Termites

Although all pests create major problems for Atlanta residents, some are more dangerous and destructive than others. Ultimately, termites are one of the most destructive pests in our area because they chew through wood. They can chew through wood furniture, wood beams, and wood columns. It is pertinent to deal with this problem as swiftly as possible. Otherwise, your home is going to be at risk of being destroyed. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with this issue before it destroys your home. For instance, you’ll want to team up with a qualified exterminator.

You’ll encounter a handful of termite species in your area. However, you primarily have to worry about Subterranean termites. These termites cause billions of dollars in damage to American homes each year.  These termites have to be eliminated quickly.

Termite Structure

Although each termite species will be unique, most of them live in structured colonies. As a result, the colony will contain kings, queens, soldiers, and worker termites.

Queen Termites

The queen termite is one of the biggest and most important members of the colony. She can grow up to 4 inches in length and needs assistance from worker termites. She cannot move through the tunnels unless she is pushed by hundreds of workers. Queen termites are responsible for laying eggs and growing the colony. Queen termites can live as long as ten years. Unfortunately for people dealing with termites, the queen can lay as many as 30,000 eggs in a day.

King Termites

Each termite colony has a queen and king. These termites reproduce and help build the colony. Thanks to the king and queen, the colony can constantly add more worker and soldier termites. The king and queen as immensely important during the initial formation of the colony.

Worker Termites

Worker termites are the backbone of any termite colony. They perform most of the mundane tasks, such as feeding termites, building tunnels, and caring for termite eggs. The colony would be in trouble if it didn’t have worker termites. These termites are roughly 10mm in length and have soft bodies. They are light in color and do not have wings.

These termites work around the clock to ensure that the colony thrives.

Soldier Termites

Soldier termites are defenders. They attack predators such as ants. They look similar to worker termites, but they have longer heads and stronger jaws. These termites are white and wingless.

Swarmer Termites

Don’t forget swarmer termites. The termites are not created throughout the year. Instead, they are reproduced during spring. There are female and male swarmer termites. Once they’re born, they will develop wings and leave their colony. Then, they’re going to search for other places to build colonies. Besides the king and queen, swarmer termites are the only termites that can reproduce.

Again, the colony will only have one king and one queen. It can have hundreds or thousands of swarmer termites.

Termite Types Found In Atlanta

Living in or around Atlanta means that you may encounter a handful of termite species. However, the one you have to worry about the most is the Subterranean termite. The species can be found in many states, including Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and more.

About Subterranean Termites

Most termite species live in structured colonies. When dissecting a Subterranean termite colony, you will find specific categories of termites. For instance, the colony is going to have worker termites, swarmer termites, and soldier termites. Once you’ve identified the termite type, you can figure out what its responsibilities will be. For instance, worker termites build tunnels and feed other members of the colony. They are roughly an eighth of an inch to three-eighths of an inch in length.

These termites look a lot like soldier termites, but there are several differences. Soldier termites have longer heads and strong mandibles. You’ll also have to worry about swarmer termites which can grow up to half an inch. These termites will build colonies elsewhere.

Behavior

Subterranean termites share many behaviors with other termites. They normally in colonies underground, but they can live above ground too. When they do, they have to stay in moist areas. If they do not have access to water, they will die. Subterranean termites build mud tubes to safely reach nearby food sources. The mud tubes protect them from open-air and predators. King and queen Subterranean termites produce swarmer termites in spring. Once this happens, the swarmer termites try to build new colonies elsewhere.

Concerns

Atlanta residents cannot ignore a termite infestation. If you sincerely care about your home and belongings, you need to take steps to fix this problem soon. Otherwise, the termites are going to destroy your most valuable assets. Worker termites eat wood around the clock. They never stop eating wood. Again, you’ll need to get rid of the termites on your property quickly. If you don’t, you’ll regret your decision.

Is It A Flying Ant Or Flying Termite?

Flying ants and flying termites have a lot in common. However, there are many differences between the two. With that being said, you’ll need to find out which insect you’re dealing with. It is important to know the difference so you don’t overreact. First, look at the insect’s wings. If the wings are the same size, you’re dealing with a flying termite. If the wings are different sizes, it is a flying ant. Also, remember that flying ants have pinched waists but flying termites do not. You’ll also find that flying termites have straight antennas. As for flying ants, their antennas are elbowed.

Interesting Facts About Termites

• Worker termites are constantly eating wood. They eat wood around and in your home. They never stop so the damage done to your home quickly accumulates.
• A termite colony can stick around for as long as 70 years. Get rid of them because they’re not going away.
• 500,000 termites can live in a colony in the United States.
• Termites can help get rid of deadwood by breaking it down and disposing of it.
• Most termite species need access to water to survive and thrive.
• When living above ground, termites build mud tubes. These tubes must remain wet at all times.
• Termites constantly fight ants. Although they can be attacked by other predators, ants are the most problematic.
• When tackling the problem, you can eliminate an entire infestation. Work with a professional to solve the problem.
• The world is more to more than 2,000 termite species in the world. Most of these species reside in tropical and subtropical areas.
• Approximately 40 species of termites can be found in the United States.
• Alaska is the only state in America that does not have Subterranean termites.
• Subterranean termites are the most destructive since they cause more than 90% of all damage to American structures.
• Termites can move through concrete cracks and gaps easily, but they cannot chew or eat concrete.
• Worker termites are responsible for feeding other members of the colony. They chew wood and other items that contain cellulose. Then, they’re going to regurgitate it and feed it to other termites in the colony.
• On average, a termite queen can survive for more than 20 years. Each day, she will lay thousands of termite eggs.

Termites Aren’t Dangerous

Termites create many problems for Atlanta residents, but they’re not particularly dangerous. Thankfully, these pests are not physically dangerous to humans or pets. They won’t bite you or your loved ones. Plus, they’re not going to transmit any nasty illnesses. You don’t have to worry about this, but you do need to protect your property. These pests can make your home unsafe. They’ll chew through the wood and destroy your home. You have to get rid of the termites swiftly to prevent them from ruining the value of your home.

Getting Rid Of Termite Infestations

Taking care of your termite infestation as quickly as possible is wise. Otherwise, the problem is going to get worse. Unfortunately, termite control is best left to professionals. The issue is that these pests hide exceptionally well. They can sometimes travel up to 300 feet from their colonies. As a result, this makes it incredibly difficult to identify the location of the nest. You won’t be able to fix the problem until you know where the nest is located. Working with a qualified exterminator in your area is recommended. We’re here to help. With our assistance, you’ll be able to wipe out the infestation before it destroys your home.

Do Your Exterminators Recommend DIY Termite Management?

No, termite colonies are known to have hundreds or thousands of members. When a colony of termites infiltrates your property, you can imagine what will happen. Termites cause mild to severe structural damage to residential and commercial buildings.

If left untreated for a specific period of time, the culprits (termites) will bore holes in structural components, such as lintels, joists, floors, foundations, rafters, shingles, and rafters.

How Do I Request A Free Termite Inspection In Atlanta?

By phoning our Atlanta location, where you will find an extermination team like no other. Our exterminators will work with you and your family to determine the best day and time for the termite inspection. Our Atlanta location is open Monday through Friday and some weekends.

Take note, our pest control service requests take up to 48 hours to process.

Does Termite Pest Control Pose A Heath Risk To Children And Adults?

Pest control products with chemicals may be dangerous to humans and animals when improperly administered, stored and transported. Our exterminators are required to heed the manufacturer’s recommendations to a tee.

We require our extermination teams to complete new hire and routine pesticide safety courses. We believe our pesticide safety program is the key to keeping our clients and their families and pets safe throughout the pest control process. We take pesticide safety to the next level by not treating termite-infested properties while they are occupied by humans and/or animals.

Our professional pest control product line includes brands approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We’re here to help. Contact us to get started.

What Do I Need To Protect My Atlanta Property From A Repeat Termite Infestation?

Termites are a diligent insect species. When it comes to deciding between surviving and dying, termites will always choose the latter. Fortunately, preventing termite infestation is not nearly as difficult as the full extermination of a termite colony. With this in mind, experts believe the keys to termite infestation prevention are patience, diligence, awareness, and improvement in the structural components responsible for keeping insect intruders out.

Termite prevention tips include the following:

• Seal all exterior-to-interior openings utilized by termites to infiltrate buildings
• Repair damaged, leaky guttering systems
• Replace or repair leaky faucets
• Install vents and/or dehumidifiers in rooms (basements and crawlspaces) with humidity problems
• Construct stands for firewood and lumber above ground
• Replace wood mulch with rubber mulch
• Develop an inspection strategy that focuses on damaged wood structures and mud tubes at the entrance of underground tunneling networks
• Schedule an appointment for a termite inspection by contacting our local office in Atlanta

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