Drywood termites are termites that have lower moisture needs than other termites. They receive all the moisture they need from the wood they are living in. They prefer to invade and feed on pieces of wood that have not been damaged by water. Drywood termites excavate the wood to feed and create nesting areas.

Subterranean termites are the most widespread type of termite living across the country and therefore are responsible for causing most of the damage to our structures. These termites have high moisture needs and spend their lives either under the ground or within the decaying or water-damaged wood they are feeding on.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are destructive pests, however, they are not directly dangerous to people as we rarely come into contact with them and they are not known to transmit diseases. Every year termites cause more than five billion dollars in damage, that homeowners insurance does not typically cover.

When termites find their way into homes and other structures, they feed on wooden elements that they come across. As they feed, they damage the structural integrity of the wood, causing extensive and expensive damage. Drywood termites feed slowly but very efficiently, sometimes only leaving behind a thin exterior shell.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites find their way onto properties in many different ways and cause problems:

• A termite swarm is when winged reproductive termites fly from their nest to find a mate and start a new colony. Swarms are a common way that termites find their way onto a property.
• Termites move into homes after accidentally finding their way inside while foraging for new food sources. They are often attracted to properties by things like fallen trees, woodpiles, tree stumps, and other organic debris.
• Subterranean termites move inside through any wood on your home that makes direct contact with the soil.
• Drywood termites find their way into a home inside wooden furniture and other wooden structures already infested with the termites.

Where will I find termites?

Subterranean termites invade and feed on the wooden floor joists and other structural wood under flooring, behind walls, and above ceilings. When not gathering food for their colony, they are in their underground nest. Outside, they invade decaying fences, playsets, and other wooden items.

Drywood termites live, feed, and nest inside of the wooden structures they are feeding on. Wooden furniture, wood trim, wooden beams, and structural beams often house drywood termites.

How do I get rid of termites?

The best way to get rid of termites from your Las Vegas, Nevada area property, is to partner with the local pest control experts here at Pest Control Solutions, Inc. We have a deep understanding of the pests that live in our area and how to control and eliminate them.

Our dedicated professionals use “out of the box” thinking to solve current pest problems, and prevent future ones. We take the time to work with our customers and tailor all of our home pest control and commercial pest control services to meet the unique needs of every home and business we serve.

How can I prevent termites in the future?

The following list of prevention tips will help you to avoid problems with termites:

• If your home has a crawlspace, remove any pieces of scrap wood or wood debris that may be inside.
• Ensure that you have flashing or weather stripping installed around windows and doors to prevent rainwater from seeping into your walls.
• Gutters should be in good working order and directing water away from the outside of your foundation.
• Seal up gaps around water lines, gas lines, or cables that are entering into your house.
• Seal up cracks that develop in the foundation of your home.
• Rake back mulch and leaves from your home’s foundation. Maintain a barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.
• Remove old or decaying fences swing sets, porches, or decks from your property.
• Eliminate as much soil to wood contact on your property as possible.
• Inspect pieces of wood or wooden structure for signs of termites before bringing them into your home.
• Contact Pest Control Solutions, Inc. to put into place a proactive termite control program.

For more information about our proactive residential or commercial termite control services, contact us at Pest Control Solutions, Inc. today!