Termites are a highly destructive species of masonry pest. They quickly spread to other buildings and even property owners’ houses. Today, there are more than 200 species of termites in the United States, with new ones emerging regularly. Apart from being a completely different species from other termites, there are several differences between termites in different home environments. Here is an overview of the different types of termites you’ll find in your home after you are causing concern.
What Is a Termite?
A termite is a honeycomb-like structure that is the main breadbasket of the United States. It consists almost exclusively of golden honeycomb cells. Most of them are about the size of a grain of rice with a few centimeters of additional material added to make it a substantial structure. The termite number can range from fewer than 100 to as many as 100,000, with many studies concluding that the number is closer to 200,000 or more.
Termites are omnivorous, eating almost anything that is plant material. They are famously attracted to wood but are also known to eat plastic and other natural materials. Termites are a very Dexterous species, which means they are tough to kill and continue to eat even when their host structure is destroyed. They are known to enter into disturbed areas, such as forests and fields, and survive there for years.
Different Types of Termites in Varying Environments
An essential aspect of deciding which type of termite to control is deciding which environment will be the source of concern. In general, a more diverse environment is generally more damaging to termites. They can only survive in more varied settings. One great example of this is urban environments. Areas with increasing population density are expected to contain more termites.
However, the degree to which these insects are introduced is also essential. The more diverse an area is, the less likely it will be affected by changes in the population density. Another vital factor is the temperature of the air. Places with colder climate temperatures are expected to contain less number of termites. This is likely because termites prefer warm, moist environments.
Pest Control
Pests are organisms that are naturally or deliberately made to harm plants or other plants and humans. Many pest control companies now focus on eliminating termites, but many different types of insects and plant-eating animals can cause concern.
Most pest control companies employ biological controls, which are organisms that are naturally or brought to the market by humans. These are called parasitoids or predators. Insects and prey items can be fed on these organisms, which supply the insects with nutrients. Biological controls can be purchased as chemicals, biological powders, or both. On the other hand, natural controls are proteins released by plants or animals and eaten by humans.
Pest Extermination
Pests are carefully monitored to ensure that all treatments and methods used do not cause a pest to develop further. This is especially important when many termites are present on a property. Some of the more common ways to check for termite activity in your home are to put up a curtain in a particular location to Prevent Termites from entering and clean any cracks or crevices in the wall. Other things to check include the level of masonry, gaps and weaknesses in the hardwoods and other nearby plants, tree coverage, and the amount of other wildlife in the neighborhood.
How Do Termites Cause Concern?
There are many different types of concerns that can arise. Depending on where you are dealing with anxiety and the kind of concern, a few other avenues may lead to a conclusion. In general, the following situations will cause the most disruption and damage after you have caused concern:
- Any structural defects include missing or broken window panels outdoors, doors that cannot be closed, and broken window glass.
- There are unfamiliar or showy decorations, clocks, pictures, or other goods or china.
- Open or damp places, such as the rooms where you spend most of your time, the kitchen and bathroom where you spend the most time, or other areas where you spend a significant part of your time.
- Heavy lifting, such as lifting and lowering roofs, walls, or masonry, or carrying roof contents.
- Dry and hot conditions, such as in the winter when there is no electricity or air conditioning and no water to moisten the air or moisten the soil.
How to Prevent Termite Infestation & Destruction
- Wash your hands often, especially when cleaning your hands or mouth after eating.
- Clean any paint or construction work that may be involved in your home. If you do this often enough, you should not be affected by termite activity.
- Wipe your face with a fabric or damp organic cloth to keep the dirt and grime from coming back to your face.
- Take extra care when working with children. They may be more likely to become incised or broken than adults.
- Always wear gloves when performing any maintenance around your home. This includes your masonry work, roof repairs, and other indoor activities.
- Don't forget to clean your shingles every year thoroughly. This is also called installing shingles.
Conclusion
Although termites are different from other insects, many are very closely related. Many common concerns about termites are based on inaccurate information. There are diverse ways to prevent termites from destroying your home. If you have already begun to notice a change in your home environment, it is best to get in touch with a professional landscape architect or home inspector to make sure the damage is severe.
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