Do termites really eat wood?
Yes, termites actually eat
wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomach,
they are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.
Can termites make their way through concrete?
Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack
only 1/32 of an inch. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces
of concrete are joined together and around pipe openings.
How quickly can termites infest a house? If a residence has
been treated and there is no evidence remaining of termite infestation, how
soon could they reappear?
Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase
if they are present in the soil. Conventional soil barrier treatments to
control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony; they block
potential entry points into the structure.
Termite Prevention And Control Termites: How to Reduce Your Home’s Risk of Infestation Termites become a problem when they consume structural lumber. Each year thousands of housing units in the United States require treatment for the control of termites. Termites may also damage utility poles and other wooden structures. Termite pests in seattle include drywood, dampwood, and subterranean species. These pests cause serious damage to wooden structures and posts and may also attack stored food, books, and household furniture.
Dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger in size than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape and extend beyond their abdomen. Nymphs range up to 5/8 inch and worker dampwood termites are up to 3/4 inch.
Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites are not often found in structures. Dampwood termites do not usually infest structures because of the low moisture content of wood in structures. However, care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure.
Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings. Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.
To avoid dampwood termites, make sure downspouts and gutters are diverted well away from the structure, and avoid prolonged contact between a structure and large areas of moisture, such as ponds or snow drifts.