The Homeowner’s Guide To Termites In Georgia

Termite infestations are one thing that every homeowner hates to deal with. In Georgia, termite invasions are amongst the highest in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 homes in Georgia either has been or will be attacked by termites. With that being said, there are no less than three different species of termites ready to turn your home into their feeding ground. Employing Lookout Pest Control, formerly Any Pest Inc., to maintain your termite problem is always a good idea, but there’s also nothing like good old-fashioned knowledge to help you in fighting potential infestations.

TERMITE SPECIES IN GEORGIA

• Eastern Subterranean termite
• Formosan termite
• Drywood termite

The Eastern Subterranean termite is the most common species of termite across the entire United States and is the most common type of termite in Georgia. The Formosan termite is an invasive species from China and is now the most aggressive type of termite found in Georgia. The Drywood termite is also found in Georgia, but rare and typically found around coastal areas and rarely seen in the Metro Atlanta area.

The Eastern Subterranean and Formosan termites are both in-ground dwellers that can enter your house through flooring. They can squeeze through gaps less than one-sixteenth of an inch wide or eat through a rubber expansion joint to gain entrance. They live underground because of a constant need for water and moisture.

Do I Have A Termite Problem?

The termites in Georgia that do all of the damage to your home are known as ‘workers’ in the termite colony. They can be identified by their size and color. The other most-visible termites are called ‘swarmers’ or ‘winged reproductive’. These termites are the colonists of the nest. Their primary job is to form new colonies. They sprout wings and find another suitable location to infest. In Georgia, they generally swarm in the spring and early summer and are unmistakable by sheer numbers.

Beyond finding the insects themselves, there are also other visible signs of a termite infestation in your residence, including:

• Hollow-sounding wood
• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Crumbling wood in any structure
• Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces
• Red clay or mud trails
• Mud tubes on exterior walls

If you have noticed one or more of these signs, you need to investigate a potential termite infestation further, and quickly. Be careful not to rip open a colony. Eastern Subterranean termites, especially, will move on to a different area if disturbed and cause damage to previously untouched parts of a structure.

Also, do not mistake a swarmer for a flying ant. It is an easy mistake to make, but a close inspection of the two insects reveals differences:

• Termites have straight antenna; similar sized, paired wings; and a thick, straight waist.
• Flying ants have bent antenna; front wings that are longer than their back wings; and a distinct, bent waist.

How Do Termite Colonies Form

All termites live in large colonies headed by a queen, king, workers, soldiers and swarmers. The queen can live more than 25 years and is much larger than any other termite in the colony. She lays the eggs that keeps the colony going, sometimes more than 2,000 a day. The workers chew away at wood, construct tunnels and repair and widen the nest. Soldiers defend the colony often against ants, and are noticeable due to their enlarged heads and jaws. Termites are also not afraid to travel in search of food. Formosan termites will scavenge as far as 400 yards away from the colony and Eastern Subterranean termites will travel up to 100 yards looking for fresh food/wood.

Maintain Treatment For Termites

Termites in Georgia are persistent and a total nightmare if they take over your home. Stay on top of treatments, especially during the spring and summer when new colonies are forming and swarmers are in search of a new home. Prevention is the best method of avoiding termite damage, and Lookout Pest Control can provide several measures to keep your home at the lowest possible risk.

If you discover a termite infestation, do not hesitate; call Lookout Pest Control right away and limit the damage in your home. Lookout Pest Control solves your termite problem by installing a technologically-advanced bait system that will systematically eliminate each and every termite. These insects can pose a serious threat to the structure of your home so it is imperative that you make sure to take action before the problem gets out of hand. Lookout Pest Control provides free termite inspections and termite control for residents and business owners in Kennesaw and throughout metro-Atlanta.

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