Do Termites Need to Go to Ground?
Termites can be a real problem to your home. They can destroy your house and cause billions of dollars in damage each year. However, you can take steps to prevent termites from entering your home. It is best to inspect your home for termite damage on a regular basis.
You can tell if termites are eating your house by piercing the wood with a screwdriver. You can also notice a hollow wood or cracks. If you see signs of structural damage, it may be time to call a professional.
There are two types of termites that can enter your home: ground and drywood. Both species feed on wood, but their feeding methods differ. The ground termites live underground, while drywood termites are above ground and will tunnel through wood to reach food sources. The ground termites need constant access to water.
Termites can enter your home through mud tubes, which are mud-like tubes that the termites construct. These tubes can be found in the ground, on the outside of your home, or underneath the flooring. These tubes are used by the termites to travel from one colony to another.
When you find mud tubes, it is a good sign that you have termites. Typically, you will find pencil-sized tubes. The mud is made of saliva and dirt. These tubes can be spotted under the flooring, behind baseboards, or even on concrete foundations.
These termites are very small, with a length of only 1/8 inch. They are most active at night. They live in underground colonies and swarm periodically to seek food. They are one of the largest and most economically destructive pests in our islands.