March 12, 2018
Tips to Protect Your Greenville Home from Termites
There are many pests in South Carolina that garner our attention quickly, for instance, we know for sure when there are mice in our…
Formosan termites are a specific species of subterranean termite found living in Hawaii and across the southern United States, including South Carolina. Like other termite species they work together to maintain their underground colony and are divided into three castes: reproductive (kings, queens, and alates or swarmers) workers, and soldiers. Formosan termites can usually be identified through the alates (swarmers) and soldiers. Alates grow to about ½ of an inch in length are yellowish-brown in color and have almost transparent wings that are covered in small hairs. The soldiers are off-white in color and have a large orangish-brown oval shaped head. Soldiers are also equipped with a curved mandible that they use to defend themselves and their colony with.
Formosan termites are not dangerous to people, however they are very dangerous to the structure of homes and other buildings. Formosan termites feed on cellulose and once inside a home will quickly and aggressively begin to feed on the structural wood that is found inside. Their extremely large colony size makes them more dangerous than other termite species because of their ability to cause more damage in a much shorter time frame. Formosan termites can cause severe damage inside a home in as little as 6 months!
Termites do all of their damage to the inside of wood; which makes it very difficult to spot an infestation in the early stages. Termite damaged wood generally looks fine on the outside, but the inside tells a different story- it can be full of tunnels and almost completely hollow. Termite damage can greatly reduce the structural integrity of the wood that they are infesting and if left untreated the damage that they inflict on a home may make it unlivable. More so than even carpenter ant damage, repairing termite damage can be very costly.
Formosan termites are attracted to moisture, water that is collecting around your near your home can draw them to your property to create nesting areas. Once on your property they may make their way inside your home at the ground level while foraging for food sources (cellulose from structural wood and live plants). These termites tend to enter into properties through cracks and crevices found in the foundation and exterior walls. Since Formosan termites are attracted to moisture they are found invading areas of homes that are high in moisture like basements, laundry rooms, attics, crawl spaces, and the underneath of sinks.
Formosan termites can enter into homes in very large numbers; they hide and nest in the hard to reach areas of your home, making finding and eliminating all of them from your home a very tricky task. At Spencer Pest Services we can get rid of Formosan termites from your property through our highly effective termite control services. Our pest control professionals have the experience, training, and technology needed to eliminate and control Formosan termites in your home and prevent future problems with this aggressive species of termite. Contact us today for specifics about our termites control services.
Along with putting into place a preventative termite control service, there are several things you can do in and around your home to prevent and deter Formosan termites. Prevention tips include:
To see how Spencer Pest Services can eliminate Formosan termites from your Greenville, Upstate of South Carolina, or northern Georgia property, call us today.
March 12, 2018
There are many pests in South Carolina that garner our attention quickly, for instance, we know for sure when there are mice in our…
September 20, 2017
You can't continue to deny the warning signs. Maybe you've seen peeling paint that resembles water damage with no water in sight. Or, maybe you've…