Termites are a type of cockroaches that consume a variety of decaying plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, and soil humus. They are commonly termed as “white ants”. However, they are not ants but highly derived cockroaches. Termites can cause damage to buildings, homes, and furniture structures in the USA that are made of wood. Termite pest control is important as they feed on decaying wood that causes structural failure or damage, resulting in weakening the integrity of the building. Termites can also damage other cellulose-based materials, such as paper, cardboard, and some fabrics, as they use these things as their food sources and to make their home
Termite causes damage to buildings, as people in the USA are not aware of the ways to control termites in the house and have common misconceptions that lead to ineffective termite control. Common misconceptions about termites are that they assume they can only create a problem in certain regions or that a one-time treatment is sufficient. This misconception leads to ineffective control and significant structural damage.
In this blog, we have explained the myth-busting with facts backed by advice that will help the people of the USA to manage or control termite infestation in their house, and you can make your house structure safe from termite attack by regular termite inspection.
The following is the explanation of the risks of surface-level treatments vs. professional extermination.
| Aspect | Surface-Level Treatments | Professional Extermination |
Effectiveness | Give temporary relief, and may not be effective on hidden colonies | Eliminates the entire colony, giving a long-term solution |
| Coverage | Only visible termites are targeted | Thorough inspection and entire termite colony treatment |
| Chances of recurrence | Chances of other termites returning | Prevention measures in place last for a long time |
| Structural damage | Can grow their population in hidden areas | Prevents further damage to property and building structure |
| Treatment methods used | DIY sprays, bait stations | Termiticides, baiting systems, barrier treatments |
| Cost in the long term | Infestation can occur again, so the cost is high | Cost-effective as it prevents major damage |
Myth #1: Termites Only Infest Old Homes
Fact: Termites can attack new homes just as easily, especially if they have wooden structures.
Termites are attracted to moisture and untreated wood because they need both to survive and thrive. Termites use wood as food and moisture to maintain their colonies and travel. Termites, subterranean termites, need moisture for their survival and to build their colonies. They construct mud tubes to travel through the soil and to protect themselves from drying out and this is the reason termites are attracted to areas with high moisture levels.
Moisture makes wood more susceptible to decay and termites can use that as a food to feed on in the long term. Other reasons that attract termites and give favourable conditions for termites’ survival are leaky pipes, damp basements, and a poor drainage system.
Myth #2: DIY Termite Control Methods Are Effective
Fact: Most DIY solutions only offer temporary relief and don’t eliminate the entire colony.
Surface-level treatments for termites are sprays and DIY solutions that can be used to get temporary relief, but they can not remove the root of the infestation. These termite treatments can only be beneficial to get relief from visible termites and hidden colonies, and termites left untouched will increase their population in the long term and can cause serious damage to property and lead to costly repairs of building structure in the long term.
Whereas professional extermination involves thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and long-term prevention. Advanced methods like baiting systems and fumigation are used by termite pest control to eliminate the entire colony. Professional extermination is a safer, more effective, and cost-efficient solution in the long run as it eliminates the chance of recurrence of termite infestation in house property.
Myth #3: Termites Are Easy to Detect
Fact: Termites work silently and cause hidden damage before being noticed.
To protect the home from termite infestation homeowners should look for early warning signs and take preventive measures to prevent termite infestation. Homeowners should watch for signs like hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, and discarded wings.
After swarming, termites shed their wings, which can be found around window sills, doors, or other areas where they entered the home. Termite droppings, also called frass as drywood termites are wood-colored droppings that are called frass as they eat through infested wood, and swarmers, which are called flying termites and also known as reproductive, are a clear sign of a termite problem and the right time to take action for termite pest control.
Myth #4: Chemical Treatments Are Harmful to Pets and Humans
Fact: Modern termite treatments use eco-friendly solutions that are safe when applied by professionals.
There are safe alternatives to termite pest control, such as baiting systems and barrier treatments that are eco-friendly and are safe when applied by professionals. Baiting systems refer to the plastic sleeves with pieces of wood, paper and cardboard or any cellulose-based materials to serve as “monitors” that are placed in the ground around the home. When termite feeding has been detected.
“Monitors” are then replaced with a bait. These systems act as a physical or chemical obstacle, blocking the subterranean termites’ path to your home’s foundation or wooden structures.
Termite barriers are installed during the construction of new buildings to protect it from termite attack in the future, but they can also be retrofitted in existing homes to provide additional protection. Termite barrier systems are designed in such a way that they keep termites out of the home by reducing entry points in the house for termites or using products to control active termite colonies around your house or inside your house. Some termite barriers are installed during the pre-construction process, while others can be used in post-construction.
Myth #5: Once Treated, Termites Never Return
Fact: Without regular inspections and preventive measures, termites can reinfest a home.
To stop termite infestation in the house of the USA, annual termite inspections and maintenance plans need to be taken as a preventive measure. Maintenance plans help prevent future infestations by addressing potential entry points and moisture issues that attract termites. Spring and summer are the swarming season for most subterranean termites and making regular inspections more important during these months.
Annual termite inspections and maintenance plans are important for protecting homes from costly damage to property and ensuring structural integrity by identifying and adopting preventive measures early before they become severe. One can take the help of professional termite inspectors and pest control companies as they have the experience and tools to identify and treat termite problems effectively.
Addressing termite problems early can be more cost-effective than dealing with a building’s structural damage in the future, as termites can weaken the structure of a home that is made of wood, leading to costly expenses in repairs when it collapses in the future.
What Actually Works? Proven Termite Treatment Methods
- One can get help from a professional for termite inspections and termite pest control, or from companies for early detection of termite infestation and to prevent their home from serious damage.
- People in the USA can use eco-friendly treatments like liquid termiticides, bait stations, and fumigation for termite pest control when applied by professionals.
- Preventive measures like moisture control and sealing wood surfaces can stop the entry of termites into the house and further damage to your property.
- Regular inspection of the early warning signs of termites can help homeowners to take preventive measures and can save the cost of repairs in the long term.
Conclusion
Termites are small in size, but they can damage the structure of the building and furniture of of USA house as they are attracted by moisture and use decaying wood to feed themselves. It can also cause a disease named salmonellosis, which is a food poisoning caused when an individual consumes food that is contaminated by termites. So regular termite inspection and treatment of termites is important to protect your building and family from further risk in the future.
Get a professional termite pest control inspection today!
