Blog Layout

Are Termites Invasive?

YESpestpros • Jun 14, 2019

Termites love living in areas that have plenty of warm, humid places, and Southern Indiana in the summer is just that. While a single termite is typically no bigger than half an inch, a mature colony of termites can aggressively attack the wood in a structure, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

It is estimated that the average Subterranean Termite colony in the U.S. has between 60,000 and one million termites, and that there can be 13 to 14 colonies per acre. This means that there can be several colonies under or around a home.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some species of termites are invasive, specifically the Formosan Subterranean Termite. An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy, or human health. These termites were accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the 1960s, after being carried over on cargo ships from the Pacific. Today, these termites cause billions of dollars annually to structures all over the United States, particularly in humid climates.

What to Know

The first signs of termites are often swarmers – basically, termites with wings. Swarmers are termites that are in the middle of mating and reproduction, flying around to new locations to find a new place to call home and start a colony of their own.

It’s not the swarmers themselves that cause the damage, but they are a sure sign that there are termites somewhere on or near your property. Only a mature colony will produce swarmers, so if you see one, it has certainly come from a large population of termites. Because termites are invasive, they will find a food source, eat all that they can, and move on to the next food source – hopefully not within your home!

What to Do

Just knowing signs of termites and what to be on the lookout for can go a long way in damage control when it comes to termites. Keep an eye on your property and inspect it periodically for any signs of termite activity. Monitor areas in and around your home that are often damp, and use a dehumidifier to keep indoor areas dry. Keep downspouts at least ten feet from the foundation, and keep gutters free of leaves and debris. Remove mulch and firewood from around the perimeter of the home. Finally, if you suspect termites, don’t waste time in addressing the issue. Call a professional for an inspection as soon as possible.

What to Watch For

Some of the main signs of termites include the following:

  • Swarmers (termites with wings)
  • Wings on your windowsills, baseboards, or along walkways
  • Mud tubes used for travel
  • Crumbling drywall
  • Cracked or bubbling paint
  • Darkening or blistering of wood structures

Who to Call

Although they are an invaluable part of the ecosystem, termites can do thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home if left untreated. That is not a chance many homeowners are comfortable taking. At the first sign of termites, call YES Pest Pros for an inspection. We’ll thoroughly inspect all areas inside and outside your home, then consult with you about the best course of action. We can make sure that any existing termite issues are addressed and prevent them from returning.

The post Are Termites Invasive? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Bugs Feed on Human Blood? Blood Eating Bugs

15 Jun, 2022
Insects that feed on human blood can cause incredible discomfort. In many cases, we don't even know we've been bitten until after they have had their meal. Some inject an anticoagulant into the bloodstream to suck up their meal faster, while others clamp on and indulge in our life-preserving liquid. It helps to know which of these creatures to be watchful of before they attack. That way, we can take active steps to avoid the misery before they get a chance to start.

Can Fleas Travel on Clothing?

15 Jun, 2022
We often think of fleas as a nuisance for your cat or dog. They have an annoying way of getting into their fur, and it can be a real problem to get them out. But it is their uncanny ability to get into your home and cause a significant infestation that is a source of concern for many, especially if their presence is not properly eliminated. This has become a significant problem for many people. No doubt, the best way to ensure you don’t get a flea infestation in your home is to make sure they never get inside in the first place.

Are Bed Bugs Visible With the Naked Eye?

15 Jun, 2022
Waking up with tiny little bite marks all over your body is never a good thing. As you look at your irritated skin with the tell-tale red spots that itch persistently, you're sure that they result from bed bugs. No one wants their bed infested with these creatures, so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. But before you decide to launch an all-out attack on these irritants, you need to be sure of what you're dealing with. Unfortunately, plenty of other pests may invade your mattress, and using the wrong treatment to eliminate the problem could delay getting you relief or even worsen the situation. Before you decide on a method of extermination, you need to make sure of what you're actually dealing with. Still, because these bugs are so tiny, you might wonder if they can be seen with the naked eye. The answer is - sometimes. Bed bugs are usually visible in the later stages of development, but there's a good chance that if you can identify bed bugs in their adult stage, many younger ones are lying around, just waiting to take a bite out of you.

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

15 Jun, 2022
As their name implies, carpet beetles infest carpets and other fibers and are especially active during springtime. The first sign of an infestation is often a dead carpet beetle trapped in a window sill. But you can be sure if there’s one; there are many more. Carpet beetles typically live outdoors but are wintering insects . They will seek the warm cozy interior of your home after temperatures drop, and once inside, they become a threat to your property and food and can cause rashes with their tiny hairs. Carpet beetles feature: “Mottled” coloring of black, brown, white, or yellow. Oval-shaped bodies. Adult length between 1/16 - 1/8 inches. The first concern with any infestation is safety.

What Spring Bugs Should You be on The Lookout For?

15 Jun, 2022
As spring approaches and temperatures begin to rise, all sorts of creepy crawlies emerge in search of food, warmth, and a place to reproduce. Unfortunately, your home could be the perfect place to find all three. If you're not quick to eliminate these pests, you could have a serious infestation on your hands. Here are a few spring bugs that you should keep an eye out for as winter comes to an end. 

Are Spiders Active in Winter?

By YESpestpros • 15 Jun, 2022
Aracniphobs everywhere look to winter as a moment’s respite from spiders. The myth goes that spiders are cold-blooded and can’t survive the winter, but the truth is complex. There are 400 different species of spider in Indiana and 3,500 nationwide. Each one has different behaviors and approaches to surviving the cold. Some die off before winter, like the North American black and yellow garden spider, but others adapt. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Get Rid of Moths

By YESpestpros • 28 Feb, 2022
Moths can be pretty pesky little things; the larvae they leave behind can quickly chew through a wide variety of substances, including your clothes, bedding, and food. In addition, many people can have adverse allergic reactions when they are in their vicinity.  While moths play an essential role in our environment, they tend to be […] The post How to Get Rid of Moths appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Types of Ticks are Dangerous?

By YESpestpros • 15 Feb, 2022
At first glance, ticks do not appear to be dangerous. But don’t let their tiny size and small mouths fool you. These guys are voracious eaters, and the females are known to suck at least 200 times their body weight in blood. They need this feeding cycle to develop through the different stages in their […] The post What Types of Ticks are Dangerous? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

By YESpestpros • 30 Jan, 2022
Nothing can make a homeowner more proud than the exterior beauty of a perfectly landscaped yard. However, all your dedication to beautifying your outdoor space can be tainted when you have underground guests come to visit.  When you start to notice a series of small holes in your yard that seem to emerge out of […] The post How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful?

By YESpestpros • 15 Jan, 2022
So you’ve been noticing strange things happening in your house, and you assume that you have a rodent problem. You’ve noticed the corners of your cereal boxes appear to be chewed on. You found a hole in your couch cushions. You may have even seen a mouse or two in the house! But now you’ve […] The post Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.
More Posts
Share by: