If you are a homeowner, your home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make! It stands to reason that you will want to do whatever you can to protect that investment. One of the biggest threats to your home is a termite infestation! Every year, termites cause an average of $5 billion in damage. What’s worse, most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damage! Let’s talk about the key facts you need to know about these wood-destroying pests and why it is important to get expert termite treatment in Knoxville.

What Are Termites?

Termites are extremely social insects that live as part of a colony, with a hierarchy and division of labor to maximize their efficiency and promote growth within the colony. The average size of a termite colony is anywhere from 50,000 to several hundred thousand. There have been reports of colonies as large as 1 million termites. A termite queen lays progressively more eggs each day, up to around 100 eggs per day, during the first year of a colony being established. That’s why it is so important to book termite treatment in Knoxville at the first sign of a termite infestation. The longer a colony is left to expand, the worse your infestation is going to be.

What Do Termites Eat?

It is fairly well known that termites eat wood. That’s why they are capable of doing so much damage to the structural integrity of your property. However, it isn’t the only thing they snack on! They have also been documented to chew their way through other materials, including soft metals, insulation, and plaster. Their main food source is cellulose, something that few other organisms can digest. Termites have a special enzyme in their gut that converts cellulose into a nutritious meal. Cellulose is mainly found in products made from organic materials. This includes wood, paper, cardboard, cotton, books, living trees or shrubs, and some types of insulation. Usually, the first sign of a termite infestation is noticing the damage caused by their feasting. That’s your cue to call for termite treatment in Knoxville.

Why Are Termites More Common in Spring?

Around 220 species of termites are found globally, with 45 native to North America. Subterranean termites are among the most common in the United States. Subterranean termites will nest in soil close to a food source. It is more common to see termites in Spring as this is when the winged termites, known as ‘swarmers,’ will emerge to form new colonies. This is usually triggered by warmer weather and rainfall. If you see swarmers in or around your home, it is a sign that there is an established colony nearby, likely somewhere on your property, and you should arrange termite treatment in Knoxville as soon as possible.

What Are The Signs of a Termite Infestation?

One of the most dangerous things about termites is that they are sneaky. A colony can go unnoticed for many years, quietly eating through the structure of your home and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage right under your nose. As noted above, seeing a winged termite or swarmer indicates that a colony is close and should be enough to call on termite treatment in Knoxville. However, there are a few other telltale signs if you know what to look for. One of the common ones is the presence of ‘mud tubes’, which are tunnels termites use as highways to travel around your home. These mud tubes are about as wide as a pencil and are made from soil, wood, saliva, and termite droppings. They may be most noticeable on foundation walls, support pillars, and floor joists. Another sign is blistering or bubbling in paint, wallcoverings, or wood surfaces. If you have any suspicion that termites are hanging out in your home, immediately book termite treatment in Knoxville and take care of it as soon as possible to prevent more damage.

How to Terminate Those Termites

If you believe your home may be infested with termites, call Otis Pest Control to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville. We offer a combination of Termidor foundation treatment and baiting systems to ensure the immediate results you desire. Our treatment plans give you peace of mind that your home is protected against termites and termite damage. Contact us to arrange a free inspection, and be sure to ask about our $1,000,000 termite damage repair guarantee.

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.