Termites are pests that destroy the wood in your home and can cause structural damage. If you see them, it is important to have a pest control service set up and ready to take care of them. Do termites bite? Termites can bite humans and some people may have a red bump from them, but they are more interested in wood and other plant-based materials.
Termite Types
Termites are insects that feed on dead plant matter. Things such as leaf litter, soil, wood chips, and logs interest them. Some people call them “white ants” but they are more destructive than ants. Termites create mud tunnels and come from underground as these tunnels allow them to crawl right into the home. There are a few types of termites, let’s take a look.
Dampwood Termites – this type of termite likes the wet trees that have fallen on the ground and rotted.
Drywood Termites – dry wood habitats are furniture, large trees in a forest, dry firewood, and home developments that are new.
Subterranean Termites – loving the areas that are rich in moisture, they dig underground mud tunnels and then go into buildings and homes.
Winged Termites – well-developed termite colonies and have termites that have wings. In warm weather, these flying termites will swarm, mate, and then create a new colony. The wings are the same size, yellow or black bodies, and they don’t bite.
What Attracts Termites
There are a few things that termites like:
- Wood
- Cellulose materials
- Firewood
- Paper
- Lumber
- House Framing
In addition to these things, they also seek food, water, and shelter. They find this in the garage, firewood, crawlspaces, and attic. Additionally, they love water and it is something they need. You might find termites quickly if your gutters don’t drain properly! If you have water pooling in the yard or moisture build-up, you may end up with more pests than just termites.
Check out this video that shows a home that has termites.
Signs of a Termite Bite
Wondering how you would know if you were bitten by a termite? Termites biting people is not very common. In fact, their jaws are small and they don’t usually bother humans. If you do have a bite, it probably is another type of insect bite.
Here are some signs of an insect bite:
- itchy
- raised and swollen
- painful and sensitive skin
- reddish in color
- irritated
If the symptoms worsen, see a doctor.
What If You Have a Termite Bite
Termites are not disease-carrying insects, so if you are bitten, it would be mild. If you are bitten by something, you can:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress if the bite hurts
- Keep an eye on the bite and watch for swelling
- Apply anti-itch cream if it begins to itch
Dangers of Termites
Unfortunately, termites can cause severe damage to the structure of your home. Keeping an eye out for a termite infestation and having a termite treatment done is essential. Reach out to your local home inspection company to set up this service.
While termites don’t usually bite, they can destroy a home. Also, a colony can do severe structural damage. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for a termite infestation and have a termite treatment done as soon as possible.
How to Prevent an Infestation
The last thing you want is a termite problem. There are several things you can do to keep away an infestation.
- Seal wood structures when building
- Ensure your yard drains properly and water doesn’t build up near the home.
- Build a barrier with a concrete foundation in new construction and make sure there is a space between the wood and soil.
- Don’t stack firewood or other types of wood near the home as termites are attracted to this and will make their way into your home.
- An investment in pest control is essential so a termite inspection can be conducted and the professionals can have a look at your home.
- Land grading is away from your home so the water flows toward the road.
How to Get Rid of Termites
Boaracore of Fitpro Aerosol – this can get rid of drywood termites as well as eliminate moisture in the home.
Get Rid of Moisture and Leaky Pipes – this will help the damp wood and Subterranean termites to go away.
Recommended Maintenance
Sometimes homeowners aren’t sure how often pest control should be done. It is usually monthly or bimonthly but depends on the issue at the home and the services needed.
Another area to take a look at is if you have squirrels that are a nuisance. Some people wonder if moth balls will keep squirrels away and they will but they are not good for the environment. This is because they are harmful and will actually kill other pests. It is better to use other methods such as apple cider vinegar, spices, or eliminating food.
Lastly, many people like landscape rock but they worry that it attracts bugs. The good news is that rock landscaping does not attract bugs as it does not provide a food source like mulch because it does not decompose. Hopefully, if that was a worry of yours, you can go pick up some rocks and spruce up the yard without any worries.
When to Call a Professional
A termite inspection is important for your home. Contact your local home inspection and pest control company to find out more about termite control. Remember, if you are bitten by an insect, it probably is not a termite. Watch the bite and if it worsens, contact a medical professional.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, termites can cause destruction in the home. Making sure you and your family are protected is important. Protecting the home is not something the homeowner can do so calling a professional is important. Call on Honor Services to assist you with some pest control recommendations for termites while conducting a thorough pest inspection in Melbourne, FL, and surrounding areas.
