Living in the beautiful state of Georgia does have its drawbacks. One thing Georgia homeowners are all too familiar with is the threat of georgia termites. These tiny insects might be small, but they can cause a lot of damage to our homes. You may already know Georgia falls squarely within the dreaded “termite belt.” But, just how common are georgia termites?
Table Of Contents:
- The Termite Problem in Georgia
- Different Types of Termites in Georgia
- Telltale Signs of Georgia Termites
- How to Get Rid of Termites
- Protecting Your Home: Is Prevention Really Worth It?
- FAQs about georgia termites
- Conclusion
The Termite Problem in Georgia
An estimated one in five homes in Georgia will have a termite issue. This makes it crucial for homeowners to understand the risks and take steps to protect their homes. Being proactive can save you from costly repairs and headaches in the long run.
Why are Termites Such a Big Problem in Georgia?
You’ll be surprised to learn that there’s a reason, besides the warm climate, why Georgia is a hotspot for termites: soil conditions. Georgia’s soil is predominantly clay-based, a significant contributing factor to the state’s termite problem.
Clay soil, while great for some things, tends to retain moisture. This constant moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for subterranean termites who need damp soil to survive. This combination of warm weather and moist soil makes Georgia an ideal environment for termites to thrive.
Different Types of Termites in Georgia
You might be surprised to find that Georgia actually has a few different termite species. Each of these species has its own habits and characteristics, making identification important for effective treatment. Here is a breakdown to help you identify what you might be dealing with:
Subterranean Termites
These guys are public enemy number one for homeowners. Subterranean termites in Georgia are like tiny bulldozers tunneling through the soil and feasting on your wooden structures. As their name suggests, they live underground and build elaborate nests, often extending 18-20 feet below the surface.
They can travel quite a distance, up to 100 yards, in their relentless quest for wood to devour, according to the University of Georgia’s Biology of Subterranean Termites research. Yes, these termites might seem invisible, but a surefire way to tell if they’ve invaded is through their “mud tubes.”
These little tunnels are like their highways – protecting them and giving them a way to reach your precious wood. They create these tubes from mud, saliva, and their droppings and can be found on foundations, walls, and even inside your house. Look for mud trails, which are wider versions of mud tubes that serve as their feeding grounds.
Formosan Termites
Meet the heavy-hitters of the termite world in Georgia: Formosan Termites. These termites are often called ‘swarmers’ or ‘winged reproductive’ due to their ability to fly and establish new colonies. They earn their nickname, “super termites,” due to their destructive power and rapid reproduction rates.
Why are they called “super termites”? They form mega-colonies that can stretch millions strong. And, unlike some of their lazier cousins, these termites are active 24/7. No time for sleep when there’s wood to devour, right?
This aggressive eating combined with their massive numbers means that they can do a tremendous amount of damage in a shorter period of time, causing significant structural issues to a house in as little as six months, according to Pest World. Formosan termites even have a strange defense mechanism—when threatened, they release a white, sticky substance to try and protect their colony.
Drywood Termites
Less common, but just as problematic if they decide your home is on the menu. Drywood termites prefer a more direct approach, making themselves at home in your wooden furniture, door frames, and attic beams, essentially any dry wood source in your home. They don’t need soil contact and get their moisture from the wood they eat.
Because they don’t need moisture from the soil, they can infest wood surfaces red clay soil wouldn’t normally attract, making them trickier to detect. This makes it even more important to check wood surfaces for signs of infestation. Signs of drywood termites include wood sagging floors, visible signs of damage, and trails mud tubes similar to their subterranean counterparts.
One unique thing about these drywood termites—they kick out tiny fecal pellets that look like sawdust as they munch their way through your furniture. A colony of about 5,000 drywood termites can cause major structural damage before being detected, according to IFAS, The University of Florida.
Telltale Signs of Georgia Termites
Now you know who you might be dealing with, but how can you be sure? Early detection is essential in preventing widespread termite damage. Here’s what to watch for both inside and around your property:
Inside the Home
- Mud tubes: Remember those “termite highways” we talked about? Finding them on walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces is a clear indication.
- Swarmers: Seeing winged termites inside your home, especially near windows and light sources. These are often the first telltale sign that homeowners spot before seeing other signs. This is an indication that a colony is already well-established nearby and could even mean a nest is inside your home.
- Discarded Wings: It’s not always a happy ending for swarmers. If you find piles of their discarded wings on windowsills or floors, it could mean they’ve shed them after finding a nesting spot…maybe even in your home.
- Wood Damage: Bubbling paint, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and inexplicably tight-fitting doors or windows.
- Frass: Small piles that look like sawdust, specifically from drywood termites.
Around the Yard
- Damaged Trees or Wood: Look for trees or wooden structures with soft spots or hollow areas, a prime target for subterranean termites in Georgia.
- Mud Trails: Subterranean termites will build mud tubes up the sides of a foundation. Keep an eye out for these, especially near areas with high moisture.
How to Get Rid of Termites
Facing a termite infestation head-on often calls for professional help. Professionals are your best bet for effective termite control. They have the experience, knowledge, and specialized tools to deal with these persistent pests. They use targeted solutions that consider your situation, the termite type, and your home’s structure to eliminate termites. This approach often involves two primary strategies: liquid soil treatments and baiting systems.
Liquid Soil Treatments
As the name suggests, this approach uses specialized liquid insecticides. These are applied around your home’s perimeter, creating a barrier to deter and eliminate those pesky termites. This creates a protective barrier that prevents termites from entering your home.
While this tactic is more common and less expensive, be mindful. Some treatments might need a reapplication every few years to maintain their potency. It’s essential to consult with a pest control professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
Baiting Systems
If you’d rather wage a slower, more strategic war against georgia termites, baiting systems offer a longer-term game plan. It involves strategically placing bait stations around your property. Baiting systems work by attracting termites to the bait stations, which contain a slow-acting insecticide.
Termites find these stations more appealing than your home’s wooden structures. Consuming the poisoned bait sets off a chain reaction, spreading the insecticide throughout the colony, hopefully eliminating the colony. This method takes longer but can be more effective in the long run, as it targets the entire colony.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, termite bait products registered under the Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative, have undergone a rigorous EPA review. As a result of the review, the EPA concludes that these reduced risk termite bait products, when used according to the label directions, do not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment.
Protecting Your Home: Is Prevention Really Worth It?
In the battle against georgia termites, prevention is your secret weapon. Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of a termite problem. By understanding how to make your home less inviting, you’re proactively safeguarding your property.
Keep Moisture at Bay
Remember, moisture is a termite magnet, especially for our prevalent subterranean types. Regularly inspect gutters and downspouts, and ensure they’re free of debris. Make sure water flows freely away from your home’s foundation.
Make sure your sprinklers aren’t unintentionally creating damp zones near your foundation. Inside, address plumbing leaks promptly. Consider using dehumidifiers if you live in particularly humid areas or during particularly muggy seasons. These efforts go a long way in cutting off their water source.
Cut Off Their Food Supply
Termites love wood. Eliminating wood-to-soil contact is vital in deterring subterranean termites. Removing anything that bridges the gap between the soil and your house, like firewood stacks or mulch touching your siding, is an easy step.
Store firewood at least twenty feet away from your house and consider storing it off the ground. Check wooden structures for any signs of decay or damage. It is best to use pressure-treated wood that has been properly sealed when making repairs. Repairing cracks in your home’s foundation as soon as you see them, no matter how small they may seem, will make a difference.
Professional Inspections are Key
While all these preventative measures help, nothing compares to a thorough termite inspection by professionals. Regular termite inspections are a must for any homeowner in Georgia, especially considering the prevalence of Formosan termites and their rapid destruction capabilities. But how often is often enough?
Many experts recommend annual inspections, particularly in Georgia where termites thrive year-round. A trained eye can spot the subtle signs of an infestation you might miss. Regular inspections help catch infestations early, limiting damage and saving money in the long run. Many homeowners find these inspections worth their weight in gold for early detection.
FAQs about georgia termites
Are termite inspections required when buying a home in Georgia?
Although it varies from lender to lender, generally, termite inspections are often required during real estate transactions. It is always a good idea to have a termite inspection done, even if it is not required, to protect yourself from potential problems.
When is termite season in Georgia?
While active year-round, swarming season generally starts in spring. This is when you are most likely to see the flying termites known as “swarmers”. However, don’t let your guard down – be vigilant all year.
Conclusion
Dealing with georgia termites is an unfortunate reality for Georgia homeowners. By being aware and understanding the threat these tiny insects pose, homeowners can arm themselves with the information they need. Taking steps to prevent an infestation and scheduling regular professional inspections will provide peace of mind and protect your property. This will help protect one of your biggest investments – your home.