Termites are sneaky creatures that may secretly be hiding and thriving in your basement, attic, or walls of your home. There may not be any signs of damage, which can make termite issues hard to diagnose. All termites need food, moisture, shelter, and an optimal temperature to survive. If you’re wondering how to protect your metro Atlanta home from these pesky invaders, check out these 10 termite facts that the experts at Healthy Home Termite & Pest Control thinks you should know.
1. Termites are Known as Silent Destroyers
Termites are known as silent destroyers because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper! Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage.
2. Many Different Termite Species
There are about 2,000 known termite species in the world! In the United States, there are about 45 different species of termites. Because of its temperate climate and ideal living conditions, Atlanta has numerous types of termites.
3. Termites are Constantly Hungry
You may not realize it, but termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week! In fact, termites never sleep and will work 24 hours a day until their death. They will eat through just about anything, seeking out food sources and damaging your Atlanta area home. Since they are always hungry, termites have the potential to cause damage – quickly.
4. Termite Activity
Termites are more active when it’s warmer as they work to store food for the winter months. In warmer parts of the country, like Atlanta, termites can prove to be a year-round threat.
5. Termite Warning Signs
Termites are sneaky insects, but they do leave warning signs! Some indicators of a termite infestation include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, cracked or bubbling paint, and mud tubes on exterior walls. Termites are often unseen as they are living in the walls of your home, and they can be difficult to diagnose. If you suspect you have termites, it’s incredibly important to contact a professional pest control service like the experts at Healthy Home in Acworth, GA.
6. Are Termites Resistant to Pesticides?
Thankfully, termites have never developed any kind of resistance to pesticides.
7. Termites have Been Around Since the Dinosaur Age
Termites probably won’t go extinct any time soon – these creatures have been alive since the dinosaur age and have existed for more than 250 million years!
8. Ants are the Enemy of Termites
You may not realize it, but ants are the biggest natural predators of termites. They will fight termites out of any area, including your Atlanta home.
9. Termites Outnumber People
It’s a little frightening to think about, but for every person on the planet, there are 1,000 pounds of termites. Multiply 1,000 pounds by the billions of people on the planet and you have a truly horrific amount of termites.
10. Termites are a Delicacy
In many cultures, you can eat termites either for nutrition or a cure for sickness. In Singapore, people eat termite queens either live or dipped in alcohol. Some enjoy them soaked in rice wine. Macu Indians eat termites when there is not enough food, while those in the Amazon make a soup of boiled termites.
Keep Termites Away from Your Atlanta Area Home with Healthy Termite & Pest Control
If you suspect you have a termite problem, leave it to the experts at Healthy Home Termite & Pest Control in Acworth, GA. We use the most advanced termiticide on the market to rid termites for good. Call us at (770) 505-9040 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an inspection. Make sure your Atlanta area home is safe from termites and contact us for a consultation.