Unearthing the Truth About Termites During National Termite Awareness Week
Because the National Pest Management Association has declared this week as National Termite Awareness Week, the Clark Man is lifting the veil of secrecy on these silent yet highly destructive pests that threaten your home.
Termites are aggressive, relentless pests that feed constantly, but often go undetected because they enter through the soil or attic of a home. These “silent” intruders can cause significant structural damage to your home in just a few short years if left to their own destructive ways.
Other interesting termite facts you ought to know:
- Termites are found in every state of the union except Alaska.
- Ten percent of the Earth’s mass of living organisms is composed of termites.
- The total weight of all termites in the world is more than the weight of all humans.
- There are roughly 2,000 known species of termites in the world, and 23 different species are found in California, according to the University of California.
- Termites eat nonstop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Highly destructive Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) – which have been found in California – can eat the entire wooden structure of a home within two years.
- Worker termites will search for food up to 250 feet from their colony.
- Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year in the United States.
In California, there are three termite species that can threaten your biggest investment:
- Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus) are found in many areas of the state where moist soil is present.
- Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) are prevalent in coastal regions, and also can be found in the Central Valley.
- Dampwood termites (Zootermopsis angusticollis; Z. nevadensis) are found in the central and northern coastal regions and in the Sierra and Cascade ranges and foothills.
If you have or suspect that termites are targeting your home, the Clark Man recommends you contact Clark Pest Control for a thorough inspection and review of treatment options. Playing the do-it-yourself card with termites can lead to unwanted headaches and hassles, and may require a significant amount of money to correct.
Remember: If you have questions on how to protect your home from termites, call (800) 936-3339 or drop me an email atclarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.