Busting Some Common Myths About Termites
Termites are rather fearsome insects. After all, they have been known to chew apart the wooden structures that support homes. If you have termites on your property, you absolutely need to call a pest control company that offers termite removal services. However, it's also good to know a little something about your enemy: the termites. Here are some common myths about termites that deserve to be busted.
Myth: Termites only like wet, rotting wood
The most common type of termite, dampwood termites, only eat rotting and wet wood. But this is not the only type of termite that exists. Drywood termites are another type of termites that are happy to eat dry wood. You often find drywood termites in attics and on the main floors of homes, where structures are dry. Check these areas for evidence of termite damage, such as hollow-sounding wood and wood shavings on the ground.
Myth: Termites will chew apart a home in days
You may have seen cartoons in which termites chew apart a support beam or a fence within days. Termites are quick and can consume wood pretty quickly, but not that quickly. It usually takes them months to do substantial damage to a home. So while you want to call a pest control contractor ASAP when you notice termites, you don't have to worry about your home falling down if the contractor can't fit you in that same day.
Myth: Termites will make you sick
There are a lot of household pests that do spread disease. Cockroaches, for example, can spread salmonella and other bacterial infections. Termites, however, are not known to spread diseases to humans. Some people are allergic to them and sneeze when there are termites in the home, but this is the extent of the health issues you need to worry about with these pests.
Myth: Termites don't fly
Termites and flying ants look alike, and you may have heard that if the insect flies, that means it is a flying ant rather than a termite. But this may not be the case. Some species of termites do fly at one stage of their life. They then shed their wings and become unable to fly during their next life stage. A better way to tell the difference between termites and flying ants is by looking at their waistlines. Ants have a skinny waistline, while termites are broad through their midsection.
Hopefully this article has cleared up some misconceptions about termites. May this information serve you well as you seek pest control services. For more information, contact a pest control service such as Consumer Termite Control Inc.
