Termites are not that big of an issue if you call your Broken Arrow exterminator. When it comes to your home or business, termites can be highly destructive, eating away at the structural wood that holds everything together. Since your home is likely the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, keeping it safe from these insects is imperative. Your business can also be at risk, as termites not only consume wood but can also damage drywall. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at termites, their life cycle, and how you and your Broken Arrow exterminator can work together to keep these insects out of your property.
Termite digestion and the role of a Broken Arrow exterminator
Termites are unique in the animal world because they can break down wood for energy. The cell walls of wood are made up of two main components: cellulose and lignin. Termites have a special enzyme in their gut that can break down the cellulose into energy, while the lignin is passed through. However, young termites, or nymphs, do not have this enzyme at birth. They acquire it by feeding from the anus of an adult termite in order to obtain both the enzyme and the gut bacteria needed to digest wood.
Because of their ability to break down wood, termites are often seen as nature’s cleanup crew, as they help decompose dead and fallen trees. While this is beneficial in nature, it becomes a serious problem when termites start feeding on the wood inside your home. Contact your Broken Arrow exterminator for help with termites to protect your home from damage.
Termite prevention
The best way to keep termites away from your home is to install a bait station system, something your Broken Arrow exterminator can help you with. These are plastic stations buried into the ground around your property. Inside, they contain bait that termites find irresistible, made from nearly pure cellulose. This makes the bait even more attractive to termites than regular wood. When termites consume the bait, they carry it back to their colony, feeding it to their young. This process helps wipe out the colony before it can grow large enough to cause major damage.
Because these bait stations target the termites directly, they create an effective barrier around your home. Even if termites do manage to bypass this system, your Broken Arrow exterminator will often provide a warranty that covers any potential damage caused by termites. This ensures that your home or business remains safe and protected.
Conclusion
Termites can be a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home or business, but with the help of your Broken Arrow exterminator, you can take proactive steps to prevent them from causing significant damage. By understanding how termites digest wood and implementing preventive measures like bait stations, you can keep these destructive insects at bay. Don’t wait until you see signs of termite damage—contact your Broken Arrow exterminator today to protect your property.