Termites are wood-destroying insects that most pest control professionals routinely encounter. The most prevalent types of termites in this region are subterranean termites, which form underground nests and create thin tunnels or "mud tubes" that allow for safe passage to wooden structures aboveground.
Although drywood termites are not native to New York, it is possible for them to travel here in wooden containers and other wooden products.
Have you noticed potential termite activity on your property? Seeking assistance from a Long Island pest control company is the best way to get rid of termites. At All State Pest Control, our technicians receive professional training regarding Termites. They know how to stop termites and how to prevent termites from returning to your home and creating further problems.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Subterranean termites look somewhat similar to ants, measure 1/8 of an inch long, and appear off-white to dark brown or black. They have six legs and a pair of antennae.
Do all termites have wings? No. Existing termite colonies generate a group of offspring with responsibility for reproducing—called alates or "swarmers." These colony members have wings and often gather in "swarms" during the spring months before departing and forming new nests. In many cases, homeowners may notice small clusters of shed wings on their property.
The Extent Of Property Damage Termites Can Create
Termite damage is expensive and dangerous when it involves areas of wood needed for structural support.
Each year throughout the U.S., several billions of dollars in property damage results from termite activity. Already frustrated property owners that endure substantial termite damage typically experience a devastating secondary blow when they realize that property insurance policies generally exclude termite-related damage from coverage.
Do termites bite people? Despite being a major cause of property damage, termites pose no health risks to humans. They are not known to be disease carriers, and incidents involving a termite biting a human are infrequent. In the unlikely event of experiencing a bite, wash the area of the skin with soap and water, apply ice, and use antihistamines or acetaminophen if needed.
Do termites eat treated wood? Termites in Long Island rarely attack pressure-treated wood; therefore, those buying wood for exterior applications often choose pre-treated options. Some of the common chemicals used for treating wood include copper boron azole (C.B.A.), alkaline copper quaternary (A.C.Q.), or diluted borate spray. For more enhanced protection, consider sealed wood, which is highly resistant to water.
Factors That Attract Termites To Properties
Those wondering how to keep termites away from their property should understand the conditions that will likely attract termites. Some of the common attractants include the following:
- Subterranean termites prefer wooden structures that have direct contact with the soil above their underground nests.
- Termites generally prefer moist conditions that often result from overwatering lawns or gardens, leaky plumbing, or clogged gutter systems or drains.
- Water-damaged wood is attractive to termites and may need replacing; however, consider drying wood with mild water damage using improved ventilation and a dehumidifier.
- Wood containing cracks is also more vulnerable to termite invasions.
Property owners should remember the importance of detecting the presence of termites early on before the infestation expands and substantial property damage occurs. Therefore, consider periodically inspecting any wood structure on the property.
What's The Most Effective Termite Control in Manhattan?
The All State Pest Control technicians receive the latest training and have the best termite control products at their disposal for safely and efficiently ousting these pests from homes in Manhattan. We use our liquid treatments inside and outside the buildings. We also use trenching and drilling programs and bait stations with termiticide
Property owners in Manhattan that detect termite activity on their property should contact All State Pest Control regarding a free inspection.