Jan 13, 2023 | Termite Control
Termites are household pests that can cause significant damage in a short amount of time, leaving homeowners with costly repairs. In fact, most homeowner’s policies do not cover termite damage. There are two major types of termites that cause damage to homes: subterranean termites and drywood termites. The type of termite you are dealing with, along with the size of the colony and extent of the damage all determine what type of termite treatment will be most effective. Preparation of your home will depend on which treatment will be performed.
For liquid-soil treatment, a trench is dug around the perimeter of your home where termiticide is applied and then filled back in. For this type of treatment, no preparation is required.
Bait stations are strategically placed in the ground around your home. These treatments also do not require any preparation.
Fumigant treatments are the most extensive and also require you to prepare your home prior to treatment. During fumigation, a tent will be placed over your home and gas will be released, killing any termites that are present, even those in hard to reach areas. You can get your home ready for fumigation by:
- Finding a place to stay. You, your family and your pets cannot be inside the house during treatment, which can last up to 72 hours.
- Remove perishable and other unsealed items including food, medication, and hygiene products.
- Store clothes, bedding and curtains outside the home.
- Remove indoor plants from the home.
- If products are still sealed (e.g. food), they can be stored in approved bags during treatment; it’s best to double bag them.
- Turn off electrical appliances and unplug them.
- Make sure the gas is turned off to your home.
- Unwrap any plastic covered mattresses, cushions, and other furniture.
- Open all doors between rooms and into closets.
- Leave drawers and cabinets open.
- Leave shutters open.
- Trim back shrubs and trees near the exterior walls of the home.
Termites can be difficult to get rid of once an infestation has established. Contact your local pest control company for a termite inspection and appropriate treatment options.
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Jan 5, 2023 | Termite Control
The new year has begun and although the weather is chilly now, the luxuries of living in the south typically means that warmer weather appears sooner than later. This means that termite swarming season is just around the corner, with the earliest swarms beginning in February. Let’s break down what to expect this swarming season.
What are Swarming Termites?
Termite swarmers, often mistaken for winged ants, are most active during the spring months, when they fly away from their colony to reproduce. These swarmers are attracted to bright, light areas often seen around doors and windows in homes. Fortunately, they don’t cause wood damage, but seeing a group of them around your property typically means a colony is nearby.
Which Species Do I Need to Lookout For?
The southeastern region of the United States is home to a variety of termites, including the subterranean, drywood, and Formosan species. Subterranean is the most common type of termite found in the southeast. They live underground in colonies that can get up to two million members. They are also known to be found in moist, secluded areas above ground. With their hard, saw-toothed jaws that work like shears, they are known to cause significant damage to properties.
Termite Prevention Tips:
- Eliminate Moisture: Repair leaky faucets, don’t let water pool near foundations, keep gutters clear, and use downspouts to divert water away from your home.
- Maintain Landscape: Don’t let anything touch the exterior surfaces of your home (mulch & woodpiles), removing old tree stumps, and keeping shrubbery and tree limbs trimmed back away from your home.
- Repair Home: Replace broken tiles, shingles, etc. on your roof and exposed beams in attics are a great food source and access point into your home.
If you suspect termite swarming activity or just want to get a step ahead at termite prevention, contact your local pest control company and schedule your free inspection.
Dec 16, 2022 | Termite Control
Termites are highly destructive household pests, causing billions of dollars in damages to homeowners annually. Most homeowner’s policies don’t cover termite damage. What options do homeowners have to protect themselves from these pests?
Two options that are available are a termite warranty and a termite bond. These terms are often used interchangeably but they are, in fact, different.
A termite warranty is similar to an insurance policy you take out against termites. It is insured by an insurance company and allows for more coverage against damages. These warranties will also include an agreement for ongoing monitoring and/or maintenance for the length of the warranty term. They also require the termite control company who provides it to treat for termites if they are found on their annual termite inspection during the warranty period. It can also specify if the pest control company will repair any damages from termites or if they will only retreat the home. Some warranties can even be transferred between homeowners (such as during the sale of the home) but others cannot be transferred.
Termite bonds are similar to warranties. The difference between the two is that bonds require the pest control company to hold a specified amount of money in a surety bond.
Some kind of protection against termites and termite damage is beneficial to homeowners. If you are interested in scheduling a termite inspection or taking out coverage against termites, contact your pest control company for more information.
Nov 17, 2022 | Termite Control
Termites are one of the most destructive pests, causing significant damage to homeowners in the United States each year. Termites often go long periods of time undetected, allowing a termite infestation to proliferate inside your home. But what causes a termite infestation in the first place? What attracts termites to your home?
Moisture
Termites are attracted to moisture, especially subterranean termites. Damp basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, leaky pipes, and stagnant water around foundations are common areas that termites are attracted to. Rotten or water damaged wood should be replaced immediately. Leaky or broken pipes should also be repaired as soon as they are discovered. Make sure roofs and gutters are cleaned properly and that proper drainage systems are established. Check and repair issues with foundations. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and any other rooms where humidity is high.
Wood
Termites will feed on just about any type of wood. This includes new wood, painted wood, treated wood, rotted wood, water damaged wood, wood mulch, wallpaper, and shelf paper. As such, care should be taken to reduce access to wood in and around your home. Foliage and mulch should be kept at least 28″ away from foundations. Wood mulch should be replaced with another coverage medium, like rubber mulch or treated cedar. Anywhere wood comes into contact with the sides of your home also provide a bridge termites can use for access. This allows them to make their way inside, even bypassing soil that has been treated with termiticides. Get rid of any vines, trellises, mulch, stumps, firewood, etc. that is close to your home’s foundation. Trim limbs away that touch the roof, as well.
Coverage
Termites are silent destroyers, eating wood from the inside out, allowing them to establish colonies and infestations before any signs of their presence arise. It is important to recognize the signs of termites so they can be detected earlier before they can cause significant damage. It is also beneficial to have an annual termite inspection performed by a termite control company. These professionals will inspect the interior and exterior of your home, looking for signs of termite activity or previous termite damage. They can then present you with the best termite control options when necessary.
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Nov 9, 2022 | Termite Control
With termites being active 365 days a year, termite prevention is a year-round venture. Termite activity is typically more predictable in the winter months, so setting up termite treatments, especially bait stations, is ideal.
Termites in the south are more likely to discover strategically placed bait stations, like Sentricon® Always Active, year-round, but can also discover the bait stations in the winter. This is because in warmer months, termites are more likely to travel further away from their nests to find food. Termites tend to stay closer to home in the cooler months, making it more likely for them to find termite bait instead of food.
How Does Sentricon® Work?
The first step to getting your bait stations in place is to have a property inspection. A technician will do an assessment of your property to determine the best placement locations for your bait stations. They will be able to evaluate the size of your property, age of the structure, and if any termites are currently active. The stations are then implanted into the ground with the top placed flush with the soil’s surface. The stations don’t need to be messed with and your technicians know when to check on them, making it something you don’t need to worry about.
If you are interested in getting year-round termite protection, be sure to reach out to your local pest control company to get started today!
Sep 20, 2022 | Termite Control
It’s no surprise that termites are still active in the fall. The only factor that changes termite activity in the fall season is their tendency to burrow deeper into the ground. However, if these pests burrow their way into your home, they won’t need to dig deeper to find warmth and instead will infest.
Continuing termite control into the colder months will help to protect your home up until spring begins again. Be sure to keep up with termite control to lessen the chance of termites swarming in the spring and summer months.
Regardless of the season, there are common signs of termite infestations to look for in your home, including:
- Swarms: One of the earliest signs of termites is termite swarms. Termites emerge in early spring or summer to reproduce and establish new colonies. Seeing swarmers indicates a colony is nearby, so take precautions.
- Noises: Beyond visual cues of termites being nearby, you can sometimes hear them! If a colony is larger and established, you may begin hearing a faint clicking or knocking sound behind your walls or in other void areas of your home.
- Mud Tubes: If you begin seeing mud tubes around your home, it can be a big indication of a termite colony. These tubes are built to help protect termites from damage and predators and allow them to accumulate moisture, which termites need to survive.
- Wood Damage: Window, floor, and door damage may also indicate a termite infestation. Sagging floors can indicate a well-established colony. When doors and windows warp or don’t open and close smoothly, it can indicate the presence of termites, as well.
There are a few steps for termite protection you can take in and around your home. Make sure all water and gas lines are sealed adequately. Fix any leaky faucets or appliances and get rid of any standing water. Try to eliminate any cellulose material, as this is a termite’s primary food source.
If you suspect you have a termite problem or want to stay proactive against them, reach out to your local pest control company to receive a free termite inspection and discover the best plan of action perfect for you and your home!
Sep 8, 2022 | Termite Control
An annual termite inspection is a huge part of termite control. These inspections not only look for signs of termite activity and previous damage, they also look for any areas of your home that might be at risk for future termite infestations. Although termite season peaks in spring and early summer, you can schedule your inspection at any time during the year. What’s most important is that you have it done every year; termites can go undetected for long periods of time so annual inspections can help catch this activity early, saving you on costly treatments and repairs.
What’s the Cost?
The good news about termite inspections is that most companies will perform them for free (unless it’s part of a real estate transaction). In most cases, once the inspection is complete then you will pay for either a treatment (if activity is found) and/or to have your termite bond renewed for the next year.
How Should You Prepare?
Once you schedule your termite inspection, the next step is to prepare for your technician’s arrival. Make sure to remove anything under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow them to check for any water damage or termite activity in these hotspot areas. In your garage, make sure anything stacked against the walls is pulled out at least 2 feet. The same goes for anything touching the exterior walls of your home. Remove any items that might be blocking the entrance to your attic or crawlspace. Trim any bushes or plants that conceal your exterior walls, crawlspace opening, or foundation.
What Happens During Inspection?
The average inspection will last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your home and property. A technician will carefully inspect both the inside and outside of your home, looking for signs of termites including droppings, discarded wings, mud tubes, damaged wood, and live termites). They will also check for any signs of previous termite damage. A termite inspection should include examination of baseboards, walls, windows, crawlspaces, door frames, windowsills and frames, inside cabinets and closets, attics, garages, and foundations. They will take extra care when inspecting kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms since termites will often use plumbing that passes through foundations to gain access to your home. They will also check the surrounding property and outbuildings, as well.
What Are the Next Steps?
If termite activity is detected, appropriate termite treatment options will be suggested. If there are no signs of activity or infestation, termite prevention tips may also be recommended to help prevent any future damage. Some things you can do around the house include:
- Eliminating moisture by repairing leaky faucets, not letting water pool near foundations, keeping gutters clear, and using downspouts to divert water away from your home.
- Maintaining your landscaping by not letting anything touch the exterior surfaces of your home (wood debris, woodpiles, mulch), removing old stumps and dead trees, keeping shrubbery and trees trimmed back from the walls of your home, and avoiding wood to soil contact with your home, outbuildings, and fences.
- Repairing roofs and attics as soon as broken tiles, shingles, etc. are spotted. These often expose the wooden beams of your attic providing termites with both a food source and access to your home.
- Replacing cardboard storage boxes with plastic when possible.
If you suspect termite activity or just want to get a step ahead at termite prevention, contact your local pest control company and schedule your free inspection.
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Aug 31, 2022 | Florida Pest Control, Termite Control
Miami-Gardens Pest Control: DIY Termite Prevention
Termites are year-round pests, causing structural damage to homes and properties. The Miami-Gardens climate is hot and humid, the perfect conditions for termites. Every homeowner should implement termite control by placing certain preventative measures throughout their property to help avoid a termite infestation.
Reduce Soil-To-Wood Contact
One of the most common termites in the U.S. is the subterranean termite. These termites live in colonies underground and will build mud tubes to reach food above the ground. They will often create contact between wood and soil in crawlspaces or areas underneath your home for an entry point.
Throughout your property, make sure that you keep all lumber, wood, and mulch away from your foundation. If you are utilizing firewood, look to place it at least 20 feet away from your home, raised about 8 inches off the ground and stored in plastic containers with lids. If you have a wood fence near the home, make it a routine to check for rotted or infested wood.
Remove Excess Moisture
Most termite species need moisture to survive, often looking to our homes to find it. To help reduce the risk of termites infesting your home, reduce moisture inside and outside. Check that your gutters and downspouts are pointing away from your foundation. If you’re using a sprinkler, make sure it isn’t spraying on your home. Look inside your home for any plumbing leaks; don’t forget to check your crawlspace for leaks too. Consider investing in crawlspace enclosure, as this will reduce moisture, decrease humidity, prevent mold, avoid wood rot, and prevent termite infestations.
Invest in Annual Termite Inspections
Termites can be hard to spot on your own. These pests can go undetected for long periods, causing significant damage before you realize they’ve been there. Consider reaching out to your local Miami-Gardens pest control company which can perform an annual termite inspection. These professionals can identify signs of termites and take quick action for termite treatments to avoid a full-blown infestation. Even if you don’t suspect you have termites, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of the game when it comes to protecting against termites.
Aug 30, 2022 | Florida Pest Control, Pest Control, Termite Control
Bonita Springs Termite Control: Swarming Season
For most homeowners, including those in Bonita Springs, the first sign of a termite infestation is seeing a swarm of flying insects. Not all swarming insects are termites though – some can be flying ants. Let’s break down the physical characteristics to determine the differences between the two.
There are three easy ways to tell flying ants and termites apart:
- Antennae Shape: A termite antenna is straight and bead-like, but on ants they look elbowed.
- Waist Size: Termites have a streamlined body, while ants have a pinched waist.
- Wing Size: Termites’ wings are all equal in length and extend past the abdomen. Ant wings are unequal in length and generally end at the tip of their abdomen.
These two pests also have behavioral differences. They both live in large colonies with designated levels of caste systems. Termites can also be found in decaying trees, stumps, wood debris, lumber, and wooden structures. Some ants, like carpenter ants, inhabit wood, but most other species do not. Unlike ants, termites can cause major structural damage since they eat wood, and ants do not.
They also have different life cycles. Ants go through four stages of development, while termites only have three. During the warm months of swarming season, the fertile winged ants and termites fly from their nests to mate and establish new colonies, making it more difficult to tell the difference between the two pests.
If you believe you have termites causing damage to your home, reach out to your local Bonita Springs pest control company, who can provide a free inspection and a service plan that is right for you and your property.
