What are termites? Termites are one of few organisms that can feed on cellulose; this makes them very beneficial pests when living outside in wooded areas. Termites help to break down decaying wood and other plant matter. However, when termites decide to invade our yards and homes, their feeding habits turn from helpful to destructive. Termites are part of the class Insecta, and belong to the order Isoptera. They are social insects that live together in large colonies. Termites divide their colonies into three different groups or “castes.” Their developing larvae turn into either workers, soldiers, or reproductives (reproductive males and queens). Worker termites gather food for the colony, soldiers provide defense for the colony, and reproductives work to expand the colony.

Are termites dangerous? Termites cause no direct danger to people. In fact, people rarely ever come into contact with them. Termites spend most of their lives under the ground or inside of wood they are feeding on. Termites are, however, highly destructive pests. They cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and other structures across the country each year.

Why do I have a termite problem? As with any pest, termites are on your property because they have discovered that food is available. Termites feed on things like fallen trees, tree stumps, leaf piles, and old wooden fencing. They prefer to feed on water-damaged or decaying pieces of wood that are making direct contact with the soil. Entering into homes through cracks in the foundation or through pieces of wood on your home that are making direct contact with the soil, termites are a tricky pest to avoid.

Where will I find termites? When invading homes and other structures, termites first attack the structural wood located behind walls and under floors. Over time, the termites will travel up walls and begin to feed on wooden structures located above ceilings. Most species of termites do not live within the pieces of wood they are feeding on. Termites move back and forth from their nest to food source each day.

How do I get rid of termites? To solve your termite problem, it is best to partner with a professional. Pestout is committed to getting rid of termites and other pests, and keeping them out! Here at Pestout, we are a family-owned company dedicated to serving the needs of our residential and commercial customers. Our friendly professionals utilize advanced technologies to deliver the comprehensive pest control services needed to solve pest problems in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. If you would like to learn more about implementing our termite control services into your Virginia home or business, reach out to Pestout today. One call controls them all!

How can I prevent termites in the future? Prevent problems with termites by implementing the following prevention tips in and around your Virginia home: Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and directing water away from the exterior of your home.

Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.

Use dehumidifiers to dry out damp basements.

Ventilate crawlspaces and make sure they are free of wood debris.

Repair any cracks and other damage in the foundation of your home.

Remove wood that becomes damaged by water from your house.

Eliminate as much soil-to-wood contact around your home and on your property as possible.

Leave a barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.