Termites are one of the most destructive pests you’ll encounter, and stopping an infestation early is crucial to reducing the expense associated with their damage. Although it may take a termite a long time to chew through the wood of your home or office, it will eventually succeed in severely weakening the structure. A termite infestation could result in substantial damages and lengthy repairs if left alone.
The Life of a Termite
Termites are social insects that are related to ants. Like ants, they live in colonies, each member filling a specific role. They feed primarily on wood pulp and are often found chewing through a house’s foundation, flooring, and walls. Termite colonies can become very large very quickly, and the growing size represents an increasing threat to the stability of your home.
As a colony grows, the colony will seek to expand by sending out a new young queen. This winged termite will fly with a swarm of fellow insects to locate a new territory and settle in to begin building a new home. This swarming behavior usually occurs in the early spring.
It could take months or even years for termite damage to become evident. As the colony grows, it will spread through your home and become more disruptive. Since termites are so much smaller than the wood they are chewing, you may overlook the trails of damage they leave right away. However, the constant gnawing by insects will weaken the structure, and the wood may even collapse before physical damage is evident to the naked eye. Simply stated, termite damage is inevitable—the sooner you can remove them, the less you will spend on long-term repairs.
How to Rid Your Home of Termites
The first challenge to ridding a home of termites is identifying them in the first place. Many people don’t know these critters have invaded their houses until the termites reach the “swarm” phase, where they relocate as a colony. If you already have an established colony in your home, you may not know they’re there without thoroughly examining the property.
For Orlando home and business owners, termites can pose a severe problem. If you suspect you might have termites, it’s essential to contact a professional for immediate assistance.