If you’ve recently moved into a new house, you’ve probably noticed some signs of a problem with Termites. The critters can find their way into your home through cracks, crevices, and other small openings. They can also cause significant damage to your wooden structures. Termites can cause major problems if you don’t know what to look for to protect yourself. While many people will think that a termite infestation is unlikely, the fact is that a problem with Termites can be costly.
Termites are a common structure infesting pest in Arizona
While termites may not be the most obtrusive pest, they can damage your home. Infestations typically occur in areas where there is direct contact with the soil, such as the exterior wall of a house. Termites may also invade wall voids. Common signs of infestation include mud tubes, piles of feces that resemble sawdust, and discarded wings.
They tunnel from the soil to wood
Termites tunnel from the soil to wood to reach a food source. These tubes are made of dirt and feces and extend up to fifteen feet. You can easily see them, but they are not always connected to the wood. If you find one, you can expect that a termite is currently active. Termites leave etchings on the surface of the tubes, which indicates that they were once occupied.
They produce biofuel from cellulose
Scientists have discovered that termites can efficiently break down cellulose, a component of plants, into sugar, the first step in producing biofuel. However, scientists aren’t able to match the enzymes that termites use. In addition, their enzymes are expensive, so the research could have significant implications for the industrial production of ethanol. Regardless of its practical impact, the study is encouraging news for biofuel researchers.
They can cause expensive damage to wooden structures
Many business owners think their insurance covers damage caused by termites, but this is a myth. Termites build mud tubes and conduits and leave behind sawdust-like debris. They also shed their wings as they grow, leaving bubbles and peeling paint. Fortunately, there is an affordable solution to termite infestation: pest control services. The best way to avoid damage caused by termites is to keep your wooden structures and furnishings clean and dry at all times.
Termites can be transported by humans
Termites are not only found in wood, but they are also carried around by humans, including in shipping crates and boat timbers. They will live in wood, and if the wood is not treated, termites will travel to other areas and infest that. A recent example of this is a termite discovered in Vienna, Austria, on a wooden container with decorative potted plants. People may not be aware of it, but termites can be carried by humans.
If you need help with Termites and getting rid of termites in Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale or Arizona contact Atomic Pest Control for help
