All posts in “structure”

Termite tubes and tunnels

Building termite tubes and tunnels is hard work, but the termites do it 24/7/365 and I’m pretty sure not going to give it up soon. It really doesn’t matter what type of wall you have concrete, block or stone. They will work their way around electrical pipes or plumbing entry ways. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals of getting food.

termite tubes

termite tubes

How about some termite facts?

  • Oldest insects on Earth.
  • Scientists believe that for every human on Earth there are 1000 lbs of termites.
  • A queen termite may lay 2000 or more eggs per day, some African Termite Queens may lay 30,0000.
  • Some Termite Queens may live 15-25 years.
  • Termites are more closely related to cockroaches than ants.
  • Termites build the largest actual nest than any other insect.
  • Ants are the termites biggest foes.
  • They believe that termites cause $5 billion worth of damage in the U.S. each year.
  • Ants have a narrow waist, but the termite is a solid type.
  • Ants have elbowed antenna while termites is straight.
  • In Arizona we have about 17 species of termites, not all cause problems.
  • Did you know that termites swarm, they send reproductives out to start new colonies. In Florida, East Coast it occurs during the early Spring while in Arizona it happens just after Monsoon in September – October or so.

Can Subterranean termites damage paintings and other wall art?

 

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Remember last week on the 18th July Arizona termites – sneaky and they will get in

Once termites find their way in they will continue to seek out cellulose and if they find it in a painting they will attack and eat. So if you notice anything unusual on a wall or painting please check it out. Sometimes those hidden areas can surprise you.

Do you plant right next to your home?

 

 

 

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When you plant bushes, trees or plants next to your home, are you creating an environment for pests and termites? Probably so. My rule of thumb is not to plant anything within 2 feet of your structure. Normally this is what I call the dripline of your home, that is the area of the roof over hang. Sometimes we really don’t have a chance, the picture below is an example of this. Because of the sidewalk there isn’t any room and when and if a termite job is required on this home, all those plants will probably be destoyed or hopefully they can be moved. The other issue is when the plants attract pests, could they then move into your structure? So think before you plant and things should be OK on the bug side…

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