Seven Common Myths About Termites In Souderton You Probably Still Believe

Myth: Termites serve no purpose; they simply exist to destroy.

It is easy to think of termites as the bad guys. These insects cost U.S. property owners billions of dollars each year. But while you're home is better off without termites in it, our world would not be. Termites are important. Super important. One of the important things they do is break down dead plant matter and return vital nutrients to the soil. Without termites, the soil wouldn't get what it needs and we'd have layers and layers of trees, sticks, and plants lying around.

Myth: Termites are part of the ant family.

You might be tempted to confuse a termite for an ant because there are some similar visual characteristics, such as six legs, two antennae, and three body parts, but ants and termites are very different. Even carpenter ants, which tunnel through wood, are very different from termites. Carpenter ants don't consume wood. They eat honeydew, dead insects, seeds, and a long list of other things. Termites feed on cellulose found in wood, paper, and some plants.

Myth: Deforestation destroys termite colonies.

If a forested area was destroyed to make way for your new home, you might think that the termites were destroyed with the trees. Unfortunately, this is not the case, especially when it comes to subterranean termites which build their nests in the ground. Termites will feed on roots in the ground and other available sources of wood on the surface of the ground until they have your new home to feed on.

Myth: Termite infestations are easy to detect.

It is extremely difficult to detect termites, especially subterranean termites. When subterranean termites attack a structure, they do so from the ground, and usually in dark, hidden locations. Termites have been observed creating mud tubes up the interior of concrete piers. If the termite control technician hadn't used a mirror to look down each pier, the infestation would have gone undetected. Termites are so sneaky, they were able to infest the White House for years without being detected. It was only when swarmers started appearing in the West Wing that the problem was discovered. 

Myth: Termites can eat through concrete.

We can understand why you might think this. The mud tubes that subterranean termites create are often established on foundation walls. This can make it look like the termites are attacking the concrete, but they aren't. Mud tubes are like extended ground tunnels. They go from the soil to the wood of a structure. There is no doubt about it; those termites are going after the wood.

Myth: If a house has been treated for termites once, you never have to worry about termites again.

If only this were true. Unfortunately, termite protection must be maintained. If you have purchased a home that had a termite treatment injected into the soil, that protection will wear out. When it does, termites will be able to start passing through that barrier and feeding on your home—and you're not likely to know about it when this starts happening.

Myth: You can get rid of termites on your own.

There are many over-the-counter products available to eliminate termites, and some can get the job done. The problem isn't as much about the products as it is the process. If you apply these products incorrectly, how will you know you've failed to protect your property? The sad answer is that you won't. This is why it is best to have a licensed termite-control professional install, maintain, and provide a guarantee for your termite protection.

Do you live in Souderton, or somewhere else in our extensive Pennsylvania service area? Contact Moyer Pest Control and request to meet with one of our highly-trained and certified termite control professionals. We can help you get the right termite control solution for your specific needs and budget. You don't have to let termites make a meal out of your property. Get protected today.