Termites Come To The Surface In Omaha
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline. While buildings may become infested at any time, termites are of particular importance when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale. Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged critters emerging inside one’s Omaha home are an emotionally trying experience — not to mention the thought of them silently feasting on one’s largest investment.
Omaha, Nebraska is a city in the center of the agricultural Midwest and centers around the farms and crops that feed our world and provide employment for its citizens. Successful farming requires successful pest control and your home is no exception. Omaha Pest Control is that pest control provider.
Infestations Usually Discovered March – June
Spring typically is when large numbers of winged insects, known as “swarmers,” emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air. Discovering winged ones indoors almost always indicates an infestation warranting treatment.
People often confuse winged termites with ants, which often swarm at the same time of year. Many times, they can be differentiated by their straight antennae, uniform waist and wings of equal size. (Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists and forewings that are longer than the hind wings.
Termite Swarmers In The Spring
The swarmers are attracted to light and are often seen around windows and doors. Termite swarmers emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, and other locations out in the yard are not necessarily cause for concern, and do not necessarily mean that the house is infested. On the other hand, if winged termites are seen emerging from the base of a foundation wall or adjoining porches and patios, there’s a good chance the house is infested also and treatment may be warranted.
Other signs of infestation are earthen (mud) tubes extending over foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, floor joists, etc. The mud tubes are typically about the diameter of a pencil, but sometimes can be thicker.
Termites construct these tubes for shelter as they travel between their underground colonies and the structure. To help determine if an infestation is active, during inspection the tubes may be broken open and checked for the presence of small, creamy-white workers.
University of Kentucky Entomology Department
Termites will do a tremendous amount of damage if left unattended. Call Omaha Pest Control for optimal results at an affordable price. Omaha Pest Control is accredited with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has over 25 years experience with inspection and control of termites in Omaha, Bellevue, Council Bluffs and other communities in Nebraska and Iowa.