may appear to be sawdust at first glance, but closer inspection will reveal granular particles of varied colors.

Though all termites are harmful, drywood termites are the most damaging to houses. Drywood termites, unlike other species, create a colony and dwell inside the wood they feed on. This makes them even more difficult to see, and they can inflict significant termite damage to your home's foundation before you even discover them.

This is why preventive termite management is so crucial for Florida homeowners—you heard that right, an effective control system is better than cure, and this is particularly true when it comes to termites.

Termites create a lot of noise, which can be difficult to detect without a skilled ear. Termite outbreaks can be identified by checking for clicking noises in the wall, which range from loud eating to pounding against wood to warn the colony of danger.

How Do You Control Drywood Termites?

If you don't suspect you have a pest problem but want to avoid one, here are some of the best techniques to keep termites out of your home: 

• Termite-resistant materials should be used. Termite-resistant woods like Spanish cedar and bald cypress will save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Firewood and mulch should be kept away from your residence. Keep these goods at least 20 feet away from the house's perimeter.
• Remove deteriorating fences and old tree stumps. This also applies to any old structures or lumber constructions on your land.
• To keep termites from ever entering, pre-treat the wood with a termite-specific pesticide.
• Termite checks should be done once a year. When it comes to being proactive, ensure you have your property checked at least once a year.

Termites should be treated as soon as possible because they do such extensive structural damage. Drywood termites are commonly treated with the following methods:

• fumigation
• heat treatments
• cold treatment
• wood injection
• borate treatment
• micro-electrocution Method

While there are some do-it-yourself termite treatment options, dealing with different types of infestation and selecting the proper treatment approach requires the assistance of a certified professional. We strongly advise against attempting to solve a termite infestation on your own. While using store-bought materials may save you money at first, you run the danger of not removing the infestation and paying extra on repairs in the long term.

Facts About Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites reside in basement colonies or wet, secluded locations above ground with a termite population of up to two million individuals.

Their colony’s caste system determines subterranean termites’ appearance. Soldier termites have strong mouthparts, brown heads, and cream-colored bodies, whereas worker termites are cream-colored and 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, as shown below.

Larger reproductive termites, which resemble flying ants and are about an inch long, round out the caste structure. The solitary, dark vein that runs through the pairs of wings of reproductive subterranean termites distinguishes them from drywood termites.

Size

Their caste determines subterranean termite size. Workers range in length from ⅛ to ⅜ of an inch. Soldiers are the same length as workers, but their heads are larger and their mandibles are more strong. The length of both auxiliary and main reproductives is roughly 1 inch.

Color

Subterranean termites are one of the types of termites that are also colored differently depending on their caste. Workers are light-skinned and cream-colored. Soldiers are the same light color as the civilians, but their heads are brown. Principal reproductives are brown or black, while supplementary reproductives are the same opaque color.

Behavior

Workers, soldiers, and swarmer termites are the three primary categories of subterranean termites. Each has a specialized function to complete inside the nest, and each is individually equipped with the equipment they require. Termites have eyes in some cases. Some of them don't.

Workers of subterranean termites are little, translucent insects capable of separating wood or other carbohydrates from their source. Workers spend their entire lives underground and above ground in dark tunnels. They have no eyes since they don't require them. However, they can still distinguish between light and dark, which is surprising.

They understand that being in the light puts them at risk of predator attacks, and this also causes them to lose valuable moisture. When worker termites come into contact with light, they flee as rapidly as possible.

Supplementary termite queens assist in the production of eggs and the expansion of the colony as it expands. When a nest is three to five years old, subterranean termite swarmers emerge and eventually leave to start a new colony.

Because they must leave the safety of their dark nest and mud tunnels, these subterranean termites have significantly more developed eyes. They are the only termites that can see out of the three varieties.

How Do You Know If You Have A Subterranean Termite Infestation?

Mud tubes are a significant symptom of a subterranean pest infestation because of their fondness and need for higher humidity settings.

Subterranean termites travel above ground using mud tunnels to seek for food sources. The tubes keep the termites in a humid environment while also protecting them from predators.

The tubes are made of a combination of earth, wood, saliva, and feces. They are dark brown in color and commonly observed along a property's foundations, where termites enter the structure from the adjacent earth and at floor cracks inside it.

Regrettably, detecting termite indications can be difficult, and infestations are sometimes overlooked until it is too late. However, understanding the differences between drywood and subterranean termites, as well as the symptoms to look for, can help you safeguard your house against these wood-eating insects.

How Do You Control Subterranean Termites?

There are some things you can do to avoid a termite infestation, such as:

• Water should not collect near the foundation of your home. Downpipes, drains, and slap barriers that work properly divert water away.
• Crawl space wetness can be reduced with proper ventilation.
• Wood scraps and discarded lumber should never be buried in the yard.
• Remove any wood from soil contact. Keep a six-inch space between the dirt and the building's wood.

Experts also recommend a termite baiting system as the best strategy to avoid a termite infestation. Good pest control companies provide comprehensive termite treatment based on the Sentricon technology, the most modern termite protection system globally. 

Because these insects can do so much harm in such a short period, it's vital to maintain an eye out for indicators of an infestation. The cardboard-like faeces used to line subterranean termites' mud tunnels, also known as carton nests, can be discovered.

Subterranean termites are the type of termite that are ravenous, yet they only eat softwood and feed along the grain of the wood. Look for their distinctive tunnels running parallel to the natural wood, with only damaged hardwood layers remaining.

Airborne, subterranean termites with straight antennae and four identically sized wings are indications of a subsequent infestation. These swarmers discard their termite wings after breeding, leaving behind a trail of their presence. If you think you have a colony, look for brown wings around the floorboards and around the outside of your house.

If you suspect a termite infestation, fill out the form below to request a full termite examination.

What’s The Difference Between Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites? 

Drywood termites only contaminate dry wood and do not need soil contact, whereas subterranean termites require soil or water contact to thrive. Learn more about the differences between drywood and subterranean termites in the next paragraphs.

Drywood Termites

• The caste of drywood termites determines whether they are brown or white. Subterranean termites are smaller than these.
• Termites reside and build their nests in wooden constructions or dry wood. They do not require soil contact to survive.
• Frass is the most prevalent indication of a drywood termite infestation. Drywood termites, unlike subterranean termites, do not employ frass in their nests. Frass can be found in mounds near an infestation and resembles sawdust.

Subterranean Termites

• Drywood termites and termites are comparable to workers, but in different castes. They are different. There are enormous and yellow/brown soldier underground termites and normally the flying termites (alates) are brown/black.
• They must have access to water in order to exist, hence they normally live in the soil. They require a link to the ground in order to keep their nests and burrows moist enough to thrive and establish nests and tunnels.
• Subterranean termites can be identified by their mud tubes. They are a dark brown mix of soil, wood, saliva, and feces that can be found around a property's foundations as well as along ground joints within the structure.

Damage

The most harmful termites in the United States are subterranean termites. The devastation that these ground termites wreak dwarfs that of drywood termites. While the actual amount of extensive damage caused by these termites is unknown, their cumulative destruction is estimated to be in the billions of dollars each year.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, are more likely to cause visible damage, however harm caused by subterranean termites is not rare. Damage to a structure's wood that comes into contact with the ground may be visible. To reveal itself outside of the wood, these termites demand sunlight and humidity. This damage is frequently discovered in a hidden water-damaged area.

Colony Size

The size of their colonies contributes to the fact that subterranean termites cause greater damage than drywood termites. A typical underground termite colony is substantially larger than a normal drywood termite colony; subterranean termites typically number in the hundreds of thousands, whereas drywood termites usually number in the hundreds or thousands. Colonies of Formosan termites can include up to 2 million individual insects.

Evidence

Once drywood termites infest a structure, they bore microscopic holes in the wood and force their excrement out. These feces are firm and resemble pepper or coffee grounds in appearance.

Subterranean termites usually build clay pipes on foundation walls to travel from the surface to the timber of a building. These tubes are designed to keep worker termites safe from the drying effects of the sun and air. Initially, Formosan subterranean termites build mud tubes, but once a nest has grown inside the building, they no longer need them.

Read More: What Are Those Flying Insects That Come Out of the Drain?

Treatment Options

Small-scale fumigation is frequently employed as a treatment option for drywood termites since they can infest possessions. This can be achieved by incorporating a piece of wood into a pest management facility and having it fixed in a dedicated compartment or by sending a contained unit to the place where the furniture is being treated.

Managing drywood termites within a home's walls necessitates a direct treatment method that kills the termites on touch. Through trophallaxis or close contact from termite to termite, some materials can also spread throughout an entire colony.

The Sentricon system is the most effective way of managing subterranean termites in the ground. Awarded termite bait system that is environmentally benign and targets invading termites directly while also using worker termites to harm the colony that sent them out into the world. Sentricon can sneak past the colony’s defense mechanisms and destroy the queen because it uses a contaminated bait that is slow-acting. When the queen dies, the swarm as a whole perishes.

Getting Termite Control with Positive Pest Management

Whenever you require assistance in safeguarding your property from all sorts of termites, Positive Pest Management is the way to go. For preventive termite protection and rapid termite control, they employ the most cutting-edge technologies and processes available. Whether you're dealing with subterranean termites or drywood termites, they've got your situation covered. They're the most reliable pest control company you can call for any pest damage control services in your home, whether  you're dealing with subterranean termite infestations, dampwood termites, dampwood termite infestation, species of ants, or any other type of pests.

Our  pest control experts will get the job done for you, your loved ones, and your home’s safety. Contact us to know more about our products and services.