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Termites are among the worst pests a homeowner can face. They are very difficult to detect and often go unnoticed for months or even years. They can easily do lots of damage to your home before you discover them. Termites cause billions of dollars in damages to homes in the United States every year, and most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, making the whole situation worse. If you need help with pest control in Westchester County, the best thing you can do is contact Parkway Pest Services. Our qualified technicians will be more than happy to help you reclaim your home with our effective termite control services in Westchester County.
The Life Cycle Of A Termite Colony
First, let’s look at the typical life cycle of a termite colony. Most different kinds of termites utilize caste systems to structure their colonies. These castes consist of swarmers, soldiers, and workers. Swarmers are the reproductive members of the colony; soldiers defend the colony and keep the swarmers and workers safe. Workers feed the colony, consuming the cellulose in wood that the colony needs to survive. Swarmers (reproductives) leave a colony, mate, and establish new colonies.
After mating, swarmers will land, shed their wings, and become the king and queen termites in their new colonies. The queens will then lay eggs, from which the termite larvae will hatch. Once the larvae hatch, they will go through a process called molting, where they shed their exoskeleton, and a new one forms and hardens in its place. Through this process, young termites develop into one of the three roles, depending on the needs of the colony. Termites may molt several times throughout their lives. Next, let’s look at what attracts termites to your home.
Why Termites Infest Wooden Structures
Termites need cellulose to live; it’s their primary source of nourishment. They can usually get the moisture they require from the wood they consume or their environment. The wood they infest also shelters them from the elements and provides a nearly endless food supply. Unfortunately, every home built in the United States contains some amount of cellulose, so your house is an ideal habitat for termites. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent a termite infestation in your home.
Effective Quality Prevention Is Key To Successful Termite Control
Avoiding termite damage is obviously the most desirable outcome for your home. So what can you do to mitigate termites?
Here are some simple exclusion tips:
- Seal any openings or cracks in the exterior of your house.
- Store firewood away from your home and off the ground.
- Trim vegetation and tree branches that grow too close to your house.
- Monitor any areas of your home where wood contacts the ground for signs of a termite infestation.
- Reduce excess moisture in and around your house, especially near the foundation.
These steps should help you keep termites out of your Westchester County home. However, more drastic measures may be necessary if you already have termites. Calling a professional pest control company is your best option in this case.
The Stress-Free Way To Total Termite Protection For Your Home
If you find yourself dealing with a termite infestation in Westchester County, just call Parkway Pest Services. We are a family owned and operated company serving New York for over 80 years. No matter how extensive or severe your termite or other pest problems might be, you can be sure that our professional technicians can handle them. We even offer same-day service when possible. So don’t wait; contact Parkway Pest Services today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Westchester County.