Termites In Colorado: Types, Risks, and How to Prevent Them

If you know anything about termites, you would know that they love warm, wet weather. Colorado, a state which is governed by cold, dry weather can, therefore, seem like an unlikely place for termites to reside. But the truth is, hordes of these insects are a familiar sight in the state.

Termites are a serious menace and cause extensive and expensive damage. In Colorado, the eastern subterranean termite is the most destructive termite species. But it is not Colorado alone that is plagued by termites. Termites are in every state of the country except Alaska. A report published by the National Pest Management Association points out that these destructive pests cause almost $5 billion in damage across the country every year.

Termites are stealthy destroyers; they infiltrate homes quietly and are pretty adept at remaining hidden. Many a time, they go unnoticed for years, until considerable damage has already been done! So then, how do you protect your home against termites? We can help you get started by showing you everything you need to know, including the most destructive termites in Colorado, the types of damage they cause, and what you can do to identify and control them.

Types of Termites in Colorado

In Colorado, the arid land subterranean (ALS) termites are the most widespread. They are found in almost every region of the state that lies below 7,500 feet and are especially common in Del Norte in the San Luis Valley and Burlington on the eastern plains. The ALS termites have dark brown or black bodies and clear wings with brown veins in the fore area. They typically nest in or near the soil as they require moisture from the ground to survive.

ALS termites are not, however, the only termite species that Coloradans have to deal with! Eastern subterranean termites are just as common in the state and by far the most destructive termite species in the region. Apart from these two types of termites, a small area in Grand Junction is also affected by drywood termites.

Luckily, as opposed to most states in the U.S., the termite population in Colorado is, rather small. Termite damage in the region has only been common when there is excess moisture around buildings.

Termite Dangers and Risks In Colorado

The biggest danger posed by termites in Colorado is essentially the incredible amount of damage that they can cause to a building or home. As termites make their way into a building, they will chew through anything including cement, bricks, plaster, insulation, and even soft metals. This can undermine the structural integrity of a property and the whole structure could come crumbling down if you do not catch the damage early on.

Apart from the structural danger, the presence of termites does not pose any direct risks to humans. They are capable of biting humans and pets though, and their saliva can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in some people. As termites crawl, chew, and bite through wood, they can also contribute to the distribution of mold and mildew. The dust and contaminants that are left behind as a result of termite activity are also known to exacerbate symptoms of allergies and other chronic respiratory problems.

Recognizing Signs of Termite Infestation in Colorado

The appearance of termite damage in Colorado can vary depending on the type of termite and while their presence may not always be obvious in the region, the most common tell-tale signs of subterranean termite infestations are the presence of mud shelter tubes. These mud shelter tubes or tunnels can be located inside or outside the foundation of a building or house. As subterranean termites thrive on moisture, they use these soil tunnels to travel up and look for food.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, have a low moisture requirement and typically infest dry, undecayed wood. This can be anything from utility poles and posts in the region to structural lumber or even the dead limbs of native trees. Piles of oblong-shaped fecal pellets are often the simplest clue to their presence in the region. Another sure sign of termite infestations is dead or alive termite swarmers inside your building or near the doors and windows of your house.

You will discover that wood damaged by termites is usually thin and hollow sounding and can be easily punctured with a knife or sharp object. Darkening or blistering is also common in termite-damaged wood surfaces. Where there is secondary damage you may even see bubbling paint and buckled or sagging ceilings!

What You Can Do to Prevent Termite Damage?

As a homeowner or building manager, the best thing you can do to prevent termite infestations is to be aware of conducive conditions for termites and correct them promptly. Here are some common approaches that you can take:

• Start by reinforcing and building a crack-free foundation. Cracks in your concrete foundation are sometimes the perfect entry point for termites.
• Stay on top of home maintenance. Moist wood, leaks in roofs, plumbing leaks, and air conditioner condensation drips are some of the major conducive conditions for termite infestations. To prevent termite damage, therefore, find and fix any such problems right away.
• Avoid wood-to-soil contact. If you have trees, shrubs, and mulch beds growing close to your property, you are practically inviting these nasty pests into your home.
• Install a termite barrier around your house. Stainless steel mesh barriers as well as sand and basaltic particle barriers help to deter termite movement along foundation walls.
• Finally, use termite-resistant foundations and walls to construct new homes. A termite-resistant design will minimize your risk of termite damage.

Enlist Professional Help if You Think You Need It

If you find that a termite infestation is beyond your control, contact a local pest control professional in Colorado. A trained pest management professional can perform chemical treatments to control an infestation. Some of the chemical treatments that are U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved include liquid soil-applied termiticides, termite baits, wood treatments, and impregnating building materials with termiticides. Investing in early termite control and performing routine inspections will potentially save you millions of dollars.