We’d like to share some helpful tips regarding New Jersey termite control in preparation for Termite Awareness Week 3/15- 3/21! Termites have been around for more than 250 million years and are extremely resilient creatures. In the United States alone, termites exist in every state except Alaska. New Jersey termite control is no easy feat as the bugs typically feast on the cellulose found in wood and may go unnoticed for years. The termite control NJ specialists, Precise Pest Control, report that signs of invasion and colonization include visible wood damage that may appear as nothing more than small holes. Other symptoms include crumbling drywall, sagging doors and windows, piles of discarded wings, small pellets resembling mouse feces and obvious swarms of the insects. In time, wood becomes hollow with nothing left but a mere shell. Every year, the insects cost American citizens more than $5 billion.
Little Known Facts to Help with New Jersey Termite Control
Certain termite species only need an opening measuring one-sixteenth of an inch to enter a structure thus making New Jersey termite control a challenging feat. When establishing a new colony, both genders of some species shed their wings in an effort to enter wood through a crack or hole. Once inside, termites eat continually 24 hours of everyday. While many insects typically have long incubation and youth phases, the termite has one of the longest adult life cycles, which increases the length of reproductive time. While research has not determined the exact adult life span of a queen, the adaptability of the insect becomes apparent, as many queens have been known to live for ten years or longer. A colony queen has the ability to lay up to 40,000 eggs. This factor means that serious infestations and damage may occur very quickly when attempting termite control. NJ has been known to have a termite problem in some concentrated areas.
Types to Look Out For to Assist With Termite Control, NJ
- The Eastern Subterranean, the Dark Southeastern Subterranean and the Light Southeastern Subterranean termite are the species found in the New Jersey region that live underground. They are considered the most widespread and the most destructive group of all the species. The colony swarmers are colored dark-brown to black and measure about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. They have two pairs of body length wings. The workers are cream-colored, measure approximately 1/4 inch in length and have no wings. The soldiers are also cream-colored but have brown-colored heads. They also lack wings and have distinctive large pincer-like front mandibles.
- Drywood termites live in dry wood and are found in New Jersey and all along the East Coast. They may infest house structures, cabinetry, furniture, woodwork and picture frames. Though having a similar appearance to their subterranean counterparts, the swarmers, workers and soldiers are typically larger. The wings also have pigmented veins in the outer region of the front wings. However, they tend to shed their wings shortly after invasion.
- Dampwood termites prefer moist wood and do not typically invade a home unless they encounter areas having leakage. While appearing similar to other species, they remain the largest and may measure anywhere from 3/4 to one inch in length.
Infestation can occur in new homes or in an older residence. The New Jersey termite control team of professionals, Precise Pest Control, offers a few prevention tips.
The Best Termite Exterminators NJ Has to Offer Suggest These Helpful Tips:
- Ensure that attics, basements and crawl spaces stay dry and adequately ventilated.
- Keep a lookout for leaky faucets or water pipes and make repairs quickly. Check areas outside of the home where AC units may release condensation.
- Redirect water drainage from downspouts, gutter or splash blocks away from homes or other structures.
- Evaluate fascia, soffits and roof shingles for signs of rot or other damage and repair as needed.
- Keep mortar around foundations and weather stripping repaired or replaced.
- Keep firewood a minimum of 20 feet away from the home and at least five inches above the ground.
- Resist the urge to use wood timbers for landscaping.
- If using wood mulch, keep the material a minimum of 15 inches away from foundations.
Termite Control NJ Professionals
If you suspect that your home is being infested by termites contact the termite control NJ professionals, Precise Termite & Pest Control today at (866) 971-2847. Contact us for a free inspection.