How You Could Be Wrong About Termites In West Palm Beach

Myths About Termites

Termites are one of the most misunderstood insects in the world. Today, we're going to look at a few ways you could be wrong about West Palm Beach termites, and why it is important to get the facts straight about these destructive insects.

Myth: Termites Are Part Of The Ant Family

Let's start with a myth that has broader implications than you might think. When termites are uncovered, they're often described to us as white ants. Some people even think that termites are a form of ant. While termites and ants are both insects, they are very different, and they belong to different families. Why is this important to know? Because ants don't consume wood. They excavate it. Termites are wood eaters; when they get into your home, they don't create tiny wood shavings for you to see.

Myth: If You Have Wood Sources In Your Yard, Termites Will Leave Your Home Alone

Unlike ants, termites don't target one food source at a time. They're always looking for food even when a food source has been found. If you have wood or wood products sitting on the ground in your yard, they aren't going to keep termites from feeding on your home. They're going to attract termites to your yard. And, as the termites eat these wood sources, they can also be feeding on the wood of your home. In fact, it is likely that they are. We strongly recommend removing any sources of wood from your yard, elevating wood products to get them off the soil, and to never bury wood in your yard.

Myth: Termite Infestations Are Easy To Detect

You might think that you'll see wood damage, or termites crawling around on your walls when these insects invade your West Palm Beach home. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, especially with subterranean termites. When subterranean termites attack your home, the signs they leave can be very difficult to see. This is why they're the most destructive termites in the United States. They cause more damage to man-made structures than hurricanes, tornados, and fires combined.

Myth: Termites Can Eat Through Concrete

It can seem like termites eat through concrete because they can do extensive damage to your home without revealing themselves. They come up through tiny cracks in your foundation and go right into the wood. But, you can find comfort in knowing that, if you don't have cracks in your foundation, termites are going to have to build shelter tubes to go from the ground to the wood of your home. Keep in mind that this can be subtle. It is always best to have termite control for your West Palm Beach home to prevent these insects from finding cracks you don't know about.

Myth: If A House Has Been Treated Once, It Is Protected

If you purchase a home that has had a termite treatment installed in the ground, you might think that you're good to go. Unfortunately, these products break down over time and, when they fail, you're not going to know it. This can leave your home vulnerable. You should always have ongoing, always active, termite protection for your West Palm Beach home.

Myth: Termites Serve No Purpose

Would the world be better without termites? Not likely. Termites are super important. They help to break things down. While you don't want them breaking down the wood of your home, you're probably happy to know that they're getting rid of organic debris in nature. If they didn't, we would be neck high in dead trees and branches. Termites also help make the soil rich by consuming dead wood and excreting nutrient-rich feces. When kept in nature where they belong, they serve an important purpose. That is why the goal of termite control should never be about wiping out all the termites in the world.

Myth: You Can Get Get Rid Of Termites On Your Own

It is very difficult to get rid of termites, and some of the DIY termite control methods shared on the internet can actually make your home a termite magnet. The best solution is to have an educated and experienced pest management professional handle termite control. If you live in West Palm Beach, reach out to Native Pest Management for reliable residential pest control and commercial exterminator services. We can guide you toward the right solution for your property. Learn more about our effective pest management plans in West Palm Beach, FL.