Termites are sometimes called 'white ants.' They look much like ants, they're white, and, like ants, live in colonies. But they're much different than ants in one important way: their diet. A special enzyme in their digestive system allows them to break down the cellulose in wood fibers. In any state except Alaska, if you live in a wood framed house, your home may be on the menu. Termites live underground, but come up to search for wood. When they find a suitable supply, like the cured wood used in construction which happens to be their favorite, they begin an extremely expensive feast. Termites cause more than a billion dollars in damage to buildings in the United States each year. Between their underground nests and the fact that they bore through wood to eat, termites are seldom seen. It takes a skilled professional to detect their presence before the damage has been done. A reputable pest control specialist can determine if your home has a termite problem. If so, he can get rid of them.
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