Could Your Home Be At Risk Of Termite Infestation?

You would never be able to hear it, but at this very moment thousands of termites could be eating away through your Omaha, NE home.  Termites are known as “silent destroyers“ because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected.

As a result of their stealth nature termites cause billions in property damage each year, often severe damage which is not covered by insurance. Call Omaha Pest Control and ask about prevention.

As the ground warms in spring, termites much like every insect in nature, begin stirring and coming out of their overwintering spots in search of food. In the case of termites, they are looking for new structures to settle their million member colonies.  Before a colony finds an appropriate structure their search team will investigate available options. Our exterminator inspection team at Omaha Pest Control will prevent that from happening or provide a termite treatment of termites to rid them from your home..

Swarmers are winged young queen and king termites that show up inside homes in early spring and are typically the first sign of a termite problem. Because they can be mistaken for flying ants, many homeowners may dismiss them as such and leave a potential termite infestation untreated. Discarded wings near windowsills and doors signify that swarmers have already found their way in.

Common Termites In The United States

These are 4 commonly known termite types in the the world:

• Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas above ground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive “mud tubes” to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species of termite as they eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This ravenous eating can severely compromise the structural stability of a home as they chew their way through important support beams.
• Formosan termites are found in Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and California. This species is the most voracious, aggressive and devious of termite species. Formosan’s are organized into massive underground colonies, building intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure. Because of the size of their colonies and their aggressive nature, Formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure.
• Damp wood termites are found along Pacific coastal and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and in southern Florida. Unlike subterranean termites, damp wood colonies do not forage in the soil and they require higher humidity and regular contact with water. Because of their specific water requirements, these termites are most often found in trees and structures that have direct water to wood contact, such as a leaky roof or wooden siding.
• Dry wood termites are primarily found along the coastal areas from South Carolina westward to Texas and along the west coast of California.  Unlike some other termite species, dry wood termites infest dry wood such as attic framing and do not require contact with the soil. Because dry wood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.

Regardless of the species, termites are destructive and can cost you lots of money in unexpected home repairs if left to their own devices.

Prevent Termites From Damaging Your Home

Some important steps to control these wood destroying insects are:

1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes.
2. Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
3. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units which are on the outside of the home.
4. Repair fascia and saufets and rotted roof shingles.
5. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
6. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
7. Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
9. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.
10. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

Omaha Pest Control provides service to the cities of Omaha, Council Bluffs, Bellevue and a radius of approximately 30 miles surrounding these communities.

Contact Omaha Pest Control For Assistance