Termites

What are termites?

An essential part of the worldwide ecosystem, termites, work to rid the ground of decaying wood and other organic debris. As one of the few species able to convert cellulose into a usable food source, these insects are unique and an essential part of the environment. However, when termites move near us and use our yards as a nesting spot and structures as a food source, they turn from helpful to dangerous pests in Omaha.

Subterranean termites are the most common termite species living in the Omaha, Nebraska area. They nest in the ground and move from it to food sources each day. Termites are active year-round and work around the clock to feed their colony. Though tiny in size, these pests, when they work together, cause extensive damage to wooden structures.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are most dangerous to the structural integrity of our homes and our bank accounts. They cost more than five billion dollars in damages across the country each year. Entering into and out of our homes unseen and feeding on structural wood without notice, it is easy for termites to work for months or years before being discovered.

Typically, when termites are found, they have already caused costly damage within a structure. The damage that termites cause is usually not covered by homeowners’ insurance, making it an expensive endeavor to repair their damage.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Subterranean termites are active year-round, but spring is when you will typically discover their presence. Spring is when large numbers of winged reproductive termites swarm from their underground nests. They swarm after being triggered by warm temperatures and rain. After emerging, the swarmers move to the ground, shed their wings, and look for a mate. Witnessing a termite swarm, or finding large numbers of their shed wings, is what usually alerts a homeowner to a nearby termite colony.

Where will I find termites?

The simple fact is that subterranean termites are highly attracted to areas of moisture. They have high moisture needs, and if those needs are not met, they won’t survive. Termites build their nests in damp soil, traveling through the ground or inside mud tubes they create to a food source each day. Traveling through either the ground or mud tube ensures they won’t dry out and that they will stay hidden from predators.

As workers travel in search of food, they often move inside through cracks in the foundation. The termites then move through wooden floor joists and into structural timbers located behind walls, floors, and the wood around windows and doors. Things in our yards that termites feed on include fallen trees, woodpiles, old decaying fences, or play structures. They may also feed on wooden deck posts or porch steps.

How do I get rid of termites?

Choose Beeline Pest Control to protect your Omaha property from wood-destroying termites. Our professionals know how to accurately identify a termite infestation, determine how they are getting inside, and provide an effective, guaranteed treatment!

Beeline Pest Control is the best choice to eliminate termites from your Omaha home or business. Our trained and experienced technicians will work closely with you to rid your property of damaging termites. To learn more about our effective termite control services or to receive a free quote, give Beeline Pest Control a call today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Prevent termites from becoming a big problem in your Omaha, Nebraska-area yard, or home using the following prevention tips:

• Fix gaps or other openings in your foundation and exterior walls to keep termites from moving into your structure.
• Use dehumidifiers and make sure gutters are working correctly to keep excess moisture out of your home.
• Empty your yard of wood debris, fallen trees, tree stumps, woodpiles, and decaying wooden structures.
• Treat the wood on your property used to build wooden structures.
• Limit soil to wood contact on your property. Leave a large space between any wood trim or shingles on your home and the ground.
• Replace wood mulch with rubber mulch.
• Rake back leaves, weeds, and other moist debris from your foundation.
• If wood within your home becomes damaged by water, make sure to remove it and replace it with sound wood.
• Get rid of cardboard boxes, newspapers, and other items made of cellulose from inside your home.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.