Termite Treatment: Identification & Prevention

Myrtle Beach has mild temperatures and plenty of rainfall. These conditions are ideal for termites and other insects. The state of South Carolina is home to the highest number of termite infestations in the country. All termites live together in colonies that are governed by queens and kings, workers, soldiers, and swarmers. If you have termites at home then you need a professional to give you a termite treatment.

This article by Zap Pest Control Inc. explains the various types of termites and how to avoid them.

Termite Treatment

Kinds Of Termites

Drywood Termites

These pests are found in colonies of approximately 5,000.
They are social insects and work together to reproduce and find food.
Hardwood is preferred by drywood termites. They can cause damage to furniture in a home, particularly older antiques.
These termites don’t require any moisture above ground or contact from the soil to survive.
They live entirely in the wood they eat.

Subterranean Termites

They are social insects and work together to reproduce and find food.
They love softwood and will gravitate to areas that are softer than rot.
Subterranean termites are named because they build their colonies underground.
To survive, they need moisture in the soil.
They will enter structures by either eating the wood that touches the soil or building mud tubes.
They live, eat, and travel within the soil, the wood that they ingest, as well as their mud tubes.

The Formosan Subterranean Termites

They have all the characteristics of subterranean termites.
Subterranean termites and formosan termites can build nests with their feces. They retain the moisture they need to survive and can stay inside the structure where they are eating without contacting the soil.
The Formosan termites are among the most destructive subterranean termite types.
Subterranean termites are a type of termite that is highly destructive because of their large colonies
They are less common at Myrtle Beach but can still be spotted in the state.
You can enter a house through cracks and mud tubes in the foundation

Signs of Infestation

Termite swarms emerge from the structure
Wings that have fallen on windowsills and on the ground
Pellets of small visible fecal matter
The exterior of the building is protected by mud tubes
Honeycomb patterns are prone to damage because of the use of damaged wood
Sagging floors and window frames that are too small or bent
Wood with hollow sounding properties

Common Mistake

A termite is not the same as a flying ant. Although it is easy to mistake termites for flying ants, a closer inspection of both insects will reveal differences.

Terrmites have a straight antenna, a thicker waist, paired and similar sized wings.

Flying ants possesses a bent antenna, longer front wings than their back wings, and a noticeably bent waist.

Prevention & Control

The United States is home to termites that cause over $5 billion annually in damage. This is more than all fire, earthquakes and storms! Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damages. Zap Pest Control’s termite treatment in Myrtle Beach is the best way to get true peace of mind. Contact us today to get a free consultation. Ask about our special pricing or package discounts if your home isn’t protected from termites.

Termites, wood-eating insects that are very hungry, can do a lot of damage quickly. These destructive insects often find a meal in your home or business. You will have the peace of mind you need if you hire an exterminator in Myrtle Beach. Our termite protection plan has been protecting commercial and residential properties from unwanted pests. Don’t leave your business or home vulnerable to pest infestations. Give us a shout today!