Signs of Termite Infestation

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Unfortunately, most signs of termite infestation do not appear until a colony is well established.

Termite damage is often hidden inside or underneath wooden structures, so for many homeowners, “swarmers” are the first sign of a termite problem.

These winged reproductive termites appear after a subterranean termite colony has been established for at least 3-4 years.

Aside from seeing swarmers, one telltale sign of termite activity is the presence of mud tubes.

Subterranean termites construct these tubes to protect themselves as they forage for wood above ground.

Other signs of termite damage include blistering or buckling floors and ceilings, hollowed or mazed wood in walls or furniture, and a mold or mildew scent due to water damage

Ways to Prevent Termites

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Every property is unique, but there are some general steps you can take to prevent termites from invading your home or business.

For termite protection that’s customized to your needs, contact a termite control professional.

• Limit contact between wood structures and the ground when possible
• Don’t allow water to pool around your home’s foundation or on the roof
• Avoid using cellulose materials for in crawlspaces and landscaping
• Fix plumbing leaks, broken gutters, basement moisture issues and other water sources
• Replace damaged or rotten wood materials that are termite-resistant
• Seal gaps around exterior water or gas lines
• Patch holes in screens, roofs, eaves, siding, window screens and doors.
• Get an annual termite inspection

How We Treat for Termites

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Maximum Pest Management LLC provides free termite inspections to homeowners.

For real estate termite inspections, there is a small fee that covers the paperwork that must be completed for the lender.

We provide preventive termites treatments, as well as options to control termites that have already infested a structure.

For complete, ongoing termite control, we use Trelona ATBS® Annual Bait Stations. This comprehensive termite bait system protects the entire perimeter of your home or business.

We can also provide affordable spot treatments to control limited areas of termite infestation.

What Are Termites?

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Termites are wood destroying insects that are among the world’s most destructive pests. There are more than 2,000 different termite species, and they can be found everywhere in the United States except Alaska.

Termite colonies can reach up to one million or more termites, and the queen and king can potentially live 10 years or more.

Most termites are a quarter to a half an inch long, while queens and kings can be over an inch long. Worker termites usually have soft white to light brown bodies, while reproductive termites, called swarmers, have wings and are typically darker brown or black.

Termites can consume a wide range of food, but they mainly eat cellulose, which is the hard structural component of wood. Termites will feed on almost any material containing cellulose, including living or dead wood, twigs, roots, grass, plants, paper, cardboard, and various cotton products.

Eastern subterranean termites, the most widespread and destructive termite group in the U.S., are commonly found in Kansas. There are an estimated 7-14 termite colonies per acre throughout the state.

Subterranean termites live underground and move in passageways that are hidden from sunlight and protected from air currents. However, they can survive and multiply above ground with no soil contact if they find an area with enough moisture.

Subterranean termites prefer to feed on moist and decayed wood, so it’s common to find a water or moisture related issue in a home that also has a termite infestation. For example, a leaking roof, condensation, or plumbing problems.