Termites do not eat fiberglass insulation for nutritional purposes, as they require cellulose to survive. However, they will chew, burrow, and tunnel through it to navigate your walls and access the wooden framing of your home, completely destroying the material and its energy-saving benefits in the process.
Among all predators, ants are the greatest enemy to termites. Some ant genera are specialist predators of termites. For example, Megaponera is a strictly termite-eating (termitophagous) genus that perform raiding activities, some lasting several hours.
Termites are not normally found in fiberglass insulation but they are commonly found in foam board insulation, especially if the foam board goes below grade on the exterior of a structure. Foam board below grade allows a direct conduit through the insulation into a structure.
Here are the top five signs of termite infestation to look out for in your home.
Liquid termiticides (like Taurus SC or Termidor Foam RTU) kill termites on contact and provide immediate, localized control. While direct sprays eradicate exposed termites instantly, hidden colonies require slow-acting termiticides, baits, or professional fumigation for complete and permanent elimination.
Termites hate sunlight, moisture control, and certain scents. Because they thrive in dark, humid environments, exposing them to UV rays or drastically drying out their living spaces causes them to die or flee.
Yes, a mixture of Dawn soap and water can kill termites on contact by suffocating them, as it breaks down their outer shell and blocks their ability to breathe. This method is only effective for, and recommended for, minor, localized spot treatments or exposed termites, not for eliminating entire colonies or severe infestations.
Termites are most active during the warmer months, specifically from March through early fall. Peak activity occurs in the spring (March–May) when winged "swarmer" termites leave their colonies to mate and start new ones, usually after a warm, humid day following rainfall.
Termites dislike strong scents like clove oil, neem oil, tea tree oil, and orange oil. These natural repellents can help deter them but aren't a permanent solution. Worker and soldier termites usually live 1–2 years, while termite queens can survive for over a decade, sometimes up to 25 years in ideal conditions.
That depends on your definition of hard, but termites, bedbugs, and cockroaches top the list. In the pest control world, the top most challenging cases are those that involve severe infestations of termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches. Each of these sends shivers down most people's spines, and for good reason.
Alaska is the only U.S. state without any native termite populations. The state's severe cold temperatures and permafrost, which freezes the ground year-round, make it impossible for colonies to survive.
Yes, termites can live in and damage drywall, but they cannot sustain themselves on it alone. They are drawn to the paper (cellulose) on the surface of the drywall panels and the wooden framing hidden behind the walls.
Once it's settled or compressed, it's done. It's like trying to revive a pancake into a soufflé. That's why removing it completely is often the best move. It gives you a clean slate to air seal and re-insulate the right way—without playing guesswork with your energy bill.
Termites primarily emerge (swarm) to mate and establish new colonies. This behavior is triggered by a combination of three specific environmental cues:
Florida consistently takes the crown as the worst state for termites. California and Texas follow closely, as their massive size and varied climates offer an all-you-can-eat buffet for subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Termites are naturally drawn to lighter colors, as they associate them with sources of food and nesting materials. However, earth tones are known to repel termites due to their association with natural environments, such as soil and trees.
The fastest way to kill visible termites instantly in your house is to directly inject termiticide foams (like Termidor Foam or Spectracide Termite Killing Foam) directly into infested wood, cracks, or mud tubes. For long-term colony eradication, non-repellent liquid soil treatments are required.
What are early warning signs of a termite infestation?
When applied according to label, Termidor termiticide/insecticide provides 100% control of infesting termites in 3 months or less after treatment. Termidor termiticide/insecticide can provide structural protection for up to 10 years after a treatment.
No, seeing termites is rarely "too late" to save your home, as they work relatively slowly. However, it is too late to ignore the problem. Spotting live termites or their evidence means you have an active infestation, and taking immediate action is critical to prevent or minimize costly structural damage.
Yes, turning off your lights at night is an effective way to keep swarming termites away from your home. However, this only deters the flying "reproductives" and does not stop the hidden workers from chewing on the wood in your house.
The time of day termites fly depends heavily on their species and local weather.
WD-40 will not effectively keep termites away. While the strong petroleum smell and oily residue might stun or kill individual termites on contact, it has no long-term residual power. Because it cannot stop an entire colony from accessing your home, it is not a reliable preventive tool.
This chemical, called bistrifluron, has been shown to kill approximately 95 percent of a termite colony without causing harm to mammals. Its effectiveness is detailed in a study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.
Yes, a saltwater or Epsom salt solution can kill termites by dehydrating them on contact. However, this DIY method is only effective for minor, highly localized infestations. It will not eradicate hidden, deep-seated colonies.