Las Vegas is one of the greatest places to be in. The hotels, the resorts, the casinos! But, do you run the risk of termites in Las Vegas? Regardless of whether you’re a resident or a tourist, you’ll want an answer to this question.
If you’re a resident, you’ll accordingly have to take preventive measures against termites in your home, and if you’re a tourist, you’ll want to protect your luggage against termites! So, keep reading!
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Termites in Las Vegas
There are primarily two main types of termites that live in the Las Vegas area- drywood termites and western subterranean termites.
Drywood termites live in colonies inside wooden structures, while subterranean termites live in underground colonies and feed on the cellulose found in plants and trees.
That said, termites are not very commonly found in Las Vegas. However, they can cause a lot of damage to our yards and homes if they are not treated properly.
Termites, believe it or not, are an important and beneficial element of the ecosystem when they live outside and away from humans. They aid in the decomposition of rotting trees, plants, and other cellulose-based materials.
Termites become a pest when they invade buildings and homes, where they can cause expensive damage.
Drywood termites are the most common type of termite in Las Vegas. They get all the moisture they need from the wood they are living in and will infest any piece of untreated lumber.
Western subterranean termites, on the other hand, prefer high moisture levels and live either underground or within water-damaged wood.
How to identify the western subterranean termite species in Las Vegas?
The western subterranean termite is a common species of termite found in the southwestern United States. Here are some of the most common characteristic features of the western subterranean termite-
Soldier termites in a western subterranean termite colony
Soldier termites in a western subterranean termite colony sport a rectangular skull with distinct jaws and are typically orange-colored.
Worker termites in a western subterranean termite colony
Worker termites in a western subterranean termite colony are translucent in appearance and are extremely small. The worker termites also don’t have any wings.
Swarmers in a western subterranean termite colony
The swarmers, however, are about one-third of an inch in length and have wings that are brownish in color. Swarmers are also characterized by their dark-colored bodies.
Western subterranean termites are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are key differences between the two species. Termites have a uniformed waist while flying ants have a thin waist and elbowed antennae.
Furthermore, termite swarmers are dark brown or black in color, while flying ants are light brown. Finally, soldiers have elongated heads and mandibles, while workers do not.
Are termites dangerous pests, especially in Las Vegas?
Termites are a type of pest that can cause a great deal of damage to homes and businesses, regardless of where in the world they’re located. Termites, even though they aren’t very common in Las Vegas, can cause immense damage.
Termites are dangerous pests that can cause a lot of damage to homes, especially in Las Vegas. However, homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage.
This means that it is important for homeowners in Las Vegas to protect their homes from termites by using termite barriers and treatments.
Drywood termites are quite common in Las Vegas. They feed slowly but very efficiently, leaving behind a thin exterior shell when they feed. This makes them difficult to detect and can often lead to significant damage before they are discovered.
Why do you have a termite problem to begin with?
There are a few reasons why you might have a termite problem, to begin with. Termites can find their way onto your property in many different ways- through fallen trees, woodpiles, tree stumps, and other organic debris, for example.
They can also be attracted to your property if you have moisture problems or live in an area that’s conducive to termite activity.
Additionally, subterranean termites move inside through any wood on your home that makes direct contact with the soil, while drywood termites find their way into a home inside wooden furniture and other wooden structures that are already infested with the termites.
How do you prevent a termite infestation or exercise pest control methods in Las Vegas?
In order to prevent a termite infestation, you have to eliminate sources of standing water. This includes fixing leaky faucets and pipes, repairing roof damage, and clearing clogged gutters.
It is also important to keep the home clean and free of clutter, as this can provide pests with hiding places.
One of the best ways to prevent a termite infestation is to keep lumber piles away from the foundation and walls. Termites are very attracted to wood, so if you have a lot of wood near your house, it’s more likely that you’ll have an infestation.
To prevent an infestation, you should also start by inspecting the areas around your yard for damage. Signs of a termite infestation include swarms of winged insects, mud tubes on the exterior of your home, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Conclusion
The fact of the matter is that termites in Las Vegas are not a major issue. However, if your property falls prey to even one or two termites, you can expect a termite infestation about to brew in the basement! Therefore, you should still take extreme care to ensure that your property is properly secured against termites.
