As if termites weren’t bad enough, now “super termites” have appeared and are threatening parts of the country. Super termites are a relatively new hybrid species that are thought to be even more damaging and destructive than their counterparts.
These hybrids pose serious risks because they’re larger, more resilient, and live in fast-growing colonies. Let’s learn a bit more about the origin of the super termite and how you can prevent termite investigations of all kinds.
Super Termites in Florida
South Florida made headlines when an invasive species of termites surfaced here. Apparently, two separate termite species that originated in Asia mated and started giving birth to a stronger and more adaptable version of the termite. Scientists have hypothesized that the gradually warming climate could be impacting termites’ mating seasons and making them more temperature tolerant.
Super termites could cause large-scale environmental problems and destroy thousands of homes around the world. Other places that are home to the most destructive types of termites include Hawaii and Taiwan. Researchers fear that these hybrid termites could easily spread to other parts of the U.S. and the world as well.
Signs of Termite Damage
Termites aren’t inherently damaging to the natural environment because they help break down debris to allow nutrients to enter the soil. However, they can really wreak havoc on your home. Termites feed on wood and compromise the strength and safety of your home’s infrastructure. They can also impact laminate flooring, walls, and carpet.
These are some of the most common signs of termite damage.
- Holes in cabinets, floors, ceilings, or anything made of wood
- Buckling or swollen floors and ceilings
- A scent that smells like mold or mildew
- Tunnels near the foundation of your home
Termite Prevention Tips
To protect your home from costly and time-consuming repairs, here are a few termite prevention tips to keep in mind.
- Hire licensed pest management companies to conduct regular inspections of your home for termites
- Seal cracks and holes in your home’s foundation
- Keep mulch, firewood, and sawdust at least 20 feet away from your home and stored on bricks
- Make sure that your attic and crawl space are well-ventilated
- Keep wood siding and stucco at least six inches from the ground
- Promptly repair leaky faucets, roofs, and gutters
- Avoid letting rain and leaves accumulate in outdoor gutters and drains
Termite Control in Bergen County
Pests are often a major cause of concern for New Jersey homeowners, so it’s important find reliable termite control in Bergen County. Termites, whether the super hybrid type or the standard variety, eat non-stop 24/7, causing up to $2 billion in damage per year!
And unfortunately, the damage is often not noticeable until you have a full-blown infestation. As soon as you notice any termite activity or telltale signs of damage, contact a local professional to stop the situation before it gets out of hand.