Termites are seriously destructive, wood-eating pests that can cause devastating damage to your property. Everyone knows that termite damage is a costly nightmare that you want to avoid at all costs, but what else do we really know about these pests? There are many misconceptions floating around about these infamous wood-eaters, and we’re here to set the record straight.
Myth: Termites serve no purpose; they simply exist to destroy.
While they are certainly capable of serious damage, termites don’t exist solely to destroy our properties. There are actually a number of environmental benefits from the presence of termites. Their wood-eating habit allows them to decompose dead trees, and turn them into fertile soil. This helps forests grow faster. Termites maintain soil health, making sure it stays aerated so that water and nutrients can get to the roots of the grass and vegetation. So, the idea that termites have no purpose other than to make our lives a living hell, is simply not true.
Myth: Termites are part of the ant family.
They may look similar, but termites are not a member of the ant clan. Termites are a distinct species with straight antennae, two pairs of uniform wings, and thicker waists than ants. They are similar to carpenter ants, as they build nests into the structural timbers of your property, but they’re not the same. Also, worker termites are often misidentified as white ants, but there actually is no such thing as white ants.
Myth: If I have a lot of mulch or decaying wood nearby, termites will leave my home alone.
On the contrary, decaying wood and mulch are two termite attractants. Termites are drawn to the moisture, which they use to weaken, eat, and burrow into the wood. The idea that termites will stay away from your home because they’re distracted by nearby mulch and decaying wood is false. It only provides them with conducive conditions to thrive. It will help them spread and grow their colonies, making it more likely for your home to experience infestation.
Myth: Termite infestations are easy to detect.
Termites are pretty sneaky when it comes to being detected. Other than the swarmer termites flying around looking for new places to nest, termites are mostly hidden away in the structural timbers of your property. There are some common indications of termite activity that you can be on the lookout for, such as signs of moisture damage, but these aren’t necessarily obvious to every property owner.
Myth: Termites can eat through concrete.
False. Termites only feed on materials that contain cellulose. This includes wood, cardboard, wallpaper, books, furniture, drywall, and various fibers and textiles. They do not, however, eat through concrete.
Myth: If a house has been treated for termites once, you never have to worry about termites again.
Even if your home has been treated by termites, it’s still a good idea to have ongoing maintenance services from the experts. Just because the premises were cleared of termites and conducive conditions, doesn’t mean things stay like that on their own.
Myth: You can get rid of termites on your own.
There are a variety of preventative measures that you can take to avoid termite damage, and while they can be helpful, none of them are completely reliable on their own. It’s just not possible to get rid of termite infestation on your own. The only 100% effective way to guard your property from termites is to reach out to the pros. At the first sign of termite problems, contact the team at Pest Czar. We offer comprehensive termite control and prevention services. You’re not in it alone, so call us today.