Termites 101: What You Need To Know About Termites

Termites are social insects that live in colonies and primarily feed on cellulose, a component found in wood, leaf litter, soil, and dung. There are over 2,000 known termite species worldwide, but the most common species found in New York are the Eastern Subterranean Termites.

Termites are notorious for causing extensive damage to homes and structures. by chewing through support beams, floors, and walls. This compromises the wood’s integrity and can lead to costly repairs. In fact, termites are responsible for more damage in the United States than hurricanes, tornados, and house fires put together.

As a New York homeowner, it’s essential to understand the biology and dangers of termites to protect your property. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of termites, their behavior, and the potential risks they pose to your home.

Termite Colonies

Termite colonies are led by a king and a queen and are populated by castes of soldier termites, worker termites, and immature termites still developing. Each member of the colony is responsible for fulfilling different roles.

Termite Workers

Termite workers are the most numerous caste in a termite colony. They are responsible for foraging, feeding the other castes, and maintaining the nest. Workers are typically white or light-colored and have soft bodies. Workers construct the colony which leads to the destruction of homes and buildings.

Termite Soldiers

Termite soldiers’ primary role is to defend the colony from predators, such as ants or other termites. Soldiers have large, dark-colored heads with powerful mandibles.

Termite Reproductives

The kings and queens are responsible for reproduction and the growth of the colony. The queen can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime, while the king helps maintain the colony’s population.

How Termites Cause Damage

Termites cause damage by consuming wood and other cellulose-based materials in and around your home. They can tunnel through wood, weakening its structure and potentially causing it to collapse. Termites can also damage other materials, such as plaster, insulation, and even metal siding, as they search for cellulose.

Eastern Subterranean Termites, the most common species found in New York, build their colonies underground and create mud tubes to protect themselves from the open air while they travel between their nest and food sources. These mud tubes are a telltale sign of termite infestation.

Signs of Termite Infestation

As a homeowner, it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of termite infestation. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. Some common signs of termite infestation include:

1. Mud tubes on foundation walls, floor joists, or other structural elements.
2. Damaged wood, which may appear crushed, hollowed out, or have small holes.
3. Discarded termite wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points.
4. Swarming termites, which typically occur during spring when reproductive termites leave the colony to establish new ones.
5. Bubbling or peeling paint, which can indicate the presence of termite tunnels beneath the surface.

How to Prevent a Termite Infestation

There are several steps you can take to prevent termite infestations in your home:

1. Eliminate wood-to-soil contact by ensuring that wooden structures, such as porches and decks, are not in direct contact with the ground.
2. Keep firewood, lumber, and other cellulose-based materials away from your home’s foundation.
3. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent moisture buildup, which can attract termites.
4. Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation to prevent termites from entering.
5. Regularly inspect your home for signs of termite infestation and maintain a regular termite control plan from Knockout Pest Control for professional support.

Knockout Pest Control: Your New York Termite Experts

At Knockout Pest Control, we understand the importance of protecting your home from the devastating effects of termites. Our experienced technicians are trained to identify and eliminate termite infestations using the latest techniques and technologies. If you suspect a termite infestation in your New York home, don’t hesitate to contact us for a thorough inspection and customized treatment plan.

The good news is that damage caused by termites happens slowly over time. An annual inspection by a Knockout Pest Control technician will ensure you identify any potential infestations early and keep your home safe.

Knockout Pest Control serves all of Long Island, New York City, and Westchester and Rockland Counties. Call 1-800-244-PEST to schedule a termite inspection for your home.