Tag Archives: termites

Termites

Are They Ants or Are They Termites? How to Tell The Difference

Wood Eating Ant or Termite? How to Know
Wood Eating Ant or Termite? How to Know

Knowing the difference between ants and termites is important when you see them in your home. While you’ll need Monmouth County pest control for either one, keep in mind that termites can cause a significant amount of damage to your home over time. Comparing the following can help you determine if you have ants or termites in your home.

Size

Termites and ants don’t differ much in terms of size, so it’s not always easy to tell which one you have based on how large or small they are.

Color

Ants that invade homes are usually black, such as carpenter ants, although some types are a yellowish or brownish color. Termites tend toward brown or have a white appearance.

Antennae

The antennae on termites and ants are one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between these bugs. Termites have a straight antennae, while ants have curved or bent antennae.

Body Shape

Ants and termites have different body shapes. Termites have a thicker appearance, while ants typically have a narrower waist.

Visibility

You’re more likely to see ants roaming around your home if you have an ant problem. Termites are usually hidden away inside walls where they have access to plenty of wood to eat.

Whether you need Monmouth County pest control for ants or termites, we can help. Please contact Allison Pest Control today for more details on our services.

Termites

What Kinds of Termites Live in New Jersey?

We Can Help You Recognize the Signs of Termites on Your Home Before Things Are Beyond Repair.
We Can Help You Recognize the Signs of Termites on Your Home Before Things Are Beyond Repair.

If you find termites, then it’s important to get help right away with professional Monmouth County termite control services. Although any type of termite can cause major damage to homes, only certain kinds are found in NJ. Which types of termites might you have a problem with in your home?

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common type found in NJ. These termites, which include eastern subterranean termites and dark southeastern subterranean termites, eat through wood in order to consume the cellulose. This can lead to serious structural damage to homes when infestations aren’t dealt with in time.

Eastern subterranean termites swarm from March through May, while dark southeastern subterranean termites swarm from March through June. During these times, you might see these bugs flying around in or near your home.

Other Termites

Drywood termites aren’t native to NJ, but they can still end up inside your home. These termites can be unknowingly brought into homes when they infest wood furniture and other items that come from other parts of the country.

Formosa termites are a newer threat in the US, but these termites have not managed to make their way to NJ so far. These termites are known for developing very large colonies that can be difficult to eliminate.

If you need Monmouth County termite control in your home, contact Allison Pest Control today to learn more about our services.

Insect Identification, Termites

Do You Have Termites? Here’s How To Find Out

Termites Are Busy Destroying Wood Year Round
Termites Are Busy Destroying Wood Year Round

Finding termite problems early means you can get Monmouth County termite control done right away. Prompt treatment helps lower your home’s risk of serious termite damage. Learn more about how you can identify signs of termite damage.

Structural Damage

The main problem with termites is their appetite for cellulose, which is found in wood. These pests will eat through various sources of wood in homes, and they do so on a frequent basis. In addition to damage inside walls, termites can also eat through wood furniture, cupboards, cabinets and other wood structures.

Signs of Termite Infestations

How do you know if termites have invaded your home? Subterranean termites leave signs of their damage, such as buckling wood, swelling in ceilings and floors and a moldy or mildewy smell. You might also see their mud tubes near the foundation of your home.

Drywood termites can be harder to find. The damage they cause might not show up until they have severely eaten through wood. These termites tend to infest wood furniture and other sources of wood around homes.

If you spot any signs of termite damage, you should have professional pest control technicians inspect your home right away. After an inspection, they can begin doing treatment to stop the damage and eliminate these pests and their colonies.

If you need Monmouth County termite control for your NJ home, please contact Allison Pest Control today.

Household Insects, Termites, Wood Destroying Insects

Do You Know the Early Signs of a Termite Infestation?

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We Can Help You Recognize the Signs of Termites on Your Home Before Things Are Beyond Repair.
We Can Help You Recognize the Signs of Termites on Your Home Before Things Are Beyond Repair.

When it comes to repairs to your home, one issue can be attributed to a tiny insect – termites. These pests have a voracious appetite for wood that can lead to major problems and leave you with costly repairs.

Signs of Termites

There are several telltale signs that your home has termites setting up residence and are dining on it every day. The following are a few things to look for when doing a visual inspection.

– Holes: Check wood fittings around doors, windowsills, decks, steps, wood paneling, wood floors, doors, or any other wood-based structure for tiny round holes about the size of the head of a nail.

– Cracks: Check all areas for cracks in the wood. Termites eat from the inside out, so instead of holes you may see a series of dry cracks and crevices. Wood that has been eaten by termites is easy to puncture. You can also tap it. If it sounds hollow, most likely termites have been chewing away.

– Droppings: Check around wood areas for a fine powdery substance that resembles sawdust. This fine dust may be droppings from drywood termites.

– Mud tubes: If you see small tunnels, these are termite subways into your home.

If you think your home is at risk, our NJ pest control company can eradicate a termite infestation. For an inspection, contact Allison Pest. Professional technicians at our NJ pest control company are standing by.

Interesting Insect Facts, NJ Pest Control, Nuisance Insects, Problem Insects, Termites, Wood Destroying Insects

Interesting Insect Facts: The Evolution and History of Termites

Know the Signs of Termites
Know the Signs of Termites

Termites are among the most dreaded pests that homeowners deal with. These wood-eating insects are one of the top reasons for hiring Monmouth County pest control services. Despite the trouble they cause, though, termites are actually fascinating bugs.

Termite History

Researchers haven’t fully determined just how long termites have been around. Some termite fossils date back to the early Cretaceous period, which was 145 to 166 million years ago. However, scientists also have reason to believe that termites have been around since the early Jurassic period, which occurred from 145 to 201 million years ago. Either way, termites have been here for a very long time compared to humans and other mammals.

Termite Evolution

Scientists have found evidence that termites are close relatives of wood-eating cockroaches. Some researchers have even argued that termites should be considered a highly specialized type of wood-eating cockroach. Just like their cousins, termites are widespread and have managed to form colonies in many parts of the world. In fact, these pests are found on every continent except Antarctica. These pests are typically found in warmer climates throughout the world.

Termites can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If you have these pests in your home, contact us for Monmouth County pest control services. At Allison Pest Control, our experts will eliminate termites from your home safely and efficiently.

Ants, Insects, NJ Pest Control, Problem Insects, Termites, Wood Destroying Insects

I Know Flying Carpenter Ants Are Not Termites, But Should I Still Be Concerned?

Carpenter Ants Can Fly?! Yes, Yes They Can.
Carpenter Ants Can Fly?! Yes, Yes They Can.

Termites are one of the top reasons for homeowners to call pest control companies in New Jersey, but in some cases, these pests turn out to be carpenter ants instead. Carpenter ants and termites have several characteristics in common, so it’s easy to confuse the two. If you end up with carpenter ants instead of termites, do you still need help?

Amount of Damage

Carpenter ants and termites both cause damage to homes. The difference is that termites eat wood, while carpenter ants hollow it out as they build nests. Carpenter ants can still cause a significant amount of damage to wood in your home, which can lead to expensive repairs. In the most severe cases, your home could become dangerous to live in due to structural problems caused by carpenter ants.

When and Where Damage Occurs

Carpenter ants are usually only a problem during spring and summer, while termites can be a problem throughout the year. Carpenter ants and termites can both infest any areas of wood inside the home, which makes it important to call an exterminator as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up with serious damage to your home.

If you have carpenter ants or termites in your home, you need help from a professional pest control company in New Jersey. Give Allison Pest Control a call, and we’ll handle your ant or termite problem for you.