One of the world’s most damaging insects has got to be a termite – they can literally eat you out of house and home. North America alone has 50 different species of termites, there are more than 2,000 species known in the world. Who knew there were so many species of one bug? The various species eat different kind of wood and like different climates, so they won’t be all in the same place, thank goodness. All species of termites prefer the warmer months and may be inactive during the winter months, unless they are in an area where winters can be mild – such as CENTRAL VIRGINIA. You need to know some things if termites are eating you out of house and home. Let’s take a closer look at our UN-friend, the termite.
See also Virginia’s Eastern Subterranean Termites
Traits Of A Termite
Termites function like ant colonies with a king and queen (the reproductive adults), the workers, and the soldiers. The king and queen are the ones who create problems since they are capable of flying and they’re not blind like the other termites. When they find a nesting ground, the ‘royals’ shed their wings. These termites are usually brown in color and larger than the worker and soldier termites, with the queen being the largest. There is usually one queen per nest and she can lay anywhere between 100 to 1,000 eggs per day.
The soldiers and workers are both blind and pale in color but the soldiers have larger heads and jaws. The various species of termites are more easily identified by the soldiers due to their large jaws. Workers make up about 90%-95% of the colony. They are colorless and small. They feed everyone, regulate temperatures of the nest and take care of the eggs and larva. Without them the colony would fail.
See also How To Keep Termites Away From Home
Damages They Cause
Termites are infamous due to the damage they cause. They are the main cause of property damages worth millions of dollars in the US alone. The worst part is that these are difficult to control without the help of a professional Termites can cause damage to major parts of a house or office and they will move fast. It is very common for walls to get damaged by termites as these are among their most favorite habitats. Another common area termites tend to thrive include wood piles, loose wooden paneling and damp areas. It is important to address these issues before the termites cause any more damage.
See also Virginia’s Eastern Subterranean Termites
Termites In Central Virginia
In the state of Virginia termites can be active all year round with the most common termite species being the Eastern Subterranean Termite. While it’s true that termites remain active during winter, that doesn’t mean they can survive the cold. As cold-blooded insects, termites depend on their environment to provide them with the heat they need to survive. When temperatures drop below freezing, termites will die out unless they find cover. It just so happens they’re very good at finding that cover. Once termites have a place to survive, they can keep moving, eating, and expanding their colony like always. They dig tunnels through the ground and feed off the nutrition they find there as well as any wood from the house. They create a thermal footprint.
If you suspect that you have termites in or near your home, Holistic Pest Solutions can provide you with a free assessment, damage control if you need it, and suggestions for long term control; give us a call at 434 842 1700. Whether you’re in Charlottesville, Waynesboro, or close by to either; Holistic Pest Solutions has the perfect plan that is mindful of our clients AND our Earth.
*Our Environmental Commitment: Holistic Pest Solutions is committed to the preservation of our environment. Our goal is to nurture the soils and plant life of lawns and landscapes. Utilizing holistic pest control practices that cause the least amount of impact on the environment.
