Termites

Professional Termite Pest Control Denver CO

Termites colonize to protect the species from extinction. The termite colony consists of a queen, king, soldiers, workers, and winged and wingless swarmers. The only difference in the termite and ant colonies is the additional member – the king. Each member has important duties that play a major role in the daily operations of the colony.

The diet consists of cellulose-based materials, such as cardboard, cotton, lumber, and paper. The termite also erects underground tunneling systems like the ant colony. The entrance to the termite underground tunnel is generally detectable for a short distance away. At the top of the tunnel entrance, sits a pile “mound” of dirt.

When the termite colony grows to a significant number, the tunneling system must be expanded to accommodate. Some termites will be forced to bore holes in decaying wood for shelter. To gain easy and quick access to the shelter, termites create mud tubs at the entrance.

The most commonly reported termite sighting in North America involves the Subterranean species. According to evidence, the Subterranean termite is responsible for 95 percent of all termite damage in North America each year. The damage is estimated at $2 billion each year.

Termite Queen

Like the ant queen, the termite queen grows larger than all other members. She can grow up to 4 inches in length. Instead of manually repositioning, the queen termite relies on a colony of hundreds of workers to do it.

The queen is responsible for growing the population, reproducing up to 30,000 eggs per day. Her lifespan is significantly longer than all the other colony members. She can live up to 10 years in a controlled environment.

King Termite

The termite king is responsible for mating with the queen to grow the colony. He is also responsible for overseeing the running of the colony. The king plays a significant role in building the colony right from the get-go.

Worker Termite

The worker is responsible for erecting underground tunneling systems and nests for the young. Worker termites are the hardest-working member of the termite colony. The worker is also responsible for foraging for food.

Unlike the ant worker, the worker termite’s body is translucent-like. The ant worker is dark brown, reddish/brown, or black. The worker termite grows up to 10 millimeters, compared to the size of an uncooked rice granule.

Workers also assist in feeding and caring for the young.

Soldier Termite

The soldier termite is translucent-like in color. Solider and worker termites have strong mandibles that help them fulfill their daily duties. The soldier termite, for example, utilizes its mandibles to fight off predators. Workers, on the other hand, utilize their mandibles to construct nests and underground tunnels.

The soldier’s head is slightly larger than the worker’s and swarmer’s.

Winged Swarmer Termite

The winged swarmer is responsible for building new colonies. Upon maturity, the winged swarmer sets out on its own to meet a mate and build a new colony. Winged swarmers are of both genders – male and female.

Termites In Denver

Denver residents primarily have to worry about Subterranean termites. These termites are commonly found in our area.

About

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies with each member fitting into a specific category. As mentioned above, you’ll find worker termites, soldier termites, and swarmer termites. You can determine which termite you’re dealing with based on its appearance. Worker termites and soldier termites can each three-eighths of an inch. Soldier termites have long necks and powerful jaws. Swarmer termites can reach half an inch.

Activities

Many termite species build underground colonies. Subterranean termites fit into this category. They build mud tubes when living above ground. During spring, these termites produce swarmer termites to spread the colony elsewhere.

Concerns

Ultimately, Subterranean termites are immensely problematic because they can destroy your property. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll destroy your home. They’ll chew through the wood and make your home unsafe. Over a period, ignoring the problem will leave to expensive property damage.

Flying Termites & Flying Ants

Flying termites and flying ants have a lot in common, but they’re not identical. For instance, you’ll find that flying ants have wings of different sizes, but flying termites have wings of equal sizes. Flying ants have pinched waists. Check their antennas. Flying termites have straight antennas but flying ants have elbowed antennas.

Interesting Termite Facts

Learn more about termites by reading the facts below.

• Worker termites eat around the clock. Once they focus on your home, they’ll eat the wood around your home 24 hours each day.
• A termite colony will stick around for 50 to 70 years. Get rid of them or they’ll stay on your property for many, many years.
• A single colony can house as many as half a million termites at once.
• Termites can help the environment since they destroy deadwood.
• Subterranean termites are destructive, but they need constant access to water. They cannot survive without it.
• When living above ground, they need to keep their tunnels moist.
• Ants frequently attack termites and termite colonies.
• The world has more than 2,000 termite species. Most of these species are found in subtropical and tropical areas.
• Roughly 40 termite species can be found in the United States. The southeast has more species.
• Alaska is the only state that doesn’t have to worry about Subterranean termites.
• Subterranean termites cause most of the damage to homes in the United States.
• They cannot chew through concrete.
• Queen termites can live for many years while laying thousands of eggs each day.

Termite Dangers

Termites need to be removed from your home swiftly. However, they’re not dangerous and do not transmit serious illnesses. They don’t bite humans or pets. Instead, they bite and chew through wood. Since your home contains many wood columns and surfaces, it is at risk. If you don’t remove them from your home immediately, they’ll destroy it. Contact us so we can get rid of them for you immediately.

Tackling The Problem On Your Own

You can try tackling the problem on your own, but doing so might not be wise. The issue is that you’re going to run into serious issues. If you try to fix the problem without professional assistance, you may run into problems. For instance, you may not use the right treatments. Alternatively, you might use dangerous chemicals or you might misuse them. The risks are immense. Work with our exterminators so you can fix the problem without experiencing severe repercussions.

When Can The Extermination Start?

Our exterminators are ready to begin working hard for you. When you call us, we’re going to begin working to fix the problem as quickly as possible. We’ll call you within 48 hours.

The Safest Treatments

We’re proud to provide you with the safest treatments. When working with us, you can rest assured knowing we’re going to take steps to keep you safe. Our exterminators rely solely on products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency because these products are safe and reliable. Although you could try fixing the problem on your own, the risks are grave. Work with us and take care of the problem while staying safe.

Preventing Termites From Destroying Your Home

Use the tips below to stop termites from destroying your home.

• Prevent water from getting close to your home’s foundation. To avoid problems, make sure your downspouts and gutters are working properly.
• Check your home for leaks and deal with them immediately.
• Don’t ignore humidity problems. Take care of these issues swiftly.
• Keep firewood away from your home. Store it at least 20 feet away. Also, keep it 5 inches from the surface of the ground.
• Check your home for termite signs regularly.
• Remember to store wood mulch away from your home’s foundation.
• Contact our office when you suspect your property is home to termites.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.