Termite Identification & Prevention

What are termites?

Termites are social insects that live together in large colonies. Subterranean termites nest in the ground and feed on materials made of cellulose. In nature, they are beneficial and help to break down decaying wood and other organic materials. In contrast, when inside of homes, termites are highly destructive and cause over five-billion dollars in damage in the U.S. each year.

They divide themselves into three different groups, or castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives; a termite's appearance is dependent on its specific caste. Workers, which make up the majority of the colony, are blind and have soft, cream colored bodies. Soldiers have elongated, yellowish-colored heads and large jaws that they use to defend the colony. Reproductive members (kings and queens) have dark-colored bodies and are the only members of the colony that have wings.

Are termites dangerous?

Subterranean termites don’t pose a direct threat to people; in fact, we rarely come into contact with these ground-nesting species of insects. However, they are extremely dangerous to properties. Their feeding habits cause extensive and expensive damage inside of a structure. Additionally, termite damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance, meaning that repair costs tend to come out of pocket. Workers enter homes from the ground unseen and work silently for months or even years. They are generally only discovered after doing serious damage to major structures. The only other time you may realize termites are near your property is after witnessing a termite swarm. These swarms occur when large numbers of winged reproductive members emerge from a mature colony to mate and create another colony, usually during the day.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites are attracted to moist soil and water-damaged wood. Leaky pipes, fixtures, and clogged gutters allow water to seep into the walls of a home and create significant moisture problems. Subterranean termites often find their way into homes and other structures through deck posts, door frames, wood shingles, porch steps or supports, and other wooden objects that come into contact with the ground. It is important to note that termites may be nesting on your property or a neighboring property.

Where will I find termites?

Termites remain active year-round. Workers continually tunnel through wooden structures gathering food to feed their large colony. Subterranean termites do not nest in the wooden structures that are feeding on. Termites typically invade wood that has been previously damaged by water and is in hard-to-reach areas of a home. These insects often feed on structural wood found above ceilings, below floors, and behind walls. Though they are initially attracted to water-damaged wood, termites will begin to feed on sound wood as well as non-wooden items over time.

How do I get rid of termites?

To get rid of termites the easy way, partner with an experienced, local pest control expert. At Dynasty Pest Control, we're a family-owned and locally operated company that has over 15 years of experience keeping properties in the Greater Dallas Metro area free of pests, including termites.

Our registered and certified professionals provide highly effective services that work to control termite populations and minimize their chance of return, including our comprehensive termite control and prevention program. For residential and commercial property owners who are interested in learning more about our exceptional, 100% guaranteed termite control solutions or would like to request an inspection or schedule a termite control service, contact Dynasty Pest Control today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

In addition to investing in professional termite control, you can help keep destructive termites out of your home or business with the help of the following prevention tips:

• Prevent wooden structures from becoming water damaged by properly treating the wood.

• Remove fallen trees, tree limbs, leaf piles, and similar debris from your property.

• Leave an 18-20 inch barrier between the foundation and any mulch or soil.

• Fix leaky pipes or fixtures in or around your home or business.

• Seal up entry points in the foundation of your property.

• Limit wood to soil contact on your property and around your property.

• Reduce humidity levels in your home or business by using dehumidifiers.

• Remove structural wood from your property that has been damaged by water.

• Store all firewood up off of the ground and away from the exterior of your property.

• Place weather-stripping around windows and doors and maintain gutters to stop water from seeping into your home.