Do Termites Bite?
Insects that bite people are concerning not only because the bites are often painful but for the fact that some bugs can transmit disease. We all know that termites can be extremely harmful to a building’s integrity, but many people wonder, do termites bite humans? The simple answer is yes, technically, termites do have the ability to bite people, but the good news is that they rarely have the desire.
No Reason to Be Worried
Since termites are typically a subterranean species of insect, you rarely have to worry about termite bites, even from flying termites that may show themselves. The truth is that even though bites have been known to happen, they usually only occur when someone is digging around in the area where the colony is located. Besides, even if you are bitten, termites aren’t known to carry disease or especially harmful germs.
The Effects of Being Bitten
Although termites biting people is a rare occurrence, it’s important to know what to expect just in case it does happen. If you’ve been bitten by a termite, you’ll most likely experience a small amount of pain along with tiny red bumps or splotches on your skin. If you’re allergic to other types of insect bites or have sensitive skin, however, these problems are likely to be more severe.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
Even if you have an allergic reaction, this shouldn’t cause much more than slight redness and mild irritation, but it’s also something you probably won’t want to deal with for too long. Left untreated, it should probably only take a few days or perhaps a week for your skin to return to normal and for any itchiness to go away. You can relieve the irritation, however, by picking up an anti-itch cream or other type of topical ointment.
Preventing Termites in Your Home
Although you may be concerned about being bitten, the truth is that having a termite problem in your home presents a much bigger danger to your property than to you. If you want to stay safe from these wood-eating creatures, we suggest that you follow these simple tips:
Look for Signs of Termites — First off, you should routinely check for signs of termite activity. Make a note of any bubbling paint or soft spots in the structure’s wood. You may also find wood shavings, mud tubes, or termite feces known as frass, which looks like sawdust.
Remove Wood Outside — If termites find a food source outside your home, it might not be too long before they move inside. If you have any dead wood such as tree trunks or fallen branches, remove these right away. If you have wood stacked up outside for the winter, move it away from the outside walls.
Seal Any Entry Points — Like other insects, termites can gain entry into your home through small cracks and gaps. These are especially common in a home’s foundation, along with the edges of your doors and windows. Depending on the size, these problem areas can be filled with caulking, spray foam, or weather-stripping.
Remove Water Sources — Termites require a water source for survival, which means any standing water outside makes your home more attractive. If you have any water structures, check these routinely for leaks or overflowing water. Don’t forget to remove any standing water left over after it rains.
Trim Back Vegetation — Termites are also attracted to vegetation outside such as overgrown bushes. If left unattended, the termites may use this as a sort of rest stop on the way into your home. To make your property less attractive, either trim the vegetation yourself or hire a professional service to do it for you.
Call a Pest Control Expert — If you notice any signs of termites, call a pest control company right away. They will perform a termite inspection of your entire property, give you the results, and suggest a plan of action if any are found.
Contact ProHealth Pest Control for Termite Control and Elimination
ProHealth Pest Control can help you get rid of termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, spiders, bees, wasps, rodents, and all other pests. If you have any questions about our organic residential or commercial pest control methods, reach out to us by calling (727) 310-0521 today to schedule a free consultation.
