Termites…An (Almost) All Year Pest Issue
Background
When you think about word-destroying insects (WDIs), most of us immediately thing about termites. Recent estimates indicate that subterranean termites (most common) cause close to $5+ billion worth of damage to structures in the U.S. Statistically, almost one in thirty U.S. homes has some level of termite infestation. Unfortunately, it can take ten years or more for the problem to become noticed; and by then, substantial damage may have already been affected.
Regardless of how well woodwork is built or maintained, once termites find their way into the wood, they can wreak havoc. These insects are more than a nuisance; they are dangerous and can cause significant, costly damage. What’s worse, they can cost a small fortune to treat and eradicate.
Do not be fooled into a false sense of confidence that concrete and steel-beam construction of your home makes you immune to termites! What about the wood construction aspects in your home? These wood-gnawing pests attack decks, door frames, and railings. But what are their entranceways into your home? Often, termites will hitchhike inside wood products like antique furniture, bed frames, nightstands and desks, many times originating from overseas. Going antiquing or to a yard sale this weekend? Be careful because you may bring home more than you ‘bargained’ for.
Remember that you will not likely see these pests until the damage is being done. Damage to wood by termites happens during their feeding; they create ‘mud’ tunnels (to protect themselves from open air and provide access to food) and nests within the wood (food) source. Do they leave any telltale signs of activity you can detect?
Aside from mud tunnels, the following are common signs of termite activity and definite signs to call Millette Pest Control:
- Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped
- Darkening or blistering of wood structures, uneven or bubbling paint
- Small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest
- Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills also indicate that swarmers have entered and infested the home.
Tale of the Tape
- Color: creamy white to dark brown/black
- Legs: 6
- Shape: long, narrow and oval
- Size: 1/8 inch long
- Antennae: Yes
- Region: found throughout the U.S.
Frequency and Types
Termites are the most economically important WDI and are found throughout the country aside from Alaska. There are generally three types of termites: subterranean, drywood and dampwood, with the subterranean form being the most common and costly. Typically, the adults and juvenile forms cause the greatest destruction to wood-based structures and furniture.
Throughout the US, termite-related issues increase in severity as temperatures rise and increased rainfall is most common; typically, early to mid-spring. Inspection is key to early detection, especially lower floors or areas in buildings or homes. If a section of wood breaks off easily or feels spongy, termites are likely the cause.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that termites simply crawl; be vigilant during early spring or late fall for flying ant-like insects that are generally termed ‘swarmers’. Swarmers, technically referred to as alates, are reproductive termites that launch from the colony seeking to expand to other sites. You may see a pile of wings under a windowsill or door jamb. Our area is Prone to the Eastern Subterranean.
Can You Prevent Termites?
While complete prevention is not possible, there are ways a homeowner can make their environment less conducive for these strong-jawed insects.
Please consider a few suggestions offered by the National Pest Management Association:
Remember, termites are attracted to moisture so inspect the perimeter of your home in both the spring and fall, making certain that you have good drainage that leads away from the perimeter of the foundation. Try to keep lumber and firewood off the soil and away from touching your home; these are tasty food sources for these voracious wood feeders. Mulch is another favorite of termites, so try to keep it away from the outer walls of the building. And if your garage is a separate standing structure, do not forget it too must be protected by inspection and subject to these few easy to implement steps.
Millette Pest Control technicians are trained to inspect and offer you strategies for keeping your home safe from termites. And if you suspect you have termite activity, call for an appointment to discuss the options (see below) available for effective treatment and long-term control/maintenance.
Its Confirmed You Have Termites…Next Steps?
Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Termite destruction can ruin this investment. You need to act to prevent this from happening.
There are two basic directions you can consider when termites have been discovered on your property requiring treatment. Your pest control professional will likely discuss these options with you at length, but always best to be prepared.
You can choose between a ‘termite baiting system’ such as Sentricon® or a ‘liquid ground termite treatment’ with a termiticide (e.g., Termidor® SC). Typically, baiting systems are sold exclusively to licensed and certified professionals and an annual contract is required to inspect and maintain these stations. Termite baiting systems typically first use a wood (cellulose) base to attract foraging termites. Once termite activity has been detected, an active ingredient needs to be introduced (through replacement of the monitoring wood base cartridge with the active ingredient) into the stations. Termite baiting systems often use an insect growth regulator (IGR), which inhibits molting in termites, causing a slow but ultimate death. Termites pass this active ingredient throughout the colony, resulting in eventual colony collapse. Recognize that stations may often need to be monitored at monthly after the initial installation, and then checked less frequently once established.
Although the use of a termite bait station system requires regular monitoring and replacement of certain parts, baiting systems do have certain advantages. Bait stations use little active ingredient, which is protected in tamper-resistant stations. This makes baiting the preferred approach in situations where there may be a risk of water contamination. For example, typical candidate homes are those in low elevation areas such as those commonly found near bodies of water like oceans, lakes, or rivers. Installation of bait stations does not disturb the foundation of a structure. Bait stations are often the preferred choice over the use of alternative methods (e.g., liquid termiticide treatment), which requires trenching (digging) around the home’s perimeter. Homes or structures that are located on or around rock beds and that have concrete slabs adjoining the foundation make baiting systems far easier to install. For those homeowners that express primary concerns about environmental safety and chemical sensitivity around the structure, termite bait stations are often chosen.
Currently there is an option for a bait system that is already active and requires less often inspections that Millette Pest Control uses. (Always Active)
A quick comparison between a baiting system approach and liquid treatment strategy demonstrates other advantages:
- Scientific studies document colony elimination is far superior
- Elimination of the termite queen most often
- Treatment is minimally-to-non-disruptive to home, lawn, and landscaping
- Treatment effectiveness does not degrade over time
- No label restrictions around water sources and wells
- Treatment is removable
Although highlighted above are many of the advantages in considering use of a termite baiting system, these are some of the features of a liquid ground treatment:
- A liquid treatment forms a continuous barrier protecting the structure, in contrast to the discontinuous barrier in baiting systems that have gaps between the placement of the stations.
- Barrier liquid treatment is more labor-intensive initially, and while there is no cost of upkeep or replacement parts such as that associated with bait station systems, a less frequent yearly inspection is required with any barrier method you choose.
- A liquid termiticide approach often does not repel termites and spreads the active ingredient throughout the colony through contact and sharing food. Many liquid termiticides are undetectable by termites and interfere with basic functions such as grooming and feeding. Non-repellent termiticides, like Termidor, are reported to kill much more quickly than the active ingredient found in termite baiting systems, and treatments last in the ground longer.
The choice may seem daunting but that is why you have Millette Pest Control to help. We will explain the pros and cons of both approaches so that you can make the right decision for you!