Many of the homes in the Boston area are highly susceptible to subterranean termites. Termites can cause destruction and deteriorate the value of homes. Bain Pest Control is highly knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to termite control and can help homeowners protect their most valuable asset from these silent home killers. Understanding a few things about subterranean termites can help homeowners to spot and prevent an infestation before the home structure and value is put in jeopardy.
1. What is a Subterranean Termite?
A subterranean termite is an insect that looks similar to an ant, but has a softer shell and can differ in color. The Eastern subterranean termite is the most common variation of termite found in the Boston area. These subterranean termites are either creamy in color resembling rice or black with wings, depending on the job duties of the termite within the colony. In the wild, termites help to break down dead plant matter and debris.
2. Subterranean Termite Habits
Eastern subterranean termites swarm during the spring and early summer, with “swarmer” termites leaving the nest to find mates and begin new colonies. Swarmers nest in warm soil and debris that is close to a food source, preferring mornings after a rain when the temperature is around 70 degrees to begin nesting. Termites lack the ability to understand if there is an abundance or shortage of food, so they are diligent and steadfast in the pursuit of new food sources.
3. Risks of Subterranean Termite Infestation
The historic value of many homes in the Boston area can be severely compromised by the presence of subterranean termites. Easter subterranean termite colonies can hold anywhere from 250,000 to several million termites, each one tireless in the efforts to eat wood and other debris. Subterranean termites can deteriorate structures relatively quickly, causing structures and buildings to collapse and posing a physical threat to home residents.
4. How to Rid a Home of Subterranean Termites
To rid a home of subterranean termites, it may be necessary to treat the wood to make it unfavorable to termites. Boston termite control may also require the installation of a baiting system such as Sentricon. Sentricon will eliminate existing termites with little harm to the environment. Liquid treatments will deter termites, so the type of termite control that is chosen will depend on the extent of the infestation.
5. How To Prevent Subterranean Termite Infestations
Termite prevention will help homeowners to safeguard Boston area homes against subterranean termite damage before it happens. In addition to the professional termite control measures discussed in the previous paragraph, homeowners can also keep the area around the home foundation free of moisture and make sure that debris piles are not close to the home or other structures on the property. Putting Boston termite control measures in place beforehand is a great idea for any conscientious homeowner.