Termites can be a problem in the New Your City metro area. They can literally eat you out of house and home because of their voracious appetite for wood.

Termites can be destructive house guests. If you suspect you have a problem with these pests, it is imperative that you call a termite exterminator Staten Island.

The Eastern Subterranean Termite

The eastern subterranean termite is the most common termite in New York as well as in eastern North America. It is found in almost every state in the eastern and central United States.

Termites are destructive because they eat and digest wood, their main food source. Unfortunately, many homes are made of wood or at least have wood frames.

The termite lifecycle starts with the mating of a king and queen termite. They produce numerous eggs, which hatch into immature nymphs. These nymphs grow and differentiate into worker, soldier, and winged termites. At times particularly in the spring, their lifecycle reaches a crescendo when they are prone to flying and swarming. This is the time when they are looking to start new colonies. All the while, they need to eat to carry out their life activities.

Sign of a Termite Infestation

The colony nests of Eastern subterranean termites are usually located in the ground around the basement or foundations of a home. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation in your home, then look for these tell-tale signs:

• Mud tubes on basement walls
• Piles of wings and dead termite bodies
• Wood that is soft and sounds hollow when tapped
• Discolored or sagging drywall

When to Call an Exterminator

If you see any of these signs you may want to contact a professional. If you experience swarming or see piles of termite wings and bodies, you definitely have a colony and will bees professional assistance in getting rid of it.