All throughout the midwest and south, people have a legitimate concern that their home may be decreasing in value due to termite damage. After all, they do billions of dollars worth of damage every year in the US alone.
Identification
Termites look a lot like ants, but there are a few key difference that makes them easy to distinguish. The first characteristic is the fact that subterranean termites live below the ground. If you what look like termites out in the sunlight or inside your home, they are probably just ants. There are other types of termites in this area, but none are of as much concern as subterranean termites. Physically, they appear much like ants, but have a thicker waist, unline the pinched midsection of ants.
Don’t Believe the Myths
There seems to be a recurring idea among many of our customers (and potential customers) about the actual damage that termites can do. Even more so is the rate at which they do said damage. Termites are wood-eating machines, sure, but a typical colony will only eat about a pound of wood per year. So no, if you don’t have your home inspected every six months it won’t collapse. The real issue comes when five and ten years pass without a termite inspection or regular termite treatment plan. Kansas City, as part of the midwest, shows that 60% of homes will experience termites within a ten year period. If it’s been a while, it’s probably time to schedule an appointment.
The Signs of Termites
Termites are sneaky. They are underground, which means little to no visibility until it’s too late. One thing that you can visibly see are small “mud tubes” that termites use to travel. They are often found at the base of your home where cement is; they build these so that they don’t have to be in direct sunlight. They’re basically little wood-eating, underground vampires.
Your Termite-Free Home
Six Brothers Pest Control protects the home of Kansas City by providing termite treatments, inspections, and ongoing affordable termite plans. Your home is your biggest investment; treat it well by eliminating and preventing termites. Call (903) 703-7373 today.
