Termites are considered wood-destroying organisms. Many pest control companies and home inspection companies will offer a WDO inspection. If you suspect that you have a termite problem, do not attempt to disrupt the colony on your own. You could end up causing more damage to the situation or possibly getting bit. Do termites bite people? Not typically. However, the soldier termites might bite you as a defense if handled.
Let’s take a look below at more details regarding termites.
What Are Termites
Believe it or not, there are a variety of termite types. Just like ants, they have various jobs based on how their bodies have been constructed. Termites love to feast on dead plant matter. This includes soil, logs, leaves, wood chips, and the lumber used to build your home. Let’s take a look at what the various species of termites are:
- Subterranean Termites – these termites dig mud tunnels so that they can access many parts of the home. They enjoy soil that is rich with moisture as it helps them construct their tunnels.
- Dampwood Termites – these termites love the dead and fallen trees. Anything that is on the ground, wet, and rotting.
- Drywood Termites – these termites prefer dry wood like in a home or the home’s furniture. They also enjoy your dry firewood.
- Winged Termites – these flying termites are only in colonies that have been established and well-developed have winged termites. They swarm and then mate. This then creates a new colony. Also, they are yellow or black and their wings are the same size.
Will They Bite Me
When it comes to bug bites, all insects are not created equal. Some will leave a two-pronged hole on your skin, while others will pinch your skin and cause irritation. Insects like bed bugs, chiggers, or ants are typically the biters. With regards to termites biting humans, it is not likely. Termites are wood-eating insects and love cellulose-based products. They aren’t looking to feast on your blood.
However, if you handle a soldier termite, it might decide to bite you as a form of protection. The soldier termites have stronger mouths and bigger heads. They use their bites to battle ants and other insects invading their colonies. Biting a human is not typical.
What Would The Bite Look Like
Now that you understand that termites are not likely to bite you, let’s look at some symptoms if you are bitten by a termite. This will allow you to know what possibly bit you or stung you. Some of those symptoms are:
- Itchy skin – use anti-itching cream
- Pain at the moment of the bite – feels like a small pinch
- Irritation to the skin – sensitive skin due to the bite
- Swollen area of the skin – small red bumps
- Redness of the skin – tiny red bumps
If you notice any of these symptoms you are likely bitten by an ant, bed bug, chiggers, spider, or even stung by a bee or wasp. Make sure to seek treatment right away as some bugs do possess a poison.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you have an understanding of what termites bite, it is a great idea to learn how long termites live. The moment that you notice termites have made it to your home, you will want to hire your local pest control service to take care of any termite infestation.
Next, it is also a good idea to learn where termites come from. This will allow you to take extra precautions around the house. Additionally, when pest control is not available at that moment, you will be able to help deter termites from taking shelter in your home.
Lastly, make sure that you have a quality pest control service. Understanding why you should have pest control will ease your mind about the added expense.
When Do I Call A Professional
Pest control is something that every homeowner should look into. Especially when it comes to termite control. You do not want to discover that half of your home is gone because termites ate it all. Call your local pest control company to conduct a termite inspection and provide a maintenance plan. If you aren’t sure who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. They too can inspect your home for signs of termites and refer you to a reputable pest control service.
Conclusion
Reading up on where termites come from is your best option. Knowing how to prevent termites from getting close to your home will help you keep them away. The more you understand why termites love your wood so much, the easier it will be to keep them away. If you have concerns about termite damage, call your local pest control professionals. They can inspect your home and suggest preventative maintenance options. Reach out to Inside and Out Pest Services in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas to get your pest inspection done today.
