Termites have negative implications for man: their infestation damage.

Old and grunge wood board was eaten by group of termites

Termite infestations can cause major damage to buildings and furniture. It has recently been reported by the National Pest Management Association that termites actually cause more than $5 billion worth of damages annually in the United States. That’s more money in damages than fire, earthquakes, and storms combined!

There are two main species of termites that affect homes: termites that live underground (subterranean termites) and those that live entirely in wood (drywood termites). Drywood termites can be found in the furniture, framing and hardwood flooring of homes, whereas subterranean termites build colonies in the soil.

In Georgia, when the weather starts to get warm, termites start new colonies. These reproductive termites leave the nest at the same time looking for a mate. This is called a “swarm” when a large number of termites are searching for mates. The rain and warm temperature facilitated this process. The winged termites emerge from soil, cracks, or holes looking for a mate, new nest sites, and food sources.

Does insurance cover termite infestation?

Insurance policies refer to termites as “wood-damaging insects”. But unfortunately, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover termite infestation damage because a termite infestation can be preventable. In addition, most insurance policies do not cover damages that are considered to be maintenance issues.

Also, most termite infestations are well-established before outward signs become visible. It’s best to become familiar with termite infestation signs, so you will be able to identify a termite infestation and get prompt treatment.

Reproductive Termite Macrotermes mossambicus after shedding its wings

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termite mounds

Hollow-sounding wood

Red clay or mud trails

Sagging of floors or ceilings

Mud tubes on exterior walls

Crumbling wood of any structure type

Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces

Groups of winged insects (“swarmers”) or discarded wings

Damaged wood can indicate a sign of termites or carpenter ants. If you notice your wood is cracked, caving, sagging, or hollow, your home may have a termite infestation problem, and termites may be silently feasting on your home’s structure. 

Difference between Flying Ants and Termites

Many people see flying insects swarming out of cracks in the floor or holes in the wall.

People are often fooled because they may look like ants, but they are often flying termites.

Group of the small termite on decaying timber. The termite on the ground is searching for food to feed the larvae in the cavity.

There are two or three things to look at in order to figure out whether they are ants or termites.

It helps to have a magnifying glass for the identification process.

Can you get rid of termites by yourself?

-Applying liquid or foam termiticides to your home’s exterior.

-Using essential oils or beneficial nematodes as an organic solution.

-Setting up termite baits to slowly kill the colony.

-Spraying boric acid around affected areas inside the home.

Culled/Adetutu Adetule

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