Termites can cause immense damage to a home. It has been estimated that they cause approximately $5 billion in damage to structures every year. Termites chew through wood, trying to get to the cellulose inside, so they can feed themselves and their colony. Termites also eat 24 hours a day. They do not sleep and they never stop feeding, which means a single colony can destroy a structure very quickly. With termites causing so much damage, it is natural to wonder if termites bite people, or if they are dangerous to pets. Fortunately, the answer is no, they are not.
Do Termites Bite Pets?
The jaws of a termite are powerful, as they have to chew through very hardwood sometimes. Those jaws are always working as well, trying to chew through wood, paper, cardboard, and anything else that may contain cellulose. While this is bad news for homeowners who are dealing with a termite problem, the good news is that termites will not bite the people or pets in the home. Termites also do not have stingers on their body, so there is no worry that they will sting the people or animals in the home.
In the past, there have been reports that a termite had bitten someone. While it is possible, termites generally have no interest in biting people or pets. When they bite, they are only looking for cellulose and so if a person or pet is bitten, it was likely a simple mistake made by the termite. Termites may also bite if they become confused but again, this is an accident and termite bites are extremely rare.
Determining the Pest that Bit You
If you are regularly finding bite marks on you or your pet, it is important to determine what pest inflicted it. The bites of many pests look very similar. For example, mosquitoes, fleas, and even bed bugs will all bite a human host, leaving behind a red, itchy bump. Regularly finding these bite marks on you or your pet is a cause for concern. While the bites are probably not from termites, you are likely dealing with another pest problem.
If the bites are a real problem, and particularly if they have become infected due to constant scratching, you may have to visit a doctor or a veterinarian. Bites are more likely to become infected when they are on a pet, as animals are not aware of the dangers of regularly scratching at bites. Still, whether you need to see a doctor or a vet, they will likely only be concerned with stopping the infection and treating the symptoms of you or your pet. They will likely not be concerned about what type of pest bit you, unless they suspect the creature was poisonous.
What to Do After Detecting Bug Bites
Termites can cause a lot of problems in a home, but they will not bite you. As such, if you see several bug bites on you or your pets, it is important to speak to a Washington pest control company. A pest control professional will conduct an inspection of your home to determine which type of pest has invaded. They will then create a customized plan to eliminate the problem and to keep it from coming back.
Although you may not think bites are a big deal, they are. If you are dealing with bed bugs for example, it will eventually cause you to lose sleep and the problem will grow very quickly. On the other hand, if it is a flea problem, your pet may suffer from hair loss and red, irritated skin due to excessive scratching. Fleas can also transmit other parasites to animals, such as tapeworm, which can result in a much bigger problem. A pest control company will identify the threat to you and your pets quickly, so you do not face additional issues.
Call Our Pest Control Experts in Washington Today
Bites from pests are incredibly annoying, but they can also be symptomatic of a much larger problem. Whether you think you have termites, or you have started to see bites on you or your pet, it is important to speak to a Washington pest control expert as soon as possible. At Pointe Pest Control, our professional pest control technicians know the dangers pests present and we will work diligently and quickly to get them out of your home as soon as possible. Call us today at (866) 633-1573 or fill out our online form to request a free estimate.