The thought of a termite infestation is every property owner’s worst nightmare – and for good reason. Termites can form large colonies and without the proper training, tools, and experience, they can be difficult to uncover and eradicate. Unfortunately, the longer you wait in dealing with a potential termite issue, the more damage they are likely to do to your home or business. At Pointe Pest Control, we can uncover problems with termites quickly and offer solutions that are proven to be both safe and effective. As your premier pest control service in Utah, we want you to be aware of the different types of termites commonly found in our area, the damage they can cause, and the actions you need to take to address the situation.
Common Types Of Termites In Utah
Termites are an active force to be dealt with in many parts of Utah. They can cause home, office building, and warehouse owners significant amounts of trouble in terms of structural damages and are particularly problematic when attempting to buy or sell a property. A termite inspection is required before a potential buyer can obtain a loan or mortgage and uncovering signs of an infestation or termite damage can end up sabotaging a sale.
Termites are more likely to appear in the spring, summer, or fall months, particularly when there have been significant amounts of rain or melting snow. However, they can also become a problem in heated buildings over winter. According to Utah State University (USU), There are three common types of termites found in our area:
- Subterranean termites, which form underground and require contact with the soil to live;
- Drywood termites, which nest in wood that has a low moisture content, such as kiln dried woods and finished woods used to make furniture; and
- Damp wood termites, which live and feed in wet or decayed softwoods that are typically found near the ground or in places exposed to the elements.
While subterranean termites are the most common and people residing in southern counties are among those at the highest risk, all three of the above types of termites can pose problems for property owners throughout Utah. USU reports that termites are considered the most destructive types of pests in the world, causing billions of dollars in damages each year.
Damage Caused By Termites
Termites are generally attracted to old, decayed wood and wood byproducts, such as paper, plywood, or cotton, and can be easily mistaken for winged ants or gnats. Unlike carpenter ants, which can be destructive in that they use wood to build their nests, termites use decaying wood and fungi as a food source. Unfortunately, termite colonies often start slowly at first, which increases the likelihood of them going unnoticed by property owners. However, USU warns that by the time they are detected, they can easily increase to more than one million members and may be consuming as much as a pound of wood per day.
Termites tunnel through wood, eating as they go, leaving a hollow tunnel behind them. As a result, the wood becomes damaged and can be easily torn apart with a screwdriver or other sharp object. Places that are vulnerable to termite activity include:
- Window sills and frames;
- Roof eaves, downspouts, and gutters;
- Structural features, such as joists, support posts, and wooden foundations;
- Basements, attics, and crawl spaces;
- Outdoor features such as porches, decks, trellises, and gazebos.
Termites can infest just about anywhere there is wood or vegetation. Once termite damage has occurred, any affected areas must be completely torn out and replaced. In addition to potentially making your home or other structures unsafe, termite damage can be incredibly costly to repair.
Utah Termite Control
Considering the damage that termites can cause to your home or other property and the fact that they are hard to detect and eliminate, both USU and the UDAF warn against trying to deal with the problem on your own. Instead, they recommend calling in professionals who possess the knowledge, experience, and tools needed to address and eliminate the problem.
At Pointe Pest Control, we have long been a trusted provider of pest elimination services for property owners throughout Utah. We strive for the best customer service in the industry while protecting your property with products that are safe, environmentally friendly, and highly effective. Call or contact our termite control experts online today and request a free consultation to find out how we can help you.
