Termites are a problem for many people across the United States. According to the MU Extension, more than $4.5 billion dollars is spent annually to control termite infestations and to repair the damage they have caused. There are approximately 2,500 different types of termites around the world. However, there are 45 different species live in the United States, and only four are found in Missouri. The most common type of termite in Missouri are the Eastern Subterranean termite. This type of termite is gearing up for another swarm, so make sure your home is protected by hiring a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small, wood eating insects. All termites are social insects, and raise their young as a group, similar to bees and wasps. Termite colonies eat nonstop and are known as the “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood structures, wallpaper and flooring undetected. Along with wood, the subterranean termite can also eat plastic and fabrics that are made from plant material. Their size ranges from 1/8” to 1” and they are long, narrow and oval. They are a creamy brown color and have six legs. Their colonies can have up to two million members; the colonies are divided into three groups known as workers, soldiers and reproductive. The queen termite is rather large and can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a single day.
Termite Swarms
“Swarmers” are male and female reproductive termites that have wings. Once a colony becomes established the swarmers leave their colony to establish a new nest. Subterranean termites are active all year long. However, swarms usually happen in the spring and fall. Swarms will occur during the day, most frequently on a warm day after a storm. Termite and ant swarms look very similar, but there are a few distinctive characteristics between the two. Ants will have bent antennae, while termites have straight antennae. Ants will also have a small waist and unequal size wings, while termites have a big waist and equal size wings.
Do You Have Termites?
A termite swarm in your home is an obvious sign of infestations. However, there are other subtle signs that you may have termites. Subterranean termites often use mud tunnels to get around. These tunnels are often found in basements, along pipes or baseboards, near cracks, behind siding or along the foundation of your home. Buckling paint or tiny holes in wood is another sign that termites may have made themselves at home. Finding broken wood is a sign that termites have found a food source. Damaged wood will sound hollow, so check the wood by tapping it. If it sounds hollow, you may have a termite issue. If the damage is bad enough, you may accidentally break through. Finally, piles of wings is a sign that the swarmers have found a new nest and are moving on to the next stage of development, which is colonizing.
Protect Your Home with A B Pest Control & Insulation
Termites can do lots of damage that can be costly. The MU Extension estimates the average repair work for termite destruction ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $11,000. Avoid these costly repairs and make sure your home is protected by using a trusted pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. A B Pest Control & Insulation offers a 10-year guarantee on termite control services. Annual termite inspections are recommended to help you protect your home by having a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company look for the warning signs of termites. If you are needing termite protection before the next swarm comes in, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100 today.
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