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Writer's picturebrittany wolfe

Debunking Some Common Myths & Misconceptions About Termites

Termites are the bane of every homeowner. They can feed on a building’s wood frame, leading to huge damages to the building and loss of money. That’s why it’s necessary to call a residential pest service in Vero Beach for inspections. A few myths about these insects might cause you to underestimate the issue and take the wrong steps.





Deforestation Destroys Termites

Clearing an area of forest does not destroy them. They simply move on and find other sources of food. This could mean the foundations of newly constructed homes nearby. That’s why you should get your home inspected if you’re moving into a home in a location where a forest was recently cleared.


Homes Surrounded By Wooded Areas Are Safe

Termites may infest your home even though it’s surrounded by a wooded area. It’s because your house may provide an unending supply of wood for their colonies to grow and thrive.


Decaying Wood And Mulch Will Distract Them

Decaying wood and mulch may provide the insects with an easier source of wood to chew on. But that does not mean that they won’t invade your home. Termites continuously look for new sources of food for their colony for the long term.


Termites Are Useless And Destructive

Yes, termites are destructive towards the buildings they infest. But their existence serves an important purpose in the ecosystem. They break down fallen trees and deadwood, providing the soil with nutrients for new growth. This makes them like nature’s wood recyclers.


Termites Belong To The Ant Family

These insects look like white versions of ants, so it’s understandable why people often associate them. But termites do not belong to the ant family. In fact, they are enemies with ants being termites’ primary predators. Termites are more closely related to cockroaches. They have completely different lifestyles as well. So the treatment for an ant infestation will not work on a termite infestation.


Your Home Is Infested Because Your Neighbor’s Home Got Treated

Despite what many believe, treating termite infestation in one home does not push the insects to nearby houses. What’s likely happening is that your home was already infested. A termite colony can infest multiple homes in a given area. If one home is treated, then they may become more active in another home that they’ve already infested.


Your Home Won’t Be Infested Again After Treatment

Just because your home got treated once does not mean that your home won’t get infected again. Termite treatments last for a set period depending on the method used. Once the treatment stops being effective, termites can start infesting your property slowly but surely. You should get annual home inspections to detect the infestation and get retreatment.


Brick Houses On Concrete Slabs Are Safe

A brick house built on a concrete slab isn’t necessarily safe from termites. Your house may have a wooden frame. Termites can use existing cracks in concrete and bricks to access the wood, which damages the home.


You Can Find Them Easily

It’s not always easy to detect a termite infestation. Termites are tiny and stealthy. They hide in cracks and crevices that aren’t easily accessible. By the time you find them, some damage may already be done. You should hire professionals for a more thorough inspection.


DIY Treatments Are Good Enough

DIY pest treatments are not a good option for homeowners. Most DIY chemicals available aren’t strong enough to take out a termite colony. Even if you get the right chemicals, you may put yourself and your family at risk if you apply them incorrectly. Only a trained expert should handle such insecticides.


Only Homes Are At Risk Of Infestation

People tend to associate termites with residential properties. But commercial properties can also be prone to infestations. From food processing to healthcare, no business sector is excluded from the risk. So, if you suspect an infestation in your building, call experts for commercial pest control in Port St. Lucie.

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