Are Termites Still A Threat In Tennessee?

Termites are a pest that should never be ignored. The damage that occurs when termites are left alone can become severe. All you have to do is search for termite damage online and you’ll find an assortment of scary articles and unappealing photos. Tennessee has the perfect climate—moderate temperatures and humidity—for termites to thrive. The dropping temperatures of the fall season do not stop them from staying active, either.

Termite colonies are very efficient. They’re made up of different members that perform different duties within the colony to keep it functioning. There are workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. Each of these members looks a little bit different. The workers are white in color. The soldiers look similar but have an elongated head and large jaws. The reproductive termites are bigger, darker, and have wings. The workers will forage for food to bring back to the other colony members who are doing their jobs. Cellulose found in wood, soil, and other organic matter is what they feed on. This is why the damage to your home can be so severe, they are eating away at the wood bit by bit. Termite colonies are very large in number, so with many mouths eating away, the damage can be quite extensive and costly. Termites are responsible for billions of dollars worth of damage each year in the United States.

One of these reasons termites are so destructive is that they can survive year-round. Their nests are built underground allowing them to escape cold temperatures. This means that during the fall they are still as active as ever. Don’t be fooled and think they are dormant. It’s extremely important to watch out for the signs of termites to catch them as early as possible.

Signs

• A sure sign is seeing termites crawling in your home, though this is only likely to happen if you tear out a termite-infested wall.
• Termites create mud tubes that may be noticed around the foundation of your home.
• Small piles of sawdust could also be a sign of termites.
• Tunnels in any wooden structure of your home could be termites. The structures could be crumbling or breaking apart. This is also a behavior of carpenter ants. Either way, it’s advised to contact a professional.
• Any damaged or damp wood can easily attract termites.
• Checking for termite activity outdoors could give you hints to what’s indoors. If you find damp wood infested with termites outside, it’s possible they’ve made their way in the house or are going to soon. Termite colonies grow fast and are always looking for more food sources.
• Any damage done to your home could potentially be because of termites. If you’re noticing a sagging floor or unstable ceilings, seek a professional right away.
• With some infestations, you can actually hear the termite activity in the walls. Try tapping on the wood and listening for a clicking sound.

It’s never too late to contact pest control. If you are struggling with a termite infestation, or if you’d like to prevent one, contact Russell’s Pest Control today. Our termite control plan provides the best termite protection in East Tennessee. At Russell’s Pest, our technicians will install the Sentricon® System with Always Active™, which is scientifically backed and proven to work. Check out our video on how Sentricon® with Always Active™ works and contact us today to get started!