MARCH 16 – 22 IS TERMITE AWARENESS WEEK
Termites can cause significant damage to buildings and wood furnishings. It is estimated that they cause $5 billion in damage each year!!! There are different types of termites but the ones that we will deal with in this area are called Subterranean Termites. They need contact with the soil to survive and will tunnel through the ground to reach a food source. (hopefully not your home!)
They are fairly small with long, oval bodies that tend to be a creamy color. They have 6 legs and antennae much like an ant, sometimes even called ‘white ants’ The funny thing is that they are not closely related to the ant at all. In fact, they are a much closer relation to the cockroach.
Here are some other facts about termites.
1. A termite colony eats non-stop. 24/7/365!
2. A subterranean colony can have up to 2 million members.
3. The total weight of all the termites in the world is more than that of all the humans in the world.
4. Termites not only eat wood, but wallpaper, plastics and fabric made from plants.
If it turns out you have termites, don’t panic! THEY ARE CONTROLLABLE. Even though they eat constantly, they also eat slowly. Your house won’t fall down overnight. A colony of termites will eat about one pound of wood over the course of 5 years.
If you suspect termite activity in or around your home, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can help!