Debunking Common Termite Myths

Mud tubes, visible wood damage, and discarded wings are all signs that you may have a termite problem on your property. These tiny creatures are highly destructive, so you must be proactive to control and prevent termites as soon as you suspect to have an infestation.

However, numerous misconceptions about termites have created confusion among homeowners. Consequently, some property owners underestimate the danger of these destructive insects, while others adopt ineffective measures for termite control. This blog debunks some of the most common termite myths to help you make informed decisions about your pest management strategy.

Properties with Concrete Slabs Are Immune to Termite Infestations

A concrete slab foundation does not guarantee complete protection from termite infestation. The reason is that nearly every slab has a wood structure or components attached to it or near it. For instance, wooden flooring, walls, and doors are vulnerable to termite attack. Moreover, termites may also enter properties through cracks in the slab foundation and expanding soil around your property's perimeter.

Termites Can Eat Concrete

Termites do not eat concrete, nor do the pests feed on rocks or other inorganic materials. Instead, these creatures rely on plant and cellulose material for sustenance. Hardwood floors, wallpapers, cardboard boxes, and books are some of their favorite items to feed on.

Therefore, if your house is made of concrete and you notice a termite infestation, it is probably because of the crevices between concrete and wooden structures.

Termites Are the Same as Ants

Although termites and ants are often mistaken for one another, the two creatures are two different species. There are notable differences between termites and ants.

Color

Termites bodies are mostly pale in color. On the other hand, ants range in darker colors from black to brown.

Body Structure

Termites have elongated bodies and two pairs of wings of equal size. In comparison, ants' body structure is shorter and thicker — they also possess a pair of large wings at the front, followed by a smaller pair at the back.

Eating Habits

Ants feed on different food sources ranging from insects to sweets, while termites solely depend on wood material for sustenance.

Both pests manifest similar behaviors, like building visible mounds. You may also notice winged reproductive swarms that signify an infestation.

A One-Time Treatment Is Sufficient

Some property owners assume that since termites come in colonies and one treatment kills all of them, the property owners no longer have to worry about termite infestation once a treatment is applied. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Termites often return after a few months or years due to these pests' high reproductive rate. Furthermore, if your property has been infested before, chances are that you are more vulnerable to future infestations. This means a one-time treatment is not enough — you may need regular inspections and treatments by professionals to ensure complete protection against termite invasion.

DIY Treatments Are Effective

DIY termite treatment may seem like a more convenient and cost-effective solution. However, DIY treatments do not provide long-term protection.

On the other hand, professional pest control services employ advanced techniques and products to eliminate pests successfully. In addition, the experts have access to effective treatments and measures that are unavailable to the public.

With their expertise and knowledge, termite control experts will only apply environmentally friendly methods to protect your health and your pets'. Moreover, regular inspections help detect an infestation early and prevent significant damage to your property.

You can trust us at American Pest Professionals to provide the best termite control services. Our team of experts is certified and highly skilled, so you can count on us to inspect, identify and eliminate termite infestations. We will also advise you on the necessary steps to prevent future infestations and protect your property. Contact us today for more information.