Busting Common Myths About Termites and Protecting Your Home

Termites are creatures that people often get wrong. Many false ideas are spread about these social insects that can do a lot of damage to our homes. 

If you think you might have termites, you should talk to a professional pest control company like avatapest.com. Here are some false ideas people have about termites that need to be cleared up. 

Myth 1: Termites are just ants.

A lot of people think this way. Both termites and ants live in groups called colonies, but they are from different insect orders. Termites are linked to cockroaches more than they are to ants. The antennae of termites are straight, and their waists are thick, unlike ants.

Myth 2: Termites can only live in warm places.

Despite what most people think, termites do not only live in warm places. Some species of termites like it warmer, but others are very good at living in cold places. 

These tough pests can live and even do well in a wide range of temperatures, even ones with colder winters. This means that people in any area should always be on the lookout for termite outbreaks.

Myth 3: Termites can not get into brick homes.

A lot of people are wrong when they say that brick homes can not be damaged by termites. However, this is a dangerous false belief. Termites can easily get inside a brick house, even if the outside looks like it can not be breached. 

To get to the wood framing inside a building, they can chew through mortar, get in through foundation cracks, and even follow utility lines.

Myth 4: Termites will come to your house because your neighbor treated theirs for termites.

Some homeowners are afraid that termites will come to their homes because their neighbors are treated for termites. But this is not likely. Termite nests are complicated and often very big. 

The way your neighbor treats them might bother a small part of the colony, but it probably will not make them all move to your house. Still, it is important to remember that termite infestations can spread, so all homeowners need to do regular checks and be proactive.

Myth 5: Do-it-yourself treatments for termites work just as well as professional help

Do-it-yourself treatments for termites might look like a cheap option, but they do not always work well enough to keep the bugs away. Termite invasions can be complicated, with different kinds of termites, population sizes, and infestation spots. 

Professional exterminators possess the knowledge and specialized tools to correctly identify the type of termite, find the colony, and apply the most effective treatment plan. DIY ways often fail to address the root of the problem, leading to chronic outbreaks and the potential for significant structural damage. 

Understand termite behavior beyond the myths. 

Termites are complicated animals with clear social systems. They live in groups called colonies, which have workers, soldiers, and reproductives. 

Soldiers protect the village, while workers find food, watch out for and care for the children. New colonies are established by reproductives. Termites eat wood, which is why they do so much damage to houses. 

What should you do if you suspect termites? 

If you think termites might be in your home, you need to move quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep damage from getting worse and fixes from being too expensive.

• Do an in-depth inspection: Look for mud tubes, wings that have been thrown away, and damage to the wood that could be caused by termites.
• Get in touch with a professional exterminator: A trained professional in pest control can accurately figure out how bad the problem is and suggest the best way to treat it.
• Take steps to stop termites from coming in: Regular inspections, good landscaping, and keeping the area around the foundation dry can all help.

If you know the truth about these common myths and take action, you can keep termites from destroying your house.