Termites are some of the worst wood-eating insects on the planet, and many Salt Lake City homes and businesses have sustained significant damage due to these pests. Five billion dollars are spent each year in the U.S. on prevention for and repair from termites. Because termites typically live and breed in foundations and behind walls and out of sight, most people won't know they have a termite problem until damage has already been done. You may think you understand all there is about termites and how to prevent them, but it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your knowledge. There are many widely dispersed myths about termites, and getting a clearer picture will enable you to better protect your property (and your wallet).
Myth #1: Termites Serve No Purpose; They Simply Exist to Destroy
Termites contribute to the earth’s ecosystem as decomposers. In the midst of their activities, they break down dead and rotting trees, plant material, and other organic matter into fresh soil. They enhance soil and help introduce it to air, which keeps forests and wooded areas healthy.
Myth #2: Termites Are Part of the Ant Family
In termite colonies, there are workers, soldiers, and swarmers. The white or grayish white workers are 1/8 of an inch long, and are often mistaken for ants because they’re visually similar. They aren’t ants though, nor are they close relatives. The defensive soldiers are yellow-brown in color, and have noticeable jaws and rectangular heads. Reproductive swarmers are black, brown, or yellow, and ½ of an inch long. While the former two classes creep in walls, swarmers will be flying about in springtime to make new nests. Near light sources is where you’ll primarily catch them.
Myth #3: Termites Will Leave Your Property Alone If You Have a Lot of Mulch or Decaying Wood Nearby
As previously mentioned, termites are vital to soil. That said, having mulch nearby won’t deter them from entering your home. When it comes to decaying wood, these bugs don’t discriminate. In fact, removing moldering or damaged wood is a part of prevention:
- Have all moisture issues and leaks fixed; replace moisture-damaged wood.
- Never put free wood, such as logs, on soil.
- Close up crevices in utility lines and foundations.
- Place loose wood and greenery several feet away from the property.
Myth #4: Termite Infestations Are Easy to Detect
Again, termites mainly reside in foundations and out of sight. Infestation signs sometimes resemble other maintenance crises:
- Discolored and floppy drywall
- Slacking tiles and floorboards
- Splotchy paint that looks water-damaged
- Hollow walls
- Mud tubes, maze patterns, and pinpoint openings in walls
- Piles of peppery fecal frass
- Seeing swarmers or their scaly wings
Myth #5: Termites Can Eat Through Concrete
No, termites don’t consume or bite through concrete; they’re just able to come through cracks in it.
Myth #6: If You Treat for Termites Once, You Never Have to Worry About Them Again
Termites can always make an attempt to return. If they’ve been on your property before, the structures will be even more susceptible to their invasions.
Myth #7: You Can Get Rid of Termites on Your Own
While some do-it-yourself options and retail products have termite-repelling qualities, they aren’t very powerful and will only yield short-term results. Several may be too noxious for safe home use, and the majority just treat on the surface, leaving a deeper infestation untouched.
White Knight Pest Control technicians use professional-grade termite solutions by Termidor. Also available is our Termi-Shield Termite Monitoring system for ongoing surveillance, so you can stay ahead of these ruinous critters. Our services come with a renewable warranty, so call us now to set up an inspection!