When you find termites in your home, it can be gut-wrenching knowing that you have a colony of pests under your roof. That can be enough to keep you up at night! Your mind may be filled with questions. For instance, you might find yourself asking, “Are termites dangerous to my family?” Or “Are termites dangerous for my home?” Well today, we’re addressing those questions, so that you’ll have a bit more peace of mind. As always, you can count on Arizona Termite Specialists for termite treatments here in Phoenix and throughout much of Arizona.
Are Termites Dangerous for Your Health?
For the most part, termites aren’t dangerous. While they might be annoying, and they can certainly leave you feeling distraught, termites really aren’t much of a health hazard. They don’t transfer disease, and they aren’t poisonous. That said, termites can bite, and they can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals.
Worker Termite Bites
Worker termites may bite humans, but they usually don’t. Termites generally remain within their colony structure (in mud tunnels or within wood). However, worker termites can bite when handled, so avoid agitating termites or attempting to exterminate a colony yourself.
Allergic Reactions
Termites shed, produce droppings, and drop their wings when they swarm. These actions can cause an allergic reaction in humans. If you suffer from sneezes, itchy skin, asthma attacks, or itchy, watery eyes, then termites may be to blame.
Are Termites Dangerous for Your Home?
Absolutely. Termites can slowly devour wood throughout your home, and over a long enough timeline, a colony of thousands of termites can reduce a home to shambles. While your home likely won’t fall over, damage only gets worse over time, and the structure of your home may be compromised. If you have a thorough infestation, you may have to repair the structure of your home, or, in a worst-case scenario, you may have to demolish the home. That’s why it’s so crucial to act right away if you notice any signs of a termite infestation. Here are some signs of termite infestations that you can keep an eye out for…
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Unfortunately, termites can be difficult to observe. Termites prefer to be isolated, and live in tunnels for most of their lives. You may, however, notice mud tunnels (from subterranean termites), termite droppings (which look like small wood pellets), dropped wings (from a swarm), sagging floors, and hollow wood members throughout your home. Termites can also thrive outside on dead trees, lumber, and wood furniture. Keep an eye out for tunnels and hollow or crumbly wood. You may even see termites if you cut this wood.
Act Now!
If you notice any signs of a termite colony in your home or building, it’s best to act right away. Otherwise, the colony can grow, split, and swarm, which can double the issue at hand. Get in touch with your expert termite exterminators here at Arizona Termite Specialist — we work with folks throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, and Peoria. We provide termite inspection services, as well as termite control. We’re certified Termidor® technicians, the nation’s leading termiticide.
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