Termite Myths in Mantua Township, NJ; Do Black Ants Mean You Don’t have Termites & More

A termite infestation can be devastating. Termites can damage approximately 600,000 homes in the United States every year, and U.S. residents spend about $5 billion dollars every year to control and repair damage associated with them. There are some 2,000 known termite species in the world. They are known as “silent destroyers” that eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are myths associated with termites that should be cleared up to prevent the devastation that comes with them.

Do Termites Attack Steel Framed Houses?

Many homeowners believe their home is safe from termite damage if it is steel framed. While termites don’t eat steel, there are parts of the home that aren’t made of steel and are susceptible to termites. These parts of the home include the window frames, floorboards, cabinetry and other wood fittings that termites can, and will attack. A steel framed home will reduce the chances of a termite infestation but will not eliminate it completely.

Do Black Ants Mean You Don’t have Termites?

Another misconception is that black ants around your property mean you can’t possibly have termites. Many people believe that black ants eat termites, but they only eat the termites that are above ground, and termites are rarely found on the surface. This can fool homeowners into thinking they’re safe from termites. Termites live in mud trails that are thick and great at protecting them from ants, making it very hard for ants to get to them.

Can Termites Eat Hardwood?

Many termite species are hardwood eaters, and some eat both softwood and hardwood, it will just take them longer to get through the hardwood. Some termite species will ignore softwood beams and move right on to the hardwood beams. Don’t put off a termite inspection based on the type of wood your home is made of. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Can You Ignore Termites in a Tree Stump?

Many homeowners believe that if they notice termites away from their home in tree stumps, or other wood, that their home is safe because they are actively feeding on these items instead. A termite colony can produce 2,000 to 5,000 new eggs every day. With all those mouths to feed, termites will search for nearby sources of wood. If you notice termites in wood around your home, you need to have an inspection right away to avoid a potential problem.

Does Home Insurance Covers All Termite Damage?

Almost all standard home insurance policies DO NOT cover termite damage or have limited coverage. You need to understand your policy and do all you can to protect and prevent your home from a termite infestation.

Termite Inspection & Control Treatment

For the best termite and pest control, contact Ross Environmental Solutions today. We have qualified and experienced technicians to inspect your home and make recommendations for work that needs to be done as well as ways to prevent future termite and pest infestations.