Termite Trivia! Interesting (And Scary) Facts And Stats About Termites

We often encounter clients and homeowners who are looking for information about termites after hearing horror stories of friends, family, or neighbors who have discovered that they have a termite infestation. Amazingly, these pests are also fairly interesting when their behavior and lifestyle are taken into account. So, today, let's take an in-depth look at termites with interesting facts, termite stats, and common questions that homeowners frequently ask so that you can arm yourself with education regarding these tiny, wood-loving pests.

Interesting Facts About Termites

• Termites have been around since dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
• Cellulose, especially that found in wood, is a termite's primary and most available food source.
• A termite has a voracious appetite. They consume wood, flooring, and even wallpaper non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Termites work as a colony. So, envision thousands of termites working toward the same goal - eating your wood structure.
• Termite scouts mark a trail to food so the entire colony knows where to travel to find wood!
• Termites are a valuable part of the ecosystem, believe it or not! Termites are the decomposers or recyclers who help break down waste. Unfortunately, sometimes they see that waste as your home instead of the wood and tree stumps in your backyard.
• Whatever termites cannot digest gets passed through their system and emerges in the form of tiny, hexagonal, wood-like pellets. If you find frass in or around your home, it may be a sign of dry wood or damp wood infestation.
• Typically, subterranean termite colonies contain 60,000 to 1 million soldiers, workers, and reproductives, but only one queen.
• Most termites are blind. Soldier and worker termites perform their tasks in the dark. Therefore, it is not necessary for them to have sight. The only termites with sight are kings and queens in search of mates.

Termite Stats

• 600,000 - According to field research, termites damage a minimum of 600,000 residential structures in the United States each year.
• $5 billion - The residents of the United States spend, approximately, $5 billion each year in order to try to control termites and to repair the damage that termites cause.
• $30 billion - When it comes to man-made structures such as buildings and even crops, termites have been estimated to cause approximately $30 billion in damages.
• $3,000 - If you discover that termites have damaged your home, you will likely have to spend � at LEAST � $3,000 in order to repair the damage.

Common Questions About Termites

• How do I know if my house has termites? An inspection by a professional pest inspection team can determine if you have an active termite colony. As homeowners, you should be aware of the red flags, such as frass (termite droppings), discarded wings, weakened or hollowed-out wood and mud tubes. Read last week's blog on the Red Flags of Termites.
• Will termites damage my foundation? In short yes, they can and do cause structural damage that will need to be assessed and repaired after the colony has been exterminated.
• How often should I get a termite inspection? Homeowners should always be aware of changes in their home's foundation, but we suggest regular inspection by experts in the termite field at least every 1-3 years.
• Do termites really eat the wood? Yes, they really eat the wood. In our ecosystem termites play a vital role as decomposers to help in the bringing of nutrients to the soil and organic plantings. Unfortunately, in our homes, the damage can be all-too-real.

If you notice any red flags or would like a termite inspection contact a professional pest control company like Pest-End Exterminators for fast and comprehensive treatment. Call Pest-End Exterminators Toll-Free: 800-287-4321 Phone: 603-382-9644 Phone: 978-794-4321.