Everyone knows that termites eat wood and doing this can cause serious damage to anything that is part of the house, including the structure itself, that is made of wood or other cellulose material. But how many of us know what termites are? Do they look like ants or fleas? Where do they hide or nest?

Knowing the enemy is vital to defeating it. Therefore, to help you keep your home safe, here are the termite basics every homeowner needs to know.

What Are Termites? 

Termites are small insects that are about half an inch in size. They live in nests or colonies and, like some other insect species, have their social hierarchies. The size of a colony can range from just a few including a king and queen, to a few hundred. Large colonies can have a population of 60,000 or more. There are several different types of termites:

1. Globally, there are over 2,000 different species.
2. 50 of these species are present in the United States.
3. Of these 50, about 20 have been classified as pests that cause property damage.
4. The three most common types of termites are:

• Subterranean Termites: These, as the name suggests, live and move under the earth in search of wooden food sources.
• Formosan Termites: These are another subterranean species that is characterized by having huge colonies and causing huge amounts of damage in a short time. Subterranean termites alone are estimated to cause over $1 billion worth of property damage in the U.S. alone.
• Drywood Termites: This species is not as destructive as the subterranean and Formosan types, but they still cause huge amounts of property damage every year.

Also Read: What You Don’t Know About Termites

Termites are often confused with ants. When you know what the differences are, spotting a termite when you see it is easier. Although there are different species of pests, they all share some common characteristics:

1. Termites are brown or white. They are lighter colored than ants.
2. Ants have narrow waists, but termites are broad-waisted.
3. Like ants, termites also have antennae. However, while the antennae of ants are bent, those of termites are straight.
4. Like ants, termites also have six legs. However, because of the broader waist, the overall shape and profile of the legs are different.

Getting Rid of Termites

Termites cause about $5 billion worth of property damage in the U.S. each year. The only way to be sure of eliminating termites is to have the extermination done by a professional termite control company. Professionals have various ways of eliminating them. Be it fumigation vs. microwave termite treatment, termite baiting systems, or other termite treatments, they are experienced and skilled at all of them. The services of a professional termite control company are essential for keeping a home safe and termite-free. The process of getting rid of termites begins with annual termite inspections to determine the size and type of infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are termites and how do they damage property?
Termites are small insects that eat wood and can cause significant damage to structures made of wood or other cellulose materials.

2. What are the different types of termites?

The three main types of termites are subterranean, Formosan, and drywood termites. Subterranean termites are the most destructive.

3. How do termites differ from ants?

Termites are lighter in color, have straight antennae, and a broader waist, while ants are darker and have bent antennae and narrow waists.

4. What are the best termite treatment options?

Fumigation, microwave termite treatment, and termite baiting systems are effective methods for eliminating termites, with professional help required for success.

5. Why are annual termite inspections important?

Annual termite inspections help detect infestations early, ensuring that your home remains safe and free from termite damage.

6. How can I protect my home from termites?

Preventive measures like regular inspections, maintaining wood in dry conditions, and using termite barriers can protect your home from termite infestations.