Category Archives: Termite Control

When Do Termites Swarm and How to Prepare for Swarming Season

It’s bad enough to have termites around your home and property, but it can be even more unsettling when termites begin to swarm. This article will explore why termites swarm and how you can be prepared and control a termite swarming situation.

Why Do Termites Swarm?

When a colony of termites reaches its capacity and needs to expand, swarming is likely to occur. This is usually an annual occurrence that involves hundreds or thousands of termites trying to reproduce and grow their colony. The biggest swarming activity typically takes place over the course of a day and then is followed by subsequent days of less activity.

When Do Termites Swarm?

Subterranean termites usually swarm in the spring, dampwood termites in the summer, and drywood termites in the late summer and early fall. This is why it’s a good idea to consult a termite specialist to help you identify termites and understand the types of termites that are most common in your area. During all of these seasons, termite swarms are more likely after it rains and when it is humid, overcast, and not windy.

Damage Caused by Swarming Termites

Swarming termites tend to build nests near the surface of the soil and live there until the conditions are optimal for reproduction and becoming airborne. While it is never a good time of year to have termites in your home, the swarming season is actually not an overly destructive time for them to be around. This is because termites have one main goal during a swarm: to reproduce and grow their colony. Many of these termites will not survive very long and do not even have the ability to bite yet to destroy wood structures of your home.

Termite Swarm Preparation Tips

Whether it’s swarming season or not, there are certain things you can do to deter termites from nesting around your house. The best thing to do is keep wood and paper far from your house, including firewood, spare lumber, and newspaper. Also, don’t put plants too close to the foundation of your home because termites love moist soil. Other ways to reduce moisture and your risks for a termite swarm are to fix leaky faucets right away, point yard sprinklers away from your home, and clean out gutters and downspouts so they are working properly.

How to Get Rid of Swarming Termites

To control and eradicate termite swarms, professional exterminators use liquid treatments that create a barrier to prevent termites from moving from soil to buildings. Exterminators also use baits for termites that are placed below the surface of the soil.

Since these applications are quite challenging for DIY enthusiasts during swarming season, we recommend contacting Precise Termite & Pest Control to take care of the extermination quickly and effectively. We have been keeping Bergen and Passaic counties termite-free for over 30 years and know the best ways to prevent and eliminate swarming insects from your property.

Do Termites Bite or Pose Other Dangers to Humans?

Termites outnumber humans at a ten-to-one ratio and affect homeowners all around the world. Yet people still have many questions about these troublesome pests, such as “Do termites bite?” and “Are termites dangerous?”

In this article, we’ll answer these common questions about termites and also address the most effective ways to prevent and eliminate them from your property.

Do Termites Bite?

Although termites are notorious for biting through wood, they very rarely ever bite humans. Certain types of termites, such as soldier termites, are able to bite, but even these termites have very small jaws and wouldn’t likely leave a mark on your skin. But to avoid potential bites, never touch termites with your bare hands. However, termites are known to bite other insects in addition to wood.

Are Termites Dangerous to Humans?

Termites are not a direct threat to humans because unlike some pests, they do not commonly transmit diseases, bite, or sting. However, it is still very concerning to have termites on your property because of the damage they cause.

Termites cause a unique type of damage compared to carpenter ants because they consume wood and leave behind destroyed floors, walls, and ceilings. With weakened wood, homes are more susceptible to collapsing and potentially harming humans in this way.

How to Prevent Termites

To reduce your home’s chances of attracting termites, create a barrier to stand between the wood around your foundation and soil on the ground. Only concrete should touch the soil, if possible. Ensure that plants aren’t growing too close to your foundation, and also make sure that storm drains empty out away from the foundation and not right next to it.

Termites love damp areas, so you can also help prevent them by fixing leaks in outside faucets that are attached to the house. It’s also a smart idea to schedule a yearly termite inspection with your local pest control company to make sure that termites aren’t hiding where you can’t see them.

Other Things to Know About Termites

There are different types of termites, and each one affects your home in a unique way. For example, subterranean termites live in colonies ad leave dark-colored blisters in wood flooring. Drywood termites often damage walls, poles, and furniture in a home. Dampwood termites love moist environments, as their name suggests. Meanwhile, Formosan termites target structural components of homes and are often found when doing renovations.

How to Get Rid of Termites

No matter what type of termites you have and even though they don’t pose direct risks to human health, it is important to rid your home of termites at the first signs of these pests. Your best bet in New Jersey is to call Precise Termite & Pest Control for a free inspection as soon as you notice damage in wooden structures.

Call us today at 866-972-2847 for our professional extermination services and prevention assistance to keep them away from your home for good.

What Do Termites Look Like and How to Identify Termite Damage

Here in New Jersey, we have many types of insects that find their way into our backyards and homes. However, one of the most destructive insects is the termite, which is our professional specialty at Precise Termite & Pest Control.

Here’s what termites look like and how to get help when you suspect a termite problem.

Understanding What Termites Look Like

There are actually dozens of different types of termite species, but they all have similarities in their appearance. Termites are usually between a quarter-inch and a half-inch long in size. They have straight antennae, white or light brown coloring, and soft bodies. Termites have a straight waist and vary in appearance based on if they are in the role of soldier, worker, or swarmer.

Other Bugs That Look Like Termites

Ants are commonly mistaken for termites because of their size, especially carpenter ants, flying ants, and fire ants. However, ants have bent antennae, pinched waists, and wings of different lengths. These are all characteristics that set them apart from termites. With regard to noticeable damage caused, homeowners may believe they have a termite problem when the insects are really powderpost beetles or carpenter bees.

Property Damage Caused by Termites

Termites are very destructive pest insects that chew through the wood of your home, including support beams and ceiling joists. When they get inside your home, they can chew through favorite pieces of furniture that you love. Termite damage also goes beyond just wood because these insects feast upon insulation, metal siding, and other parts of your home that ensure its structural integrity.

Identifying Termite Damage

Termite damage often looks like water damage because it causes swollen floors and buckling wood. You may notice cracks due to termite tunnels under the surface or mud tubes that look like clumpy lines in the soil. If you notice strange damage around your home and aren’t sure what caused it, it’s always best to call in a professional to take a look for you and best assess the situation.

Local Help with Your Termite Problem

At Precise Termite & Pest Control, we know what it takes to tackle a termite problem because we’ve been keeping Northern New Jersey pest-free for over three decades. By the time you notice damage, a termite infestation is often more widespread than you think, so it’s important to do a full inspection of your home to address all problem areas.

If think termites could be to blame for damage you’ve noticed around the house, don’t wait another day to call us at 866-971-2847 or contact us online. We are proud to serve Bergen and Passaic counties with fast responses, emergency treatments, simple call-backs, and preventative advice to keep your home free of pests.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like & How to Know If You have Termites

Perhaps you have noticed some structural damage around your home but aren’t sure what’s causing it. It could be due to a water leak, pests, rodents, or insects, but you’re not a pest control expert, so how should you be expected to diagnose the problem?

Here is some information about what termite damage looks like what to do if you suspect that termites are causing structural changes in your home.

Different Types of Termites

There are actually dozens of species of termites that exist around the country, but for non-pest control professionals, the distinction can be narrowed down into four categories. For example, subterranean termites live in soil, build large nests, and cause most of the termite damage in New Jersey.

There are also drywood termites that are less of a problem in homes because they prefer to live in even moister wood conditions in the outdoors. Meanwhile, drywood termites love hardwood floors and dead trees because they don’t need soil to thrive. Their damage can be severe but often happens slower than with a subterranean termite infestation. Formosan termites are very destructive and often inhabit live trees and boats, but they are less common in New Jersey than in other parts of the U.S.

Damage Termites Cause

The damage that termites cause is much more than just cosmetic. Termites eat the structure of your home, moving from wall studs to support beams, ceiling joists, and even furniture. Termites may also feast upon metal siding and insulation, causing even further damage to more than just the wood.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Subterranean termites cause damage that looks like water damage, such as swollen floors and buckling wood. With drywood termites, you may not notice the damage until it becomes so bad that cracks appear and the termite tunnels underneath the surface become visible. Termite damage can also look like mud tubes that appear as veins or clumpy lines.

If you see an insect in your home and aren’t sure what it is, inspect it as closely as you feel comfortable with. Termites’ appearance differs from ants and other insects in that they often have pale yellow-colored bodies, straight antennae, two sets of same-sized wings, and no noticeable waistline along their bodies.

Who to Call for your New Jersey Termite Control Needs

The professional exterminators at Precise Termite and Pest Control are your local experts in all things termites, and we know what it takes to keep New Jersey households termite-free all throughout the year. Termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage in a home, so it is in your best interest to keep an eye out for termite damage or call a professional for help if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

Contact us today at 866-971-2847 for a free termite inspection and to learn more about the early warning signs of termite damage.

Termite Poop: The Dangers, What It Looks Like, and What to do About It

Pests can be difficult to see and track with the naked eye, but they often leave droppings behind that make their presence very obvious in a home. One such pest is the termite, an insect that eats wood and is known to destroy walls and furniture. But the droppings that termites leave behind can put your health at risk if not properly controlled by a professional.

Here is some information about termite poop and answers to common questions like “Is termite poop dangerous?”

What Does Termite Poop Look Like?

Although the droppings of a termite can vary from one species to the next, it is most commonly oval-shaped, has concave sides, and rounded ends. It may look like tiny pellets of salt and pepper, but overall, it is typically the color of the wood. It is best to have a professional exterminator help you identify what the droppings are to correctly diagnose the problem and then pursue the best solution for that type of pest.

Is Termite Poop Dangerous?

To answer the question is termite poop dangerous, research shows that termite poop is not necessarily toxic to humans. However, there are still health risks of exposure to termite poop, including skin irritations, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks. Unlike some pests, such as rats and mice, termite poop is not associated with a great risk of spreading communicable diseases. But it could make you feel sick if the termite poop enters food or water sources in your home.

Why Is Termite Poop Harmful?

In addition to these potential health risks, termite poop is harmful because it is a telltale sign that costly property damage is on the horizon. Termites are sneaky pests that often go unnoticed, but you can be more proactive about termite removal if you take action as soon as you notice termite poop.

Termite poop on a bed often means there is a termite infestation in the ceiling or roof. Termite poop on a window sill commonly means there are nests and mud tunnels nearby. If you see termite poop on the carpet or floor of your home, termites likely live in or under the floor, causing an effect that may resemble water damage.

What to Do If You Discover Termite Poop

At Precise Pest Control, we offer full-service termite inspections and removal in homes and businesses throughout northern New Jersey. Termites are our top specialty, and by calling us at the first signs of termite poop, you can save yourself thousands of dollars of property damage and reduce your risk of health problems. We look forward to helping you identify and solve termite problems in your home so that you can rest easy and save money in the long-run.

What Causes Termites and How to Spot Them in Your Home

Termites are known as wood-eating insects that cause homeowners up to $5 billion in damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association. But exactly what causes termites, where do they come from, and what do termites look like?

In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions so that you can identify a termite problem early on and call in the professionals for help right away to avoid substantial home damage.

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The Life Cycle of Termites and Why Spring Is the Season to Take Action

Wanting to learn more about the pests that invade our homes and cause costly damage doesn’t always come naturally to homeowners. However, it is very useful to gain an understanding of how termites live and breed in order to choose appropriate termite extermination methods.

Here we’ll describe the basic life cycle of a termite and why spring the best time of the year is to pursue treatment options and combat infestations.

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How to Spot Termite Damage

Termites compromise the strength and safety of your home, and unfortunately, they often go undetected for many months or even years. Termites are silent but deadly attackers that cause extensive damage and can even make your home unlivable for a significant amount of time.

To prevent extensive damage in your home, it’s important learn about the early warning signs and call a professional exterminator right away to control the situation.

Types of Termite Damage

There are many different types of termites that affect homes in our area, and each one causes distinct damage to wooden structures on your property.

For example, subterranean termites live underground in loose, damp soil and are the most common type of white ant that attacks American homes. The damage that these termites cause can resemble water damage, such as swollen or bucked floors or ceilings. You might also smell scents of mold and mildew. Subterranean termites prefer soft wood and tend to eat wood along the grain.

Another common type of damage is caused by drywood termites, which build colonies inside wooden structures in homes. These types of termites build tunnels inside walls and even furniture, so you may see cracks appear where drywood termites have taken over. Drywood termites like to eat large sections of wood and chew along and against the grain of your wood. It is very difficult to control these types of inner-wall infestations yourself, so call a professional exterminator as soon as you notice unexpected cracks in your home.

Although structural damage is the most common type of termite destruction, these invasive pests eat their way through many other important materials as well. In addition to the structural wood that your home is built with, these are some of the other household materials and areas that termites frequently cause damage to:

Siding
Plaster
Metal
Floors
Ceilings
Furniture

What to Look for in Your Home

Although termites affect homes in different ways, there are a few tell-tale signs that you should remember for future reference. Termites cause at least $5 billion in damage to American homes annually, and it’s better to be safe than sorry so that your family doesn’t end up being part of that statistic.

These are some of the most common signs of termite damage to look for:

Weak or missing parts of wood structures
Termite wings near closed windows and doors
Mud tubes where your house touches the ground
Fecal pellets outside of termite tunnels
Wood that sounds holly when you tap on it
Buckling paint and tiny holes in wood
The presence of live termites in your home

Bergen & Passiac County Termite Control

Spotting termites can be very difficult, especially if you haven’t dealt with an infestation before and aren’t sure what to look for. Always call a professional service you trust before trying to control a termite situation yourself. In Northern New Jersey, you can trust the experts at Precise Pest Control because we have over 25 years of experience in the pest control industry and a reputation that lives up to our name.

We specialize in all types of white ant removal, so call us today for prompt and thorough extermination to get the results that you need to ensure the safety of your family, tenants and property.

Understanding the Different Types of Termites & How They Affect You

Termites of all kinds are a costly nuisance and a major headache for homeowners around the country. These are some of the most common types of termites and how they could affect your life if they decide to take up residence in your home.

Subterranean Termites

One very common type of termite is the subterranean termite. These termites are social insects that live in colonies and the most common type found in American homes. Often the first signs of subterranean termite damage are dark-colored blisters in wood flooring.

This variety of white ants is known to damage the structure of your home, and in severe cases, you may need to move out until repairs are complete. It’s easy to overlook subterranean termite damage because this type of termite typically only eats spring wood and leaves the exterior surface alone.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are most common along coastal areas and in the south and southwest parts of the country. This is another type of white ant that can go undetected for a long time.

Drywood termites are notorious for damaging the walls in your home, as well as poles and furniture. This type of termite infestation often requires homeowners to remove all furniture from the affected area until the termites have been eliminated. This is a major inconvenience for many homeowners, especially when they are forced to find and pay for temporary storage space for an indefinite amount of time.

Dampwood Termites

The Pacific Coast is typically home to the most dampwood termites, but this insect can live anywhere with damp and decaying wood. These termites love moist environments and typically set up new nests throughout the spring and summer.

Homeowners may notice fecal pellets around the house when they have a dampwood termite infestation. Moisture control is essential to eliminating these termites, which means that homeowners need to promptly address roof leaks, plumbing problems, and rainwater drainage to prevent infestations.

Formosan Termites

Formosan termites love warm climates and although most popular in the American South, small populations have been encountered up to the Canadian border. The three forms of these termites are the winged or wingless reproductive termites, the workers, and the protector soldiers.

They live in the soil and invade wood structures that come in direct or close contact with the dirt. It is very common for homeowners to find these termites while doing home renovations. They target walls and other structural components of homes, which causes the structure to sag and need further repairs.

Termite Removal in New Jersey

Regardless of which type of termite is terrorizing your home, the professional exterminators at Precise Pest Control are your local experts in the pests plaguing New Jersey. We have the knowledge and expertise to handle all types of termite infestations and even help you prevent future damage.

Call us today at 866-971-2847 for a free inspection and avoid unnecessary property damage that will take its toll on your wallet and inconvenience your daily life.

The Devastating Costs & Inconveniences of Termite Damage

Unlike many of the insects that are simply a nuisance around the house and yard, termites, also known as white ants, are dangerous predators that threaten your home and disrupt your lifestyle. No matter where you live or how old your home is, your family could be at risk of termite damage, which is both costly and inconvenient to repair.

If not properly planned for, termites will destroy the structural elements of your home, including your walls, floors, and ceilings. But they don’t stop there. Termites are also notorious for eating through furniture, carpet, drywall, and paneling.

Let’s take a closer look at the devastating effects of termite damage and what you can do to prevent it.

The Cost of Termite Damage

Did you know that the average cost of termite damage is $3,000? Who honestly has a few extra thousand dollars to waste on unwanted pests?

In fact, termites cause more damage to American homes than the combination of earthquakes, tornadoes, and fires. The national total spent on repairing homes from termite damage is over $5 billion each year. Some homeowners end up spending tens of thousands of dollars to rid their homes of white ants, and the problem only gets worse the longer you wait to control it.

The Inconveniences of Termite Damage

Not only does the process of repairing termite damage cost you a significant amount of money, but it also results in many inconveniences and disruptions in your daily life.

Termite damage often requires contractors to come in and tear apart your home’s walls to locate and exterminate the termite infestation. White ant removal can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. This process requires you to put your life on hold while these unwanted houseguests are driven out by the professionals.

Another inconvenience that you may experience after a termite infestation is having to find a temporary storage space for your belongings that were located near the damage. Storage spaces aren’t cheap, especially when you’re just looking for a short-term or month-to-month solution. And you might be forced to inconveniently drive back and forth to your storage to get the things you need until the termites are under control.

Prevention is Your Best Defense

It’s a shame to pay for something that could have been prevented and burden yourself and your family with unnecessary hassles. Most homeowners don’t even notice termite damage until it’s too late because these pests often start doing damage to less visible areas first. They’re known as the “silent destroyers” because homes with termite damage often don’t appear different than any other homes on the block.

The best way to protect your family and your home is to prevent termites before they even have a chance to start damaging your home. It’s a smart idea to have a specialist come in for an inspection, even if you don’t think you have anything to worry about, but especially if you’ve never had one done before.

Contact Precise Pest and Termite Control to equip your home with the tools and resources it needs to remain a termite-free zone today and in the future. Once you understand the risks associated with termite damage, you’ll realize that you can’t afford to not be prepared.

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