Termites are destructive little buggers. They're pesky irritants that can cause more damage than imaginable, and they can go unnoticed for quite some time. In fact, they can be mistaken for other insects that are pretty harmless, but unfortunately, you could develop a much more severe issue if you've incorrectly diagnosed your pest problem. You could lose your house.
Although mold may not force you to lose your home, it can be easily mistaken for other growths or problems, such as dust or an "old house" smell. However, mold can be toxic and in many cases can increase the allergy symptoms. So, when you think you're reacting to the cat you may actually be responding to the mold in your home.
If you don't want to misdiagnose and you'd much rather have the facts about these household dangers, continue reading. We'll discuss termites and mold and how to maintain a healthy home free of termite and mold damage.
Termite Background Information
A termite is often mistaken for a flying ant because of its slender body and set of wings. However, a flying ant is much less harmful and actually has more of an hourglass shape than the termite's ovular shape. The termite's wings are also nearly double the length of its body.
There are three kinds of termites in a family, the reproductives, workers and the soldiers. This means that they're a "seek and destroy" kind of clan that means business. In other words, they each have a one track mind, one purpose, which they do quite well.
The termite survives when it has food, moisture, shelter, and a comfortable temperature. They're ideal dinner includes organic material such as paper drywall, books, cardboard, wood furniture, timber, crates and cellulose products. However, they're notorious for destroying whatever is in their path in order to get to their food.
How Do You Know There's A Problem?
The swarming serves as the termite reproduction ritual in which males and females leave their borough to become pilgrims of their own colony. Although there has been a decrease in the "swarm" activity that many people have witnessed, termite reproduction is still as prosperous as ever. The swarm is most prevalent in March through June and September and October.
Besides the swarm as being a key indicator of an infestation, here are three other things to keep an eye out for in order to nip this pest in the butt!
- Pencil-like dirt tubular formations near the foundation walls, piers, sills, joists, and other like areas.
- Termite wings found in windowsills or floorboards.
- Wood with damage and mud-lined holes.
How to Fix the Problem
There are many ways to help prevent and respond to a potential or very real termite issue. However, speaking with your local pest control expert is above all your best move because termites are not to be played with or underestimated. An expert can provide far more insight into the issue and not only put you at ease, but eliminate the issue most effectively.
- Wood is the perfect environment. When it's on the ground a termite has it made. It has food, moisture and a house.
- Moisture can collect along your foundation and attract termites. Make sure you have proper plumbing.
- Firewood along the house or in the crawlspace will certainly lure the termites. Maintain the yard and keep all such items away from the home.
- Mulch and other cellulose products draw the taste buds of most termites. Instead, you should try stone or gravel.
- Humidity in crawl spaces attracts termites and thus you must keep your crawl space and basement dry!
The Mold to Termite Comparison
Humid crawl spaces don't just attract termites, but this humidity also attracts mold growth. Mold needs moisture to grow, it needs to eat organic material and it needs a comfortable temperature. Sound familiar? Oh, and mold also damages whatever surface it's feeding on, or whatever it needs to get through to get to its food.
Didn't realize how similar termites are to mold, huh? And just as termites are commonly mistaken for ants, we previously discussed how mold is misdiagnosed as well. So, if you smell that stinky musty odor, you can be certain it's mold. If your crawl space or basement is humid, you must be sure to contact a crawl space repair expert. Not only will this contractor be able to repair your crawl space, but in doing so, there will no longer be mold, must or the resulting allergic reactions.
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