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Border to border, the
state of Georgia enjoys mild temperatures and more than adequate rainfall,
which are perfect conditions for the growth of an abundance of insects,
including subterranean termites.
Georgia is part of what entomologists and
pest management professionals refer to as “the termite belt,” where termites
are common and abundant.
Subterranean termites are the most common
type of termite found in Georgia, and the yard of most homes in Georgia will be
occupied by one or more related groups of termites, sometimes called colonies.
They are called subterranean because they require access to moisture, which is
most commonly found in the soil.
Termites eat wood, and because we build
homes with a substantial quantity of structural softwood, it is not surprising
that some homes may become infested by this hidden pests. Subterranean termites are
persistent. They never stop looking for sources of food and, when they locate
and infest structural wood, can do moderate to substantial damage if
infestations go unchecked. It is therefore important that homeowners are aware
of common signs pointing to termite infestation.
First, homeowners should be aware of what
a termite swarmer looks like. Swarmers are male and female termites that fly in
the spring each year — most commonly February to April in Georgia.
Soon after flying, swarmers lose their
wings, mate and begin a new colony. Another important, outward sign that
homeowners should be able to recognize are the telltale mud tubes that termites
use to move between their soil home and the wood on which they are feeding.
Termites build hollow mud tubes comprised
of moist soil and their own saliva to protect them from predators and from
desiccation (drying up). When mud- or soil-like tubing is found anywhere in or
on the structure, where it should not be, there is a chance it might be the
soil tubing made by worker termites to gain access to the wood in the
structure.
Should homeowners suspect that their
homes might be infested by termites, it’s a good idea to contact a local
termite and pest control company for an inspection. Employees of Georgia’s
termite control companies are trained on the nuances of termite control and are
uniquely qualified to provide this service.
Pertinent publications to address
homeowner questions include University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Bulletin
1209, “Biology of Subterranean Termites in the Eastern United
States,” and UGA Extension Bulletin
1241, “Termite Control Services: Information for the Georgia
Property Owner,” which can be found at extension.uga.edu/publications.
By Dan Suiter, Extension
entomologist with the University of Georgia Department of Entomology
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