Every homeowner wants to create a safe environment for their family. Part of this involves eliminating termites in your home. If you live in Virginia, chances are you have encountered termites on your walls, furniture, bathroom, or other areas of your house. You might not see them, but these silent destroyers may be lurking behind your doors and damaging your home. Termites cost homeowners nearly $5 billion in annual property damage, hence the need for reliable Virginia pest control experts.
What Are the Types Of Termites In Virginia?
There are approximately 2,750 different kinds of termites worldwide. Although Virginia’s seasonal climate favors all-year termite activity, only a handful of termite species survive in this area. They include the following.
Eastern Subterranean Termites
This is the most common species in North America. The termites exist underground in colonies of nearly two million insects. Eastern Subterranean termites survive in high humidity and use mud tubes to find food while avoiding the open air. It’s not uncommon to find these tubes on your house’s walls, studs, and window trims. Moreover, the species’ secluded lifestyle explains why the termites are blind.
These insects are relatively small, usually 1/8 inch long or half a match head’s size. The insects have soft bodies to wiggle through tiny openings and colors ranging from cream to dark brown. Eastern Subterranean termites mostly eat internal timber sections, preferring spring wood to harder summer parts.
Formosan Termites
Sometimes called super termites, this is the most invasive species, eating through walls and flooring undetected. They are 1/2 inch long and have pale yellow to brown bodies. This is in addition to their translucent wings covered with dense hairs.
Another distinct feature is the teardrop-shaped heads that contain antennae to help in their food search. Note that Formosan termites resemble flying ants. But, while ants have narrow waists, Formosan termite swarmers have broader ones. Likewise, ants have bent antennae compared to termites’ straight ones.
How Long Does It Take for Termites To Destroy a Home in Virginia?
The speed of termite damage depends on your wood variety and environmental conditions. It would take more than 3000 years for one termite to destroy a 1000-square-foot house. However, termites live in colonies comprising millions of insects. Three to five years is enough to witness noticeable damage, depending on the house and colony size.
Here’s how to detect a termite infestation in your home:
- Discarded wings
- Sawdust-like droppings
- Peeling paint
- Holes on wallpapers
- Clicking noises on walls and beams
- Tunnels in wood
- Hollow sounds from tapping on wooden objects
Why Termite Control In Virginia Is Necessary
Termite removal involves identifying termite species, finding nests, and choosing suitable pest removal techniques. Termite control presents the following benefits for your Virginia home.
Cost Savings
Although you pay for termite and pest control, hiring a fumigation company is cheaper than repairing a damaged building in the long run. Remember, insurers may not compensate you for a termite infestation in your home.
Speed
Professional termite treatment saves you the hassle of fumigating the house yourself. Because they have the necessary tools and experience, professionals eliminate different kinds of termites faster, so you handle other tasks.
Control Other Pests
Pest treatment eliminates adult termites and their eggs. During the inspection, the professional also checks for other pests like ants and spiders.
Is There A Way To Prevent Termites In Virginia?
Termites in your home can cause havoc, and you don’t have to wait for this to happen. Here’s how to minimize the possibility of termite attacks.
- Keep firewood away from the house
- Repair faulty drainage
- Clear overgrown bushes around your house
- Clean your gutters
- Trim trees against your house
- Ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces
Professional Termite Solutions
Although you can ensure termite removal on your own, pest control experts offer lasting solutions to your termite problem. Apart from eliminating pests, Virginia termite and pest control Service Professionals also prevent future infestation. Call us today for more information.