November 12, 2018
Termites date back more than 120 million years, feeding on wood during the time of the dinosaurs. They are known as the “silent destroyers” because of their capability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper mostly undetected. Each year termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. These are costs that are not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. Being vigilant about termite control and termite extermination is important for this very reason, and early detection is the key.
Watch for what is known as “swarmers”, the winged pests that show that up inside homes in early spring. This is the best time to take action before they get settled in by calling a professional exterminator like www.nycgopest.com. You cannot eradicate termites without the help of professionals, and NYC Pest Control is committed to being the best termite control provider in the region based on a rigorous philosophy of leadership, extensive training and a reputation for excellence.
Why are termites so prevalent and where did they come from? Despite all the damage and destruction termites have inflicted since almost the beginning of time, these ant-like insects are actually beneficial in nature, aiding in the decomposition of dead and decaying wood and the return of nutrients to the soil. Your home is NOT supposed to be one of the victims of termites, but to them it is just another meal!
Allegedly, two of Christopher of Columbus’ ships became so infested with termites that they sank during his final voyage. But Christopher Columbus is not to be blamed for bringing termites to the Americas. These wood-eating insects were in North America well before any Europeans arrived. There is fossil evidence of termites during the Cretaceous period, and some scientists believe termites actually precede the arrival of human beings. No doubt they were hanging out with cockroaches back then too!
Termite Facts – There are only about 10 species of termites known in Europe, there are about 50 known species in North America, but in South America, there are more than 400 known species! There are three types of termite – drywood, dampwood, and subterranean. The queen, who is the breeder of each colony, can live up to 18 years. Termites never sleep – they are always eating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so whoever came up with the saying “Night Night Termite” did not do their research!
The always-hungry termites actually eat the wood to build their colonies. Because they eat from the inside out, you may not even know you have them until there is substantial structural damage and it is too late. Termites live in colonies, building their nests in soil and wood. A mature colony has multiple nesting and feeding sites, all connected by tunnels through the wood (of your home), and a single colony can have millions of termites spread across half an acre or more.
Clearly termite eradication is a job for professionals! Because of the skill, specialized equipment, and pesticides needed to eliminate termites, control and complete removal requires expert treatment. So if you want to say, “Night Night Termite” to your infestation, please contact www.nycgopest.com and let these professionals handle the problem for you.
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