Termites are beneficial to the environment because they break down dead trees and other plant material into substances useful to plants, but they certainly aren’t beneficial to you in your house! Many species of termites cause considerable damage to homes, furniture, and other structures, such as wood fences.
What’s worse, their destruction generally isn’t covered by most homeowners’ insurance.
Subterranean termites nest in the ground and burrow into wood, usually fallen trees and stumps. They enter the wood of buildings where it comes into contact with the ground or they get in via tunnels through cracks in the foundation.
HomeTeam offers pre and post construction termite protection for homes and some buildings. See our termite control pages for more information.
Depending on their size, it could be termites. Subterranean termites use mud tubes or shelters for protection and to reach cellulose material above the ground. The tunnels are constructed with particles of soil, wood, debris and termite secretions. They construct these mud tubes as they travel through the dirt. If you spot these in and around your house, you should call a professional for a termite inspection.
There are over 2,300 species of termites worldwide and about 20 species are pests of structures. Subterranean termites are the most widespread and destructive.
Termites thrive on cellulose material. Earth to wood contact provides them with food, moisture, shelter AND a direct way into your home. Wood debris should be removed. Old stumps, form boards and scrap lumber are very conducive to termites. Moisture is one of the most important factors in where termites occur around structures. Poor ventilation in crawlspaces can increase the humidity under a structure making it more susceptible to termite infestations.
Conducive conditions for termites include:
Determining the difference between an ant and a termite can be confusing. Termites have straight bead-like antennae. Ants have elbowed antennae. Termites have a broad waist while an ant’s waist is constricted. The wings of termites are equal in size. An ant has larger front wings than its hind wings.
Contact the branch office nearest you to find out how you can help control termites in your yard.
Termite damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance. Find out if you have a termite infestation by looking for signs of termites. If you find a swarm of insects or discarded wings in your home, learn the difference between a winged termite and a winged ant. Learn how to prevent termites in your home.
HomeTeam Pest Defense provides traditional pest control services including treatment for subterranean termites and termite colony elimination. Keep these tips in mind to protect your home.
Have you ever wondered what our pest control technicians see when they are out in the field? One of our team members in Florida captured this video of a termites swarming.
Ants are the most common pest problem in America, with more than 80% of homeowners experiencing ant problems.
They are typically one inch long with yellow and black stripes, six legs, two pairs of wings, and a stinger.
Easy to identify by their wormlike bodies, slender antennae and pairs of legs on most of their body segments.
Cockroaches are typically dark brown in color and as long as 1½-inches in length.
Oh that unmistakable sound... a cricket is hiding somewhere!
Earwigs have a low tolerance for heat, becoming active at night and spending the day in hiding.
Fire ants are small, yellowish-red to black in color, aggressive, vicious and known for their painful burning sting.
Fleas are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Gnats are tiny flies that range from 3/10 to 1/8 inch long, and have one pair of long legs and long antennae.
Grasshoppers are known for their long hind legs which they use to make a chirping sound.
The Hercules beetle is the largest and strongest of the scarab beetle family, measuring from 1½ to six inches.
Did you know that when you bring that fresh cut tree into your home you could also be inviting spiders, beetles, mites and aphids for the holidays!
House flies get their name from being the most common type of fly found in homes throughout the U.S.
June bugs get their name from the time of year they emerge from the ground. They are blackish or reddish brown in color.
The ladybug is also known as 'ladybird' or 'lady beetle' and is typically 7 millimeters in size.
Lovebugs are also known as March flies. During and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days.
They have many legs with 2 pairs of short legs on many segments of their bodies. Most are brownish or blackish in color.
Mosquitoes pose a greater threat to man’s health than any other pest.
Moths are known for their distinctive pair of wings, which are drab in color and typically resemble earth tones like brown, white, gray or black.
Occasional invaders are insects and arthropods that sporadically enter your home throughout the year.
Wasps sting many people each year and most severe injuries occur from hypersensitivity or allergies to the venom of wasps' sting.
All rodents are excellent climbers and only need a very small external opening to get inside homes and other buildings.
The roly-poly has many names, depending on where you live. Also known as a pill bug or sow bug, it is typically ⅜ inch in size and can be found throughout the U.S.
Although they are perceived as dangerous, the Arizona Bark Scorpion is the only species with venom that is deadly enough to kill a human.
Silverfish get their name from their silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like movements.
Found on plants, spider mites range in color from red and brown to yellow and green.
Spiders have eight legs, round bodies and range from very small sizes to several inches in length. Their bodies do not have segments, and their heads are fused to their abdomens.
Springtails are very small insects, measuring only 0.4 to 10 millimeters in length. These pests vary in color (white to dark gray), lack wings and have the ability to jump.
The stink bug was accidently introduced to the U.S. and gained notoriety from its rapid spread in the country.
Tarantulas are much bigger than most spiders. Their bodies are typically three inches long, and they have leg spans ranging from three to twelve inches.
When termites from a colony settle into your home, the structure becomes infested. Termites have straight bead-like antennae.
They have oval, flattened-shaped bodies, and can range from five millimeters when they have empty stomachs to ? inch when they are engorged with blood.
Most paper wasps measure about 2 cm (¾ in) long and are black, brown, or reddish in color with yellow markings.
Would you like to call 844.372.7552?
×Would you like to call 844.372.7553?
×Would you like to call 844.372.7558?
×Would you like to call 520-462-9743?
×Would you like to call 844-574-1560?
×Would you like to call 844-372-7552?
×
Find Your Local Branch
Call Now: (877) 461-7378
