AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal Blog 

In Ohio there are two types of homes. Those who have Termites and those that will! Although termite species vary throughout the United States, subterranean termites are the type most likely to attack your home here in Ohio. They are social insects that nest in underground colonies. There can be millions of termites in a colony, but you may never see any evidence of them, until a pest management professional discovers they’ve seriously damaged your home. In fact, termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S. Alone, (damage not covered by most homeowner’s insurance.) The most common termite species can consume the equivalent of approximately 5-15 feet of a 2×4 per year!



 Biology Basics

Eastern Subterranean Termites have 3 castes: Worker, Soldier, Reproductive or Swarmer's. Swarming termites associate in pairs, breaking off their wings, and burrowing into the soil. Here they mate and only produce a few eggs the first year. When the Queen is mature she will produce about 5,000-10,000 eggs a year. The queen may live up to 25-30 years and Workers may live from 1-2 years. Several years are required before the colony reaches the typical mature size of 70,000 or more Workers. Under ideal conditions a few Swarmer's may be produced after 3 or 4 years. Swarming typically occurs during the spring but it may possibly be followed by one or more smaller swarms until the winter months. Swarming occurs during the daytime, typically during the morning of the day following a warm rain.

Since dealing with a termite infestation is an inevitable fact of life in Ohio, termite protection is highly recommended. Here are some tips that will help to prolong an infestation:

1. Make sure your soil grade allows moisture to drain away from your house or building
2. Have 2-4 inches of the buildings foundation extend above the soil grade so that the brick and other siding does not contact the soil grade
3. Eliminate cellulose close to the structure. This includes: mulch, woodpiles, landscape timbers, foam boards, wood scraps
4. Avoid deck post from extending beneath the soil grade

If any type of Pest infestation is ever found in your home or business its important to call the professionals at AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal a trusted pest control company that services the entire Miami Valley. Whether it’s your home, school, office, restaurant, health care facility, daycare, or industrial facility, we will evaluate your pest problem and recommend a customized approach to achieve the best results. We are truly committed to providing the very best Pest Control service possible. Contact us by phone (937)884-5646.