The Truth About Termites

Termite awareness week

Did you know the last week of winter is Termite Awareness Week? Are you wondering, “is it important to know facts about tiny termites?” Well, if you own a home or business, it is imperative! Termites though small, are very destructive. 

Are Termites Good?

Termites are incredibly important to a thriving and healthy ecosystem. These are just one of nature’s extraordinary recyclers, known as ‘green machines’. They consume a variety of decaying and dead plants, trees, and animals. Our planet’s ecosystem needs termites.

Though they are important, they can cause havoc in a homeowner’s life.  Here are facts about termites that might surprise you.

Subterranean Termites Are In Every State Except Alaska

Termites live in warm to cool climates. They especially thrive in warm wet areas. The top states with the highest risk for termite damage are Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, California, and Hawaii. However, every state, except for Alaska, has termites present. 

Milder and wetter winters have caused a need for homeowners to be alert. “With temperatures warming, the impact of termites on the planet could be huge,” said Zanne, the Aresty Chair of Tropical Ecology in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biology.

EASTERN SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Termites Compose 10% Of The World’s Mass Of Living Organisms

Termites are copious. Some estimates suggest that this one insect makes up 10% of all animal biomass and 95% of soil and insect biomass in tropical regions. Their colonies are so large one was recorded to contain over 3 million termites. 

There Are About 2000 Known Species Of Termites In The World

The most destructive species to homes are Subterranean termites, Formosan termites, dampwood termites, drywood termites, and Conehead termites.

Termites Eat Non-stop, 24 Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week

A single colony of Formosan or super termites could eat the whole structure of a home within two years. Now that’s an incredible appetite. This is why termite damage can happen so quickly. 

Homeowners’ Insurance Does Not Cover Termite Damage

This fact may seem crazy, but because most termite infestations may be prevented by regular maintenance, insurance companies will not cover termite damage. Prevention is a homeowner’s responsibility.

Termites destroying wood in a home

Each Year, Termites Cause More Than $5 Billion In Property Damage

A homeowner needs to know the signs of termite presence and how to prevent them from ever entering their home. The first step is to call a local pest control company that knows which termites in your area pose the greatest risk for your home. 

How TruX Pest Control Can Help With Termites

It’s important to allow these insects to do their part in nature, and at the same time keep them from destroying man-made structures. For this reason, TruX Pest Control uses environmentally friendly treatments. 

For a free pest inspection for a termite infestation or prevention, fill out our form or call us today.

 

TruX Pest Control van

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