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  The Termite
   

This document is an overview of Termites together with an outline for recognition of termite infestation.We will advise within our home inspection report if we suspect that termite activity is present requiring a Wood Destroying Organism report to be obtained from an independent licensed contractor. We can arrange for an independent W.D.O. Inspection at the same time that we will be inspecting the property.

It has been suggested by reputable termite eradication companies that there are only two types of homes: Those that have termites and those that will have termites in the future.

Whether you live in the North or South of America your home is a target for termites. Termites can enter your home through tiny cracks in the foundation or slab, through utility entry points, or anywhere that soil contacts the wood. If they can't find easy entrance points near the ground, they will construct mud tunnels up the side of a structure to access areas above the ground.

Termites rarely come to the surface of what they're eating, therefore most of the time you will never know they have invaded your home until it is too late. However, if you're lucky, you may see some of the warning signs:

  • Swarming or flying termites in the house, especially near sources of light
  • Small wings near windows, doors or in the garage
  • Mud tunnels along the foundation of your house, inside or outside
  • Mud tunnels along the foundation of your house, inside or outside
  • Buckling paint

 
  Subterranean Termites
   

The Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite, and have been estimated to cause over 90% of all termite damage in the USA. These termites live in colonies in the soil and enter houses in search of wood-based food. However, Subterranean Termites do not live in houses they must constantly return to the ground for moisture and to supply the colony with food. Each colony is built around a queen, whose sole job is reproduction. A queen can live as long as 25 years and produce thousands of eggs per year.

The colony also has Soldier Termites that protect the colony from predators (mostly ants) Worker Termites that provide food for the colony, and winged Reproductive Termites that turn into king and Queen termites and leave each year to start new termite colonies.

Worker termites constantly forage in search of wood-based food traveling as far as 250 ft from the colony. The other termites in the colony cannot forage for food; they depend on the worker termites to feed them.  

The Drywood Termite colony lives in wood with little moisture and does not have to maintain constant contact with the ground.

The Dampwood Termite colony lives in moist wood like tree stumps or areas in a house that contain a high degree of moisture. They do not have to maintain constant contact with the ground. These termites can be 3 times the size of Subterranean Termites.

The Formosan Subterranean Termite is the most destructive termite in the USA. These termites live in the ground like common Subterranean Termites, but have colonies that are many times greater in size. A colony of Formosan Termites may have millions of members and can consume hundreds of pounds of wood in a single year.

Additional Termite clarification can be obtained by visiting
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/profiles/fst.shtml

 
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