Did you know that Idaho is home to several species of termites? These insects can cause significant damage to homes and other structures, so it’s essential to be able to identify them. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of termites found in Idaho and discuss how to protect your home from these pests.
What Types of Termites Are In Idaho?
Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies. These insects feed on wood, and they can cause significant damage to homes and other structures made of wood. Idaho has three main types of termites: subterranean termites, damp wood termites, and dry wood termites.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in Idaho. More than any other species of insect, subterranean termites may do the most damage. These pesky creatures build characteristic tunnels known as “mud tubes” to reach their food sources and defend themselves from the outside air. The pesky subterranean termite is a major concern to households across the United States since it can be found in every state except Alaska.
They devour wood 24 hours daily and seven days out of the week with their saw-toothed teeth! Over time this will cause structural damage, eventually leading to the collapse of any building that these pests have infested.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites can be a problem for homeowners in Idaho, but it’s less common than subterranean type infestations. This is because damp wood ants require high moisture environments not typically found in Idaho’s homes. They tend to swarm before sunset during springtime!
Dampwood termites don’t create shelter tubes like subterranean Termites and can live entirely within the wood they eat. Instead, these creatures plug openings into their prey with fecal pellets to preserve humidity, keeping them hidden from sight for years until it’s time to pupate or reproduce!
Drywood Termites
The dry wood termite is not an established pest in Idaho, but it can infest your home if transported from another state or country through infested objects such as furniture and wine crates.
Termite infestations can be limited to one area, or they might have wider-ranging damage. However, damage is often extensive because these pests chew tunnels inside wooden beams, which over time weakens them from within.
How Can I Protect My Home from Termites?
You can do several things to protect your home from termites, and it’s important to take action as soon as you suspect an infestation. Some of the best ways to prevent or control termites include:
1. Keep wood piles and other potential food sources away from your home. Wood piles are a common food source for termites, so it’s important to keep them away. If you have wood piles near your home, keep them dry and free of debris.
2. Remove moisture sources. Termites are attracted to moisture, so removing moisture sources from your home can help prevent an infestation. Be sure to repair leaks and keep gutters clean to avoid moisture buildup.
3. Inspect your home regularly. Inspect your home regularly for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or wood damage. If you find evidence of termites, contact a pest control professional immediately.
4. Preventative treatments. There are several products available that can help prevent termites from infesting your home. These products are typically applied to your home’s foundation and can help create a barrier against termites.
If you think you may have a termite problem, it’s important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. A professional can help identify the type of termite and recommend the best course of treatment.
Termites can cause extensive damage to your home, so taking action as soon as you suspect an infestation is important.