I have active termites, how much damage will they do in a month's time?
Subterranean termites would not be expected to create significant damage in a few months time, but rather over an extended period of time if left untreated. Individual termites randomly visit the various feeding sites established by the colony, rather than returning to the same location day after day. Terminix recommends you take action as soon as possible to begin the control process.
There are homes on my street with termite infestation and damage. What actions can I take to protect my home from being infested?
Termites forage from spring through fall and they spread most commonly underground. If your home is currently termite-free, it could become infested by termites that are active nearby. A preventive termite control program will help avoid termite infestation. Contact your local Terminix office for additional information about termite biology, habits and treatment options.
We recently noticed a small mud tunnel on the dry wall side of an exterior wall. After knocking it off we saw a pinhole in the dry wall. After a few days, the mud tunnel was back. We have had flying ants in the past, but I am a little concerned about this tunnel. What do you think?
Such mud tunnels are an indication of subterranean termite activity. Because the tube was rebuilt after being broken, the termites are active. Please contact your local Terminix service center by calling the local number in the yellow pages or by dialing 1-800-TERMINIX. A representative will provide a free inspection to determine your control options.
The outside wood trim on the side of our garage is rotting. How do we know if termites are causing this, or if it is another problem?
What you've described sounds like wood decay fungi damage as a result of moisture in the wood. When you repair it, keep the area caulked and painted to prevent a reoccurrence. To verify it is wood decay, contact your local Terminix office about an inspection.
Do termites really eat wood?
Yes, termites actually eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomachs, they are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.
How long are their life cycles? Why do they lose their wings?
A worker termite may live from one to two years. A queen termite may live for decades. Winged termites, also known as swarmers, need their wings to fly a short distance from their nest. They then pry off their wings and never fly again, burrowing themselves in the soil to spend the remainder of their lives building a new colony. They must remove the wings to move through their underground tunnels.
Can termites make their way through concrete?
Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack only 1/32 of an inch. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces of concrete abut – like when poured separately – and around plumbing penetrations through the concrete or where the concrete has cracked.
How can I identify a termite?
Termite workers are pale, soft-bodied insects about 1/4 inch or less in length. They appear to have a head and body because their thorax is broadly joined to their abdomen. Their antennae are straight, just like a string of beads. Termites are mistakenly called white ants, but are not ant-like in appearance. Ants are usually heavily pigmented and have three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen. Ants also have a very narrow or pinched "waist," and their antennae are "elbowed." For a detailed comparison, click here.
Winged termites (swarmers) have pigmented bodies with broad waists and two pair of wings that are equal in size and shape. Subterranean termite swarmers have bodies about 1/4 inch in length. The swarmers quickly shed their wings after a brief flight. Winged ants, on the other hand, have pinched waists and two pair of wings that differ in size and shape (front pair is large, hind pair is much smaller).
For more information on termite characteristics and behaviors, click here.