March 10 to 16 is Termite Awareness Week. These tiny, sneaky, out of sight wood-damaging pests are a big concern for homeowners. Termites build colonies 24/7 and can chew slowly through your home, bit by bit. Termite Awareness Week aims to provide more information on what makes these insects tick, offer recommendations for managing them, saving you time, hassle, and money.
Some interesting facts about termites:
- They’re good to eat being rich in iron, calcium, protein, fatty and amino acids.
- They never sleep.
- Ants are their enemies – actually they are termites’ predators.
- They’re clean, even though they make a mess of our homes.
- Termite queens have long lifespans – between 30 and 50 years and reproduce every year!
Observing swarms of flying termites does not always mean your home or building is infested. They look a lot like flying ants. Look at their antennae, wings, and waist to confirm that the flying pest you see are termites and not ants.
If you think you have termites, it’s important to determine which type. Common types in California are:
- Subterranean: build nests in soil and infest wood that is in contact with soil or access wood via earthen shelter tubes.
- Dampwood: nest in very moist wood and soil and are most often found in cool, humid areas along the coast.
- Drywood: nest above ground in relatively dry wood such as lumber, utility poles, fences, and dead limbs on trees.
A professional inspection of the structure is usually required to confirm an infestation. If you suspect your home is infested, call a professional. Here’s additional information about control methods.