What Are Termites And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

Termites, small but destructive insects, can wreak havoc on homes and structures if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of termites, their potential for damage, and effective strategies for getting rid of them.

By understanding these resilient pests and implementing appropriate measures, homeowners can protect their properties and maintain peace of mind.

Here’s everything you need to know about termites and tips on how to get rid of them for good!

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Table of Contents

What is a termite?

Termites are insects that feed on wood and plant materials, playing a crucial role in decomposing dead plant matter in natural environments.

They live in large colonies and can cause damage to structures when they infest buildings, although they have intricate social structures and diverse species worldwide.

What does a termite look like

Termites are small insects with soft bodies. They are typically pale or light-colored and have straight antennae.

They have a distinct segmented body and are generally similar in shape to ants, although they are not closely related.

The size, color, and appearance of termites can vary depending on the species.

Do termites bite

Many people ask, “Do termites bite people”, well, fortunately, termites do not bite humans or animals in the same way that some other insects, like mosquitoes or fleas, do.

Termites are primarily interested in consuming wood and other plant materials.

What do termites eat

Termites primarily feed on cellulose, which is the main component of plant cell walls.

Termites can consume various sources of cellulose, including:

Wood: Termites are well known for their ability to feed on wood. They can digest both hardwood and softwood, including structural timber, furniture, and other wooden items.
Plant Material: Apart from wood, termites can also feed on other plant materials such as leaves, grass, roots, and bark.
Paper and Cardboard: Termites are attracted to paper and cardboard products, as they contain cellulose. They can damage books, documents, and cardboard boxes.
Cellulose-Based Products: Termites may consume cellulose-based products like certain types of insulation, fabrics, and even certain plastics that contain cellulose derivatives.

Do termites have wings

Yes, some termites have wings, specifically the reproductive individuals within a termite colony.

These winged termites are known as alates or swarmers. The presence of wings is a distinguishing characteristic of reproductive termites.

How big are termites

The size of termites can vary depending on the species and caste within the colony. Generally, termites are small insects, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter or so in length. Here are some average size ranges for the different castes of termites:

Workers: Workers are the smallest caste of termites. They typically measure around 3 to 5 millimeters in length. Workers are responsible for tasks such as foraging, building tunnels, and caring for the colony.
Soldiers: Soldiers are slightly larger than workers. They have specialized heads and mandibles for defense and protection. Their size can range from about 5 to 10 millimeters in length.
Reproductives (Alates): The winged reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, are the largest members of the termite colony. They can vary in size depending on the species, but on average, their length ranges from 10 to 20 millimeters. Once they shed their wings after the mating flight, the males and females may establish new colonies.

It’s important to note that these size ranges are approximate, and actual termite sizes can vary depending on factors such as the species and geographical location.

How to check for termites

Checking for termites in a property typically involves conducting a thorough inspection to identify signs of their presence.

Here are some steps you can take to check for termites:

Look for Visible Signs: Inspect the interior and exterior of your property for visible signs of termite activity. These may include mud tubes (small tunnels made of soil and saliva), discarded wings near windowsills or light fixtures, and small holes or galleries in wood surfaces.
Tap Wood Structures: Tap or knock on wooden structures such as beams, furniture, or walls and listen for a hollow sound. Termites hollow out wood from the inside, so a hollow sound can indicate termite damage.
Check for Wood Damage: Examine wooden structures for any signs of damage, such as sagging floors, blistering or peeling paint, or areas that appear to be water-damaged or discolored.
Inspect Moisture Areas: Termites are attracted to moisture. Check areas with excess moisture, such as basements, crawl spaces, and areas around plumbing fixtures for signs of termite activity or damage.
Look for Swarmers: Keep an eye out for winged termites, known as swarmers or alates, especially during their swarming season. If you find discarded wings around windows, doors, or light sources, it could indicate a termite infestation.
Call a Professional: If you suspect termite activity or are unsure about your findings, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control company or a qualified termite inspector. They have the expertise and tools to conduct a thorough inspection and provide appropriate treatment options if necessary.

Remember, early detection is crucial in minimizing termite damage, so regular inspections and proactive measures are recommended, especially in areas prone to termite infestations.

What is termite inspection

A termite inspection is a professional assessment of a property to check for termites and termite-related damage. It involves a thorough examination of the interior and exterior, aiming to identify signs of termite activity.

The inspection helps determine the need for treatment and enables early detection of infestations to prevent extensive damage.

What causes termites

Termites are caused by a combination of factors, including environmental conditions, food sources, and the natural behavior of termites themselves.

Here are some key factors that contribute to termite infestations:

Moisture: Termites require moisture to survive. Excess moisture in or around a structure, such as leaks, poor drainage, or high humidity, creates a favorable environment for termites to thrive.
Wood and Cellulose Materials: Termites primarily feed on wood and cellulose-based materials. The presence of untreated wood, wooden structures, or other cellulose-rich materials in or near a property can attract termites and provide a food source.
Entry Points: Termites can enter a property through small cracks, gaps, or openings in the foundation, walls, or utility lines. These entry points provide easy access for termites to infiltrate a structure.

Soil Contact: Subterranean termites, the most common type, require contact with soil. If a building’s foundation comes into direct contact with soil or if there is soil accumulation near the structure, it can create an entry point for termites.
Vegetation and Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and landscaping elements close to a structure can provide pathways for termites. Overhanging branches or vegetation that touches the building can offer termites a direct route to access the structure.
Geographic Location: Termite prevalence varies by region. Certain areas, particularly those with warm and humid climates, are more prone to termite infestations than others.
Lack of Preventive Measures: Insufficient preventive measures, such as the absence of termite barriers, regular inspections, or proactive termite management strategies, can increase the risk of termite infestations.

It’s important to note that while these factors contribute to termite presence, individual termite colonies are naturally occurring and not caused by human activities.

Taking preventive measures and promptly addressing conducive conditions can help minimize the likelihood of termite infestations.

Where do termites come from

Termites originate from existing termite colonies in natural environments. Winged reproductive termites leave the colonies in swarms to mate and establish new colonies.

They find suitable locations, shed their wings, and become the king and queen, starting a new termite population.

Termites can also spread through unintentional human transportation of infested materials.

How to get rid of termites

Getting rid of termites typically requires professional assistance, as they can be challenging to eliminate completely on your own.

Here are some common methods used for termite control:

Consult a Pest Control Professional: It’s recommended to contact a licensed pest control professional experienced in termite control. They will conduct a thorough inspection, determine the extent of the infestation, and recommend the most effective treatment options. Professional pest control can not only be effective for termites but other bugs, insects, and animals, too.
Chemical Treatments: Termite control professionals may use liquid termiticides or termite baits to treat infested areas. Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil around the structure or directly to infested wood, creating a barrier that repels or kills termites. Baits contain slow-acting insecticides that termites carry back to the colony, effectively eliminating the entire population.
Termite Tenting (Fumigation): In severe infestations, a process known as tenting or fumigation may be necessary. The structure is covered with a tent, and a fumigant gas is introduced to eliminate termites throughout the entire building. This method requires professional expertise and typically involves temporary evacuation of the premises.
Termite Barriers and Pre-treatments: For new construction or as a preventive measure, applying termite barriers or pre-treatments can help protect structures from termite infestations. These treatments involve applying chemicals or physical barriers to the soil, foundation, or building materials to deter termites.
Wood Treatment: Infested wood can be treated with termiticides or heat treatments to kill termites within the wood. This method is often used for localized termite infestations in furniture or wooden items.
Regular Inspections and Monitoring: Once treated, regular inspections and monitoring by professionals can help detect and address any recurrent termite activity before it becomes a major infestation.

It’s important to note that the choice of treatment method will depend on factors such as the severity of the infestation, the termite species involved, the type of structure, and local regulations.

Professional guidance is crucial for effective and safe termite control.

What kills termites instantly

There isn’t a single method that can instantly kill termites across an entire infestation.

Termite control typically requires a systematic approach to eliminate the colony and prevent further damage.

However, there are certain actions you can take to address individual termites or localized infestations promptly:

Direct Physical Elimination: If you spot individual termites, you can use appropriate tools (e.g., tweezers, vacuum) to remove them and dispose of them effectively. This can be a temporary solution for immediate removal, but it does not eliminate the entire colony.
Insecticidal Sprays: Some insecticidal sprays labeled for termites can provide a quick knockdown of exposed termites upon contact. These sprays can be used for spot treatments on surfaces where termites are visible. However, they may not reach the hidden termites within the colony.

It’s important to note that these methods may only provide short-term relief and are not sufficient for comprehensive termite control.

To effectively address a termite infestation and protect your property, it’s recommended to consult a professional pest control service experienced in termite management.

They can assess the situation, implement appropriate treatments, and provide long-term solutions tailored to your specific needs.

How to get rid of termites naturally

While natural remedies for termite control may not provide the same level of effectiveness as professional treatments, here are some natural methods you can consider for managing termites:

Sunlight and Heat: Exposing infested wooden items to direct sunlight can help kill termites. Termites are sensitive to heat, so placing infested objects in a sunny area can cause them to die off. However, this method may not eliminate hidden or underground termite colonies.
Nematodes: Certain beneficial nematodes, such as Steinernema and Heterorhabditis species, can be applied to termite-infested soil. These microscopic worms parasitize and kill termites. Nematodes are typically available as a commercial product and can be used as part of a natural termite control approach.
Orange Oil: D-limonene, an active ingredient found in orange oil, has been suggested as a natural termite control method. It can be applied to infested areas or directly on termite galleries to kill termites on contact. However, the penetration and effectiveness of orange oil in eliminating entire termite colonies may be limited.
Cardboard Traps: Placing damp cardboard near termite activity can attract termites. Once termites infest the cardboard, it can be removed and destroyed, taking some termites with it. However, this method is more suitable for monitoring termite presence rather than achieving complete elimination.
Proper Moisture Control: Addressing moisture issues in and around your property is crucial for termite prevention. Fix leaks, improve drainage, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce favorable conditions for termites.

It’s important to note that natural methods may have limited effectiveness and may not eradicate the entire termite colony.

For comprehensive termite control and long-term protection, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional pest control service experienced in termite management.

They can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions tailored to your specific needs.

How to get rid of flying termites

To get rid of flying termites, also known as termite swarmers or alates, you can take the following steps:

Identify the Source: Determine where the flying termites are coming from. Look for signs of termite activity, such as discarded wings, mud tubes, or damaged wood, to locate the colony or entry point.
Vacuum or Remove Termites: Use a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag or a damp cloth to physically remove the flying termites. This can help eliminate the immediate presence of swarmers.
Seal Entry Points: Close off any entry points that the termites are using to enter your property. Seal cracks, gaps, or openings in windows, doors, walls, or foundation to prevent their access.
Improve Lighting: Flying termites are attracted to light sources. Reduce outdoor lighting near your property during termite swarming season to minimize their attraction to the area.
Reduce Moisture: Eliminate excess moisture around your property as termites are attracted to damp environments. Fix leaks, improve drainage, and ensure proper ventilation to create less favorable conditions for termites.
Consult a Professional: While the above steps may provide temporary relief, it is recommended to consult a professional pest control service experienced in termite management. They can conduct a thorough inspection, assess the extent of the infestation, and provide appropriate treatment options to eliminate the swarmers and address any underlying termite colonies.