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In Petersburg VA, termites are one of the most worrisome pests. They can cause a wealth of problems and need to be eradicated as quickly as possible. Our technicians are always eager to help. We have found out which treatments work best for termites. Just remember that these social creatures are difficult to eliminate because they work as a team. Since termites consume cellulose, they’re going to damage your home quickly. They’ll chew through lumber, paper, and cardboard. If they’re not eliminated promptly, the damage to your structure will be immense.
Termites build mounds once the colony has overgrown its underground nests. If you spot mounds around your home, the infestation has severely worsened. It is time to call a qualified exterminator. Otherwise, the problems are going to worsen swiftly. Subterranean termites are the most destructive in our area. They cause most of the damage done to American structures every year.
A Termite Colony Includes Several Members Including Queens, Kings, Workers, And Soldiers
Queen Termites
Without a queen termite, the colony would never survive or thrive. During the early stages of the colony, the queen will prove to be one of the colony’s most important members. She is also one of its biggest members. Since she is so important, the colony’s worker termites will do everything to ensure she survives. The queen termite is primarily responsible for reproducing and creating more worker and soldier termites.
When she reaches her maximum size, a queen termite can be four inches in length. Since she is so large, hundreds of worker termites will need to work together to push her around the termite’s nests and tunnels. A queen termite can easily survive for ten years while laying more than 30,000 eggs each day.
King Termites
King termites are vitally important as well. The queen needs the male to ensure that it can reproduce and build the colony. King and queen termites will continue mating and reproducing for the rest of their lives.
Worker Termites
Worker termites are immensely important to the colony. Worker termites never stop working to ensure that the colony thrives. He will perform many duties, including caring for the queen, feeding other termites, building tunnels, and so much more. He is a workhorse and never stops working. Worker termites have light bodies without wings. Workers are fragile and vulnerable, so they must be protected by soldier termites.
Soldier Termites
You’ve likely already guessed what purpose the soldier termite serves. He is responsible for defending the colony from potential invaders. They look a lot like worker termites, but they have longer, brown heads. Their jaws are powerful enough to crush invaders. While termites can be attacked by other predators, ants are their primary concern.
Swarmers
Finally, you may encounter swarmer termites. Swarmers are produced once the colony is thriving. They have wings and aim to build new colonies elsewhere. They’ll fly away from their colony and build new ones in other places. As a result, swarmer termites are male and female. Besides kings and queens, swarmer termites are the only termites that can reproduce. The colony can have many winged reproductive termites, but it’ll only have one king and one queen.
Termites Found In Petersburg VA
You’re likely curious to know which termites you’re going to encounter in our area. Although there could be others, you’re primarily going to encounter Subterranean termites. These pests can be found across the United States, and they’re one of America’s most destructive termites. More about them will be provided below.
More About Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are common in the United States. They’re found in most American states. They live in structured colonies with several vital members. For instance, the colony will have worker termites, soldier termites, a king, and a queen. The size and appearance of the termite will depend on its class. Swarmer termites have wings and reach half an inch in length. As for worker termites, they range from an eighth of an inch to 3/8. Soldier termites are like worker termites, but they have longer heads.
What Do Subterranean Termites Do?
Subterranean termites are like other termites in terms of behavior. For instance, they tend to build underground nests. To access food sources safely, Subterranean termites will build and use mud tubes. Doing so allows them to travel to nearby cellulose without being attacked. The colony will produce swarmer termites in spring, and they’ll start new colonies in other locations.
Risks
These termites pose numerous risks. The Subterranean termite is one of the most destructive termites in our area. They’re not dangerous to humans or pets, but they can ruin your property. They’ll chew through your home’s wood columns slowly. When left untreated, the termite infestation will lead to immense property damage before you know it.
Flying Ants & Flying Termites
Petersburg VA is home to flying ants and flying termites. It is wise to find out the differences so you will know what you’re dealing with. Their wings are different. If the pest has wings of equal size, you’re looking at a flying termite. Flying termites have straight antennas but flying ants do not. Finally, you can identify the species by looking at the shape of its waist. A pinched waist means you’re dealing with a flying ant.
Unique Facts About Termites In Petersburg VA
It is essential to learn as much as you can about termites. After you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to tackle the problem sooner. First, you cannot ignore the risks involved. Ignoring a termite infestation will allow the problem to worsen rapidly. Termites never stop working. Plus, the colony is going to remain for 50 to 70 years. If you don’t fix the problem, it isn’t going to fix itself. The average termite colony in the United States houses roughly 500,000 pests. Termites serve an important role because they get rid of the deadwood in forests. Most termite species need access to water around the clock. If they do not have access to water, they will dry out and die.
- Termites can live above found when using mud tubes. These tubes must be kept moist.
- Ants frequently attack termites and colonies.
- Working with a professional is a surefire way to wipe out the colony.
- 2,000 termite species have been identified around the world.
- 40 termite species reside in the United States with most of them living in the southeast.
- Alaska is the only American state without Subterranean termites.
- Subterranean termites cause most of the damage to American structures each year.
- Termites can move through concrete cracks, but they do not eat concrete.
- Worker termites consume cellulose before regurgitating it and feeding it to other members of the colony.
- Queen termites will stick around for more than 20 years and lay many eggs daily.
Primary Dangers Linked To Termites
Our technicians constantly worry about termites because they’re destructive. These pests can create numerous problems, but the biggest concern is their destructive nature. They can quickly ruin a residential or commercial structure. If the problem isn’t tackled promptly, it’ll worsen. Our technicians can help you deal with this problem. We’ve been eliminating termites for many years and we’re confident that we can do it once again.
Eradicating Termite Invasions In Petersburg VA
Eradicating termites will prove to be a difficult endeavor. Most homeowners won’t have success using DIY methods. Termites often travel up to 300 feet away from their primary underground nests. Therefore, it can be difficult to pinpoint the termite’s primary hiding place. If you don’t know where it is at, you won’t be able to eliminate the pests. Our technicians have years of experience, so they know how to identify the source of the problem. We’re skilled and experience enough to wipe out the colony quicker than our competitors.
Eliminating Termites Without An Exterminator
We do not recommend attempting to fix the problem on your own. Doing so will prove to be immensely difficult and potentially dangerous. Certain DIY pesticides can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Unless you’ve done it successfully before, it is best to let a professional deal with it for you. Remember that it requires years of skills to effectively eliminate termites. We recommend picking up the phone and calling us. We’ll schedule an appointment for you immediately.
How Long Does It Take To Process A Termite Inspection?
Our Petersburg customer support is on standby to help schedule you an appointment for our free termite inspection. We can process your service request within 24 and 48 hours. It is crucial to not delay action upon the detection of termites on your property. A termite colony works at an extremely quick pace to break down decaying wood structures. Before you know it, termites will cause significant permanent damage without proper intervention.
Does Conventional Termite Pesticide Utilize Chemicals?
Yes, conventional pest control products do contain chemicals, which we believe is an effective treatment. Yes, conventional pesticide contains chemicals that pose some environmental risks. Thanks to our chemical safety protocol and employee training, we can avoid most or all these risks.
To further protect the environment during conventional pesticide treatment, we only utilize brands approved by the Environmental Protection Agency “EPA”. The EPA is a very important government agency responsible for helping and ensuring the environment is not damaged due to chemical exposure.
What Is The Most Effective Termite Prevention Approach?
The threat of termites is extremely high for all wooden structures in Petersburg. Termites are drawn to decaying wood, such as downed trees. When the components of your home are in need of repair, termites are oftentimes the first to become aware. It is unfortunate when termites discover decaying wood structures before homeowners. The prior damage is bad enough, but when termites get involved, it becomes a devasting mess for property owners to clean up.
Your best option is to prevent termite infiltration right from the get-go. Do not allow these mighty insects to damage your home beyond repair. Start with the prevention tips provided below:
- Repair downspouts and rain gutters
- Divert runoff away from your home, utilizing an underground drainage system
- Routinely inspect your home from top to bottom to ensure early detection
- Keep firewood and lumber piles stored away from your home, shed, and garage
- Monitor your property for signs of termite tunnels, mud tubes, and damage
Do not hesitate to take advantage of our free termite inspection and consultation.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.