Your home is the largest investment you’ll make in your entire life in many cases. This investment needs to be protected. There are lots of things that can take away from the value of your home. One thing that can be very damaging to a home is termites. These wood-destroying insects can feed on cellulose in the wood used in structural components of a home. It’s important to get in touch with a Broken Arrow Exterminator if you think you’re dealing with any kind of termite issue.

Let’s take a look at termites in a little more depth. Termites are insects that naturally help break down dead wood and other cellulose-containing plant material. Wood contains cellulose along with lignin and other components. Termites can obtain energy from cellulose with the help of their own digestive enzymes and microorganisms living in their digestive system. Oklahoma State University Extension provides information about termite biology, signs of infestation, prevention, and control.

When termites molt, changes in the hindgut can disrupt or reduce some of the microorganisms they rely on for digestion. Termites can restore important gut symbionts through trophallaxis, including feeding on material passed by other colony members. This social exchange helps maintain the microorganisms that assist termites in digesting cellulose.

If you think you’re having problems with termites, you’re going to need to call a Broken Arrow Exterminator with the capability to deal with termites. Two common professional approaches for subterranean termite control are baiting systems and liquid soil treatments. Either approach can be effective when properly selected and applied. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains termite identification and common professional treatment approaches, including soil-applied treatments and termite baits.

You need to look at the pros and cons of the available treatment options, and a good Broken Arrow Exterminator can help you do that. If you’re having trouble with termites, TermMax Pest Control can inspect the situation and help determine an appropriate treatment. We can also discuss preventive termite protection if you aren’t seeing an active problem but are concerned about termites around your home. Call us today for help.