Termite vs. Ant wing comparison. Diagram courtesy of USDA Forest Service Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org University of Maryland Extension

Fast Facts about Termites

• Termites may be minuscule, but they have been plaguing humans since the beginning. Paleontologists suggest that termites evolved about 150 million years ago, compared to the first humans about 315,000 years. Here are some other fascinating facts about these pests:
• Entomologists estimate that there are at least 2,700 termite species across the globe. Of these, 45 species live in the United States.
• Termite colonies can be astronomically huge, depending on the species. Some can contain a few thousand, and others can include millions.
• If you put all the termites in the world on one side of a giant scale and all the humans on the other, the termites would be heavier. The human side would weigh approximately 350 million tons, while the termites would weigh 445 million tons. They can comprise at least 95% of soil and insect biomass in tropical areas.
• Termites don’t follow a social system like bees or ants. Instead, they are eusocial, meaning they have caste systems with specific duties.
• You may think you have boundless energy after a caffeine overload, but it’s nothing like most termites. They stay on task with building and caring for their colonies 24/7 and never rest or sleep.
• Not all termites burrow underground or in wood. Some build gigantic mounds that can reach up to thirty feet high. Some experts estimate that termites do approximately five billion dollars’ worth of damage in America each year. However, they say the cost is probably much higher.
• Termite queens reign supreme in the monarchy of the insect world. The queens of some species can live from 30 to 50 years. During that time, they can lay approximately 10 million eggs annually, for a lifetime total of half a billion.
• Although termites don’t carry diseases directly like other vermin, they still represent health risks. Most people may get a tiny red bump from a termite bite that goes away. In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction requiring medical attention.

Signs You Have a Termite Infestation

It’s easy to see if roaches have invaded your home by the mess they leave behind. Since termites often do their work below ground in basements and crawlspaces, it’s possible that they can go undetected for long periods. Many people don’t notice the signs because they often don’t go in these areas, or the damage is inconspicuous. Usually, you don’t see the damage until it’s too late.

Since the damage is hidden in the walls, floors, and attic spaces, it’s easy to miss. These tiny insects can find their way into these structures through minor cracks or gaps, often places you would never dream of looking. Additionally, the spaces might be inaccessible to you. Here are some everyday things that you will see if you have a termite infestation:

Mud Tubes

Termites are excellent in carpentry, as they can build muddy tubes that are marvels to view. However, they’re pretty much an unwelcome sight to the New Jersey homeowner. The tiny insect uses wood, dirty from the surrounding area, and their salvia to form mud that dries firmly.

These tubes can be constructed in numerous places, including cracks along your foundation and underground. The tubes are a massive maze that connects them from their nest to the food source. Since they don’t like light, these tubes provide security, so they won’t be exposed.

Abandoned Wings

During mating season, the termites grow wings to find a partner. The wings, just like ants, serve them during nuptial flights, but the wings have no purpose outside of mating. So, the termite will shed their wings once they’ve completed their mission. If you don’t pay close attention, you might miss them, as they’re translucent. They resemble fish scales, and you might see piles of them as they like to travel together.

Hollowed Out Wood

Another common problem in an infested home is the wood becomes hollow in spots where they feed. You usually don’t knock on wood in your home to see if it’s open, but it’s good practice in prime areas. It’s usually discovered when someone inspects the homes for such damage, or you do some remodeling or upgrading of the space.

Stuck Window and Doors

Since termites produce a lot of saliva as they chew and build, it’s not uncommon for them to leave excess moisture behind in the wood. If you have window frames or doors that have swelling around them, it may be caused by termite damage. The windows and doors may struggle to open when warm outside, making things more noticeable.

You don’t usually open your windows in the winter, so be on the lookout. That old window you thought needed to be replaced because it was old and not working well might have more than one issue.

Miscellaneous Things

There are some other signs that you might notice in your home. Crumbling wood leaves behind sawdust material. You might find this sawdust lying near the areas of the infestation. Another problem is peeling or bubbling paint, as the moisture in the wood behind the structure causes the color to separate.

Another sign is droppings like that of a mouse. The droppings are the size of a grain of sea salt and are light brown to dark brown. They tend to be piles of them in places, as many termites work together and defecate as they work.

It’s only natural that some states have worse issues with termites than others, but they’re reported to be in all 50 states. Thankfully, New Jersey didn’t make it to the top ten, but this doesn’t indicate that the threat isn’t there, as we deal with termite infestations continuously.

The worst states for such damage are the ones that are hot and humid year-round, such as Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. The cooler climates like Minnesota, Michigan, and North Dakota and states in that area have the fewest recorded cases.

Though this state doesn’t rank in the top ten, it does rank as a moderate to heavy infestation region by the Termite Infestation Probability Zones. So, the possibility is always there, so you need to be proactive. Since there are different species, the ones that dominate the southern states are dry wood termites. In the Garden State, the subterranean variety is what we commonly see.

Common Species Found in The Northeast

As stated above, the subterranean termite is the one that we have the most experience handling, as they’re the most abundant. Sadly, they’re the most destructive of the termite species, as they’re so hard to notice until the damage is extensive and costly to repair.

Subterranean Termites

Part of the problem is they love to live underground. Most people don’t know what goes on under the ground in their homes, and there could be tons of bugs living there. However, none are as dangerous to the structural integrity of your home as the subterranean termite.

People often see them in the spring and summer when they’re swarming or taking their nuptial flight to find a mate. Besides that, you will have no way of knowing they’re in your home. After a rainfall, you will see the most, as too much moisture spells trouble for them.

Drywood Termites

Though you don’t usually see drywood termites in New Jersey, they can sometimes make their way this far north. You typically see this happen when they’re transported from the southern regions. Since they like wood, they can hitch a ride to a lumber yard, on a wine crate, and even in new furniture. These termites leave behind frass, which looks like sawdust. These are droppings created from all the work of drilling holes in your home.

Ways to Prevent Termite Infestation

Your best line against these formidable pests is a solid defense. A few precautions can pull away the “termite welcome” mat on your porch in Garden City. These are some quick and easy suggestions to consider:

• Keep the brush and another woodcut back from your foundation. It’s a significant food source for termites, and they won’t be as tempted to borrow into your home.
• Speaking of tempting termite snacks, use wood mulch sparingly because it’s like trail mix for them. Instead, consider other types of mulch like pea gravel or cinders.
• Stack your firewood and kindling away from your house.
• Termites are drawn to moisture and humidity. Consider using a sump pump or a dehumidifier if your basement or crawlspace is damp.
• Water features can create a stunning landscape. However, they can also draw pests like mosquitoes and termites. If you want a fishpond or other water feature, build it away from your home’s foundation.
• If you notice wood shavings and other signs of an infestation, it’s time to call the professionals.

Treatment Methods

Unfortunately, preventative measures aren’t foolproof, and you may have termite infestation. This is not a case where you can trust do-it-yourself methods. Since the structural integrity of your home is at risk, you need a professional with ample training to handle this issue.

It could mean costly repairs if you try and fail, and there are very few products you can readily purchase that are suitable for handling termites. The best way to treat these pests is using Sentricon, a termite bait station. This method has been around since 1995, and we use it because it works well for our customers.

One thing we like about this product is that it’s green, so there are no harsh chemicals. Studies have also shown that termites like the bait trap more than other methods, so they will take it back to the colony and do the work in areas pesticides cannot reach.

When It’s Time to Call for Help

At the first sign of termites, save yourself some grief and potentially thousands of dollars in property damage. Our experienced and professional exterminator technicians can explain a suitable plan for your New Jersey home. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family and property are in good hands.

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