In general, most people have a basic understanding of termites. They are those little creatures that eat the wood framing of your home and probably the last pest you want to find on your property. But there are also a lot of misunderstandings about termites.
At Earthwise Pest Management, we believe that the more you know about pests, the better prepared you can be to spot a pest problem early and treat it, rather than allowing the problem to grow right under your nose.
Below, we’re going to be busting some common termite myths and spilling a little bit of truth along the way. If you happen to notice any signs of a termite infestation (or if you haven’t had your annual termite inspection performed yet), give us a call or fill out our contact form. We are here to help you live a pest-free life, and in this area in and around Sacramento, termites are a major pest peeve for a lot of homeowners.
Myth: You’ll know if you have a termite infestation.
Truth: It often takes two to four years for a colony of termites to become established enough in your home where you might notice signs of an infestation. However, many colonies live in a home for much longer than that before a homeowner calls a termite inspector.
Homeowners most often notice a termite infestation when the insects swarm during mating season. You might also find dead termites (usually similar in appearance to a white or cream-colored ant) in areas such as an unfinished basement or attic. If you notice any signs of a termite infestation, call Earthwise Pest Management as soon as possible.
Myth: Homes that are treated for termites won’t get another infestation.
Truth: If your home has recently been treated for termites by a reputable pest control company, you are probably safe from termites… for now. No termite treatment lasts forever. Many will likely keep you safe for about five years depending on the products being used by the termite control specialist, but some may last for a shorter amount of time.
After a termite treatment, you should have a termite inspection once per year to ensure that the problem is still under control.
Myth: Living in a forested area protects my home from termites.
Truth: Termites like to eat dead plants and trees. For this reason, they are commonly found in forested areas with a lot of decaying matter. While decaying leaves and logs are easier for termites to eat, it doesn’t mean the forest surrounding your home will prevent termites from wanting to snack on your wooden framework and drywall. Just like humans, termites always think that the grass is greener on the other side and can expand their colony to your home.
Myth: Termites are a species of ant.
Truth: Termites look a lot like ants. They also behave a lot like ants as they live in a colony and have specific roles. However, termites are in the order Blattodea whereas ants are in the order Hymenoptera. Blattodea includes cockroaches while Hymenoptera includes wasps and bees. Who would have thought that termites are more closely related to cockroaches than ants!
Myth: If my neighbor has a termite treatment done, their termites will just come to my house!
Truth: If you notice termites in your home after seeing your neighbor’s home enclosed in a termite tent, it is highly unlikely that they crossed the chemical barrier to go from the neighbor’s home to yours. Termite colonies can be huge and span multiple homes, meaning you might have found part of the same colony in your own home. Another possibility is that your home was already infected with a different termite colony. Either way, it warrants a call to your Sacramento pest control company for a termite inspection ASAP if your neighbor has termites.
Myth: Only wood-framed homes get termites.
Truth: Almost any home can become a haven for termites. While termites are more likely to occur in wood-framed homes, termites will eat anything with cellulose, including drywall, wallpaper, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and more. Once a few termites find their way into your home, it’s only a matter of time before they multiply and cause some serious destruction whether your home is made of wood or simply has some wood or cellulose-based elements in it.
Myth: Termites Only Eat Wood
Truth: Termites mostly eat wood, but as we touched on above, what they are really looking for is cellulose. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound found in nature and is an essential building block of plants. Termites are one of the only creatures that can digest cellulose thanks to a special bacteria in their gut. Because there is not much competition between termites and other species for food, the likelihood that termites would ever starve is slim to none.
Myth: I can use DIY treatments to get rid of termites.
Truth: Over the counter sprays and poisons can only do so much and, when it comes to termites, nothing beats professional termite control. When you choose DIY termite removal methods, you might wipe a few dozen termites, but for a home that is infested with hundreds or thousands of termites, all you are doing is giving the bugs more time to destroy your home. The best thing to do is to call your Sacramento pest control company in to get rid of your termite problem successfully.
Treatment for termites varies depending on the severity of the infestation. The only way to know for sure how much termite treatment costs or how extensive the issue is is to have a full and thorough inspection performed.
Myth: There’s No Good Termite Removal Companies Near Me!
Truth: We can’t speak for the entire world, but if you’re in the Greater Sacramento region, then you happen to have one of the best termite removal companies right around the corner! Earthwise is your Top Rated Local® pest control company specializing in termite treatment in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. As of writing this blog, we have a 5-star average across Top Rated Local, Yelp, Google, and Facebook. We don’t bring this up to toot our own horn (okay, maybe a little bit), but to show you that we have a proven track record of providing local residents with top-notch pest control services including termite removal.
If you haven’t had a termite inspection performed this year (or in several years!), you are searching for a free quote on termite removal services, or you simply have questions about our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our goal is to create a pest-free environment for you and your family, and that can all start by giving us a quick phone call or filling out our contact form.
Get in touch with Earthwise today!