How Dangerous Is It To Have Termites In My Colorado Springs Home?

When we consider how dangerous a pest can be, we often think of the impact it can have on our health. If termites get into your Colorado Springs home, you may wonder if they will be a physical danger to you. This is understandable. They can chew through wood; it seems only reasonable to assume that they can also bite people. Let's consider this threat and discuss a few of the ways termites could be dangerous to you and your family.

Do Termites Bite Humans?

Yes. Termites can bite humans. Fortunately, it is highly unlikely that they will. Termites live inside the wood they're feeding on and they don't like to come out. You don't need to fear that these insects will emerge at night and bite you while you're sleeping. Termites have no reason to bite you; you're not made of wood. Bites may occur if you are exposed to termites, such as during a home renovation project. If you open up a wall with a bunch of termite in it, you could get bitten if you press termites against your skin. But they're not going to come after you to bite you.

How Bad Is A Termite Bite?

If you are bitten by a termite, it can hurt. It is like being poked with a pin. Fortunately, that is the extent of your misery. Termites don't spread diseases and they don't have venom.

Is There Any Way Termites Affect Health?

Yes. When termites get into your Colorado home, they can aggravate allergies. Drywood termites, in particular, are able to create airborne contaminants that can increase asthma symptoms. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction by touching saliva or feces from termites when termite tunnels are exposed. We recommend wearing gloves if termites are found.

The Real Danger Termites Present

Obviously, the greatest threat termites present to you and your family is their ability to impact your finances. These insects can do extensive damage to your home. How much? Well, that depends on the type of termites. There are three types of termites in the United States. They are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. In Colorado Springs, we deal with subterranean and drywood termites. Of the two, it is far better to have an issue with drywood termites. It isn't that drywood termites aren't as destructive as subterranean termites, they're just far easier to notice—and the earlier you notice them the better.

Why are drywood termites easier to detect?

Subterranean termites live in the ground, and they come up from the ground to feed on your home. Once inside your home, you're not likely to know it. You can have millions of termites in your home and not see any damage for a long time. Drywood termites, on the other hand, create kickout holes in hardwood, or damage hardwood items in a way that you'll be able to see. When you start to notice tiny holes or wood damage, it is time to contact a licensed professional to determine the threat.

Another way drywood termites make themselves noticeable is by pushing droppings out of their holes. This material, called frass, can accumulate on window sills, floors, and other surfaces.

Subterranean termites can give you a warning sign but it is subtle. This type of termite creates shelter tubes to go from the ground to the wood of your home—this is assuming they don't find wood-to-soil contact. Shelter tubes are often in dark, damp locations that are hidden from direct sunlight.

How can I protect my Colorado Springs home from termites?

• Drywood termites can attack your home by air, but they don't chew their way in. They need to find an entry point. Winged termites don't eat wood. Do a detailed inspection of your exterior, especially around exterior doors and windows, and seal any openings or gaps you find.
• Drywood termite can attack hardwood furniture that is left outside. Routine inspections of exterior furniture can help you catch drywood termite activity.
• Subterranean termites attack soft, decaying wood, such as stumps, logs, dying trees, wood piles, and rotting wood on man-made structures. Remove sources of decaying wood to make your home less attractive.
• Subterranean termites are attracted to moist habitats. Reduce moisture around your home to make it less of a target.

The Best Termite Protection

Remember that the team at Beeline Pest Control is here to assist you with all of your home pest control needs, including termite control. We can help you protect your investment from termite damage. Reach out to us today for assistance.