Termites: Your Go-to Guide About These Pests

What are termites? Generally, termites are social insects and they are usually found in colonies just like ants. In every colony, there are numerous classes of termites and you can identify these classes according to their characteristics.
In a termite colony, the highest class would be the queen termite. The queen termite is the biggest termite that you will ever see in a colony. Its main and only job is to lay eggs in order to increase the number of termites in the colony.
Because of the large body of the queen, it is unable to move on its own and it requires several worker termites to be able to move.
The termites responsible for protecting the colony against their predators are the soldier termites. These soldier termites have distinctly large jaws that enable them to fight against their enemies and protect the colony.
There are also reproductive termites in a termite colony that would develop wings and usually leave the colony to create their own colony.
The lowest form of termites is the worker termites that are responsible for damaging the properties. Worker termites have underdeveloped eyes which make them blind, but they are capable of working 24/7 because they have a lot of responsibilities in the colony.
Termite identification is definitely the most important step in preventing infestation and damage to your properties.
How Do You Get Rid Of Termites?
The best way to get rid of termites is to create a barrier between the colony, which lives in the ground, and the building above them. These barriers can be created by using termite repellent and other chemicals.
However, you should also be sure that you avoid creating conditions that are conducive to infestation. That means making sure that there’s no contact between the wood in your home and the soil, including removing boards from crawlspaces and basements.
You should also make certain that every area has enough ventilation and drainage, so as to discourage soil conditions that favor termites.
If you keep your home unfriendly to these pests, you’re much less likely to suffer from them.
A professional termite inspector will know how to identify the signs of termite infestation. During a termite inspection, a pro will find any pests, and let you know what your options are for eliminating the problem, if there is one.
Finding a good termite inspectors is fairly simple. Talk to friends and relatives, and ask if they have anyone to recommend. If you don’t have anyone who can give you advice, try your local phone book.
The check should include all spaces inside the house, as well as basements, attics, crawlspaces, and the outside of the home. Your termite inspector should write down all findings on a form, and then help you decide on a method of eliminating these pests. Even if live termites aren’t discovered, treatment may still be suggested if there’s past evidence of an infestation.