Termite Control Methods for Beginners

Removal can be accomplished using a broom or vacuum.Fig. 2: Winged termites emerging indoors are a telltale sign of infestation.Q: How can I know if my home is infestedA: Discovering winged termites indoors almost always indicates an infestation warranting treatment. Since the swarmers are attracted to light, they often are seen around windows and doorways.

Termites have straight antennae, a uniformly thickened waist, and wings of equal size. Conversely, ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists, and forewings which are longer than the hind wings.Fig. 3: Termite swarmers are often confused with winged ants.Swarms of termites emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, etc. out in the lawn are not necessarily cause for concern, and do not automatically mean the home is infested.

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Termites construct the tubes for shelter as they travel between their underground colonies and also the structure. To help determine if an infestation is active, the tubes might be broken open and assessed for the presence of small, creamy-white worker termites. In case a tube happens to be vacant, it does not necessarily mean that the infestation is inactive; termites often abandon sections of tubing whilst foraging elsewhere in the structure.Fig.

5: Termite colonies contain many workers that consume wood and smaller numbers of soldiers (center) with jaws modified for defense.  Termite-damaged wood is hollowed out along the grain, with pieces of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Wood damaged by moisture or other kinds of insects (e.g., carpenter ants) will not have this appearance.

Rippled or sunken traces behind wall coverings can also be indicative of termites tunneling underneath.Fig. 6: Termite-damaged hardwood has soil lining the feeding galleries.Oftentimes there will be no clear indication of infestation. Termites are mysterious monsters and infestations can go undetected for decades, hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation, and other obstructions.

Confirmation of termites often necessitates the keen attention of a professional -- however, even the most experienced inspector can miss signs which are hidden.Fig. 7: Termites are cryptic. This damage was detected when a vacuum head broke through a baseboard.  Q: Can I treat the home myselfA: Its best not to for home infestations.

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A knowledge of building construction is needed to identify critical areas where termites are likely to enter. Many of these potential points of entry are hidden and difficult to get. Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment such as powerful masonry drills, large-capacity spray tanks, and long metal rods for injecting soil.

A possible exception could be if a mailbox post or other small wooden object not connected to the house was infested. "Do-it-yourself" products, offered to homeowners in retail stores or purchased over the internet, will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem.Q: How do I choose a termite company Why is there such variance in priceA: These are complex questions.

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Membership in their state pest control association and/or National Pest Management Association indicate the company is an established firm using technical and training information needed to do the work correctly. Just like any service, references are extremely helpful. Consider calling a few companies. Requesting inspections and estimates from more than one will help verify the existence of a termite infestation and make it possible for you to compare services.Companies offer you different types of treatment procedures and warranties.

Some companies will also repair damage occurring following their treatment, even though dating onset of termite damage is a tough thing to determine. In some circumstances, no warranty will be provided in case wells, drainage systems, sub-slab heat ducts, or even inaccessible crawl spaces make it impossible to treat in accordance with industry standards.Take your time when selecting a company.

Avoid firms that try to pressure you into signing a contract immediately with specials or scare tactics. The general quality of the project depends less on the sales person than the individual who ultimately does the work. A safe and effective termite treatment requires an experienced technician, not click resources someone hired a few weeks ago.Q: This treatment method is most effectiveA: There are two general kinds of termite treatment -- liquids and baits.

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Their purpose is to extend a long-lasting barrier in the soil that prevents termites from entering and infesting buildings. In the majority of cases, termites within the building die off as well, since they cannot return to the soil for supplemental moisture. Most former liquid termiticides were repellent rather than fatal to termites foraging in the soil.

Such products are usually more dependable controlling infestations in the very first attempt.Fig. 8: Two treatment options for termites: liquid application (abandoned ), baiting (appropriate ) Another treatment class is baiting. Termite baits consist of cellulose-based food combined with a slow-acting substance lethal to termites. The baits are installed below ground outside in the lawn in cylindrical plastic stations.