What Are Termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects. Out in nature, they are helpful because they feed on dead and decaying wood. They become a problem, however, when they feed on the structural wood inside buildings. They are responsible for causing billions of dollars in damages across the United States every year. Termites divide the members of their colony into different castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives.

Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termites that live in vast colonies. Due to the sheer size of these colonies, these termites cause a lot of damage in a relatively short time. Formosan termites have millions of members in a single colony and can create significant structural damage in as little as six months. However, these termites only live in the southern portion of the United States.

Eastern subterranean termites nest underground in much smaller colonies than Formosan termites. These termites have a wider distribution and live throughout most of the country, so while their colonies are more modest, their wide range allows them to cause more damage across the U.S each year than the Formosan termite.

Termite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are termites dangerous?

Termites themselves are harmless to people. They spend most of their lives underground or inside the wood they are feeding on and rarely come into direct contact with people. Their biggest threat is the massive amount of structural damage they cause by feeding on the wood in houses and other buildings. Also, termite damage is not covered by most homeowners’ insurance, making it very expensive to repair. 
 
Again, termites themselves aren’t dangerous to people directly, but their presence in your home may be an indicator of a mold or moisture problem. Mold growing in your house can lead to health issues for you and your family.

Why do I have a termite problem?

If a termite colony is in your vicinity, termites may find their way onto your property during a swarm. A termite swarm is when winged, reproductive termites swarm from a mature colony to find a mate and a new nesting spot. They may also find their way onto your Dallas property or into your home while out foraging for food.
 
Eastern subterranean termites enter homes through cracks in the foundation or wood that is making direct contact with the soil. Formosan termites enter buildings at ground level or overhead, usually through openings in the roof.

Where will I find termites?

Formosan termites are unique because they enter structures both at ground level or aerially. They can nest above the ground and maintain their high moisture needs by building carton nests. From their nests, they gain access to homes through exterior walls, spaces around windows or doors, or the roof.

Eastern subterranean termites do not nest above the ground; they only nest in the soil underground. Both of these species travel back and forth from their nesting spots to their food sources each day. They do not nest in the wood they are feeding on.

How do I get rid of termites?

Locally owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of termites from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced pest professionals provide quality termite control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate termites from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Prevent problems with termites by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Clean out gutters and place weatherstripping around windows and doors to prevent water from seeping into your walls and causing water damage.
• Use dehumidifiers to dry out crawlspaces and basements.
• Make sure crawl spaces are well-ventilated.
• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
• Remove any wood from your home damaged by water.
• Create at least an 18-inch barrier between any mulch or soil and your foundation.
• If possible, replace mulch with non-organic gardening materials like crushed rock or rubber mulch.
• Repair any roof damage, replacing missing roof shingles.