The best method of termite control is prevention, and that requires understanding these insects’ habits. Termites travel to find food, so it’s helpful to learn about their diet. Here is some information to get you started on preventing termite trouble in your home or business.

Termite 101

What Do Termites Eat?

Drywood termites eat wooden parts of homes that don’t get wet, like furniture, shingles, and structural boards. Subterranean and dampwood species eat wood that has already begun to break down due to moisture exposure. They often chew through wooden garden fences, firewood, and tree stumps.

These two varieties will also ingest additional items that contain cellulose, a type of fiber. Paper and cardboard are just two examples of things that may require termite control due to an infestation.

How Do They Digest?

Termite stomachs have special bacteria and protozoa that help break down their food. These insects eat fibers that many other animals cannot digest, providing them with ample sources of energy due to the lack of interest in eating wood items.

What Signs Indicate I Need Termite Control?

When these bugs enter your home, they’ll leave behind clear signs that they’re eating their way through your belongings. Drywood termites that are ingesting furniture will leave smooth tunnels behind as if someone took a pen to the wood and created little gouge marks. Dampwood varieties rarely infest homes but can create markings that look like honeycombs where they’ve eaten away at wet wood.

If you spot these signs, it’s time to contact termite control to assess the damage. They’ll arrive with the necessary tools to combat the issue like bait systems and termiticides and come up with a plan to kill off the current termites, mitigate their babies and address any structural damage they’ve caused.

If you’re looking for affordable termite control in the Cincinnati, OH, area, contact Select Pest Control. The bed bug specialists offer residential and commercial extermination and animal control services and have over 30 years of industry experience. Call (513) 352-0080 to request a quote or visit the website for information on their unique infestation inspection tools including Rocco, the bed bug dog.