Termites, regardless of species, can cost homeowners an average of $3,300 in repairs to their home. In fact, termites cause an estimated $30 billion in damage nationwide annually. With an average of 600,000 residential homes affected annually, it is time to take notice of these invasive insects. Test your knowledge of termites below!
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Novice. Study up as your home may be in danger.
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Aware. You seem to have knowledge to benefit your wallet.
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Knowledgeable. You have got Termites’ number or really know how to take a quiz.
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#1. How many years have termites been around?
Correct Answer: C. Termites have been known to be on Earth for approximately 200 million years.
#2. How many termites manage to live in one subterranean termite colony?
Correct Answer: D. Subterranean termite colonies can contain between 60,000 to 1 million termites (i.e., soldiers, reproductives, workers, and a queen).
#3. Which species of termite causes the most structural damage annually?
Correct Answer: D. Subterranean termite damage outweighs the damage of the other termite species annually in the U.S. Subterranean Termites focus on foundations of buildings, wooden beams, and sub-flooring. They can also be found in all locations of the home including the attic.
#4. How much can a colony of subterranean termites consume in two hours?
Correct Answer: A. Subterranean Termites can consume the equivalent of one cup of sawdust in as little as two hours.
#5. What are the signs that your home may be infested with Formosan Termites?
Correct Answer: B. The presence of Formosan Termites is marked by any mixture of the following: mud tubes, shedded wings, fecal pellets, and damaged wood. One other sign of Formosan Termites is swarming reproductive termites on window sills or near indoor lighting at night.
#6. What is Frass?
Correct Answer: D. Drywood termite droppings are an initial sign that your home may be infested with Drywood termites. Frass are tiny, hexagonal wood-like pellets of excrement.
#7. How many individual termite species have entomologists identified?
Correct Answer: B. There are approximately 2,000 known species of termites in the world today actively working to invade your home.
#8. The mud tubes created by Formosan Termites are constructed for:
Correct Answer: A. Formosan termites are fragile insects that can easily be killed by low humidity and high temperatures. Therefore, they construct a shelter to protect themselves from the elements. When an active tube is broken open, it will be filled with termite workers and soldiers.
#9. Which two types of termites cause the most damage annually?
Correct Answer: C. Formosan and Subterranean account for 90% of all termite damage in the U.S. each year.
#10. Termite swarmers are:
Correct Answer: C. There is no discrimination among who plays what role in a termite colony with the exception of the Queen. Swarmers can be both male and female.
We encourage you to contact your local pest management professional and schedule a termite inspection at your earliest convenience to avoid damage to your home and gain a peace of mind. Remember, TAP® Pest Control Insulation is a great complement to a termite program as it is proven to control termites in the attic. Contact us to locate a provider of TAP® Pest Control Insulation in your area.