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Frequently Asked Questions About Termites
The following list contains the most frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to termites, our pest control services and extermination services. If you have a question that's not answered here, don't hesitate to call. 1-800-283-7648
Question Table of Contents
NOTE: Each question is a link to the answer below.
- Why are most termite problems discovered during March through May?
- How will I know if my home is infested?
- Can I treat the house myself?
- How can I determine if I'm getting a proper treatment?
- How long will the treatment last?
- Will the termite chemical harm my family or pets?
- Does my entire house need to be treated-or can I just pay for a "spot treatment" in areas where I see termites?
- Have I been "cheated" if termites continue to infest my house after treatment?
Why are most termite problems discovered during March through May?
Spring is typically when large numbers of winged termites (known as swarmers) emerge inside structures. This, along with other signs of termites noted during real estate inspections is what usually triggers the initial concern of homeowners. In nature, termites swarm in order to disperse and start new colonies. After a colony reaches a critical size (typically requiring 5-8 years), winged reproductives are produced. In response to warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air. The swarmers then drop to the ground, shed their wings, pair off with a mate, and attempt to begin a new colony in the soil.
Very few swarmers emerging outdoors survive to initiate new colonies. Termite swarmers emerging inside a structure almost never survive - but indicate that an infestation is present. Swarmers and their shed wings can be removed with a vacuum cleaner.
Back to topHow will I know if my home is infested?
The presence of winged termites inside a home almost always indicates and infestation warranting treatment. Termite swarmers are attracted to light and often will be seen around windows, doors, and light fixtures.
They can be differentiated from winged ants by their straight antennae, uniform waist, and wings of equal size. Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists, and forewings that are longer than the hind wings. Swarmers emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, railroad ties and other outdoor locations are not necessarily cause for concern, and do not necessarily mean that the structure, itself, is infested.
Another indicator of a termite problem is pencil-wide mud foraging tubes extending over foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, floor joists, headers and subfloors. Termites construct these mud "shelter" tubes as they travel between their underground colonies and the structure. Termite damaged wood is usually hollowed out along the grain, with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Wood damaged by moisture or other types of insects (i.e. carpenter ants) will not have this appearance.
There will often be no sign of the termites themselves-small, creamy white insects with an ant-like appearance. An infestation can go undetected for years, hidden behind drywall, paneling, floor coverings, insulation, and other obstructions.
Termite feeding (and the resultant damage) can even progress undetected in wood that is exposed, because the outer surface is usually left intact. Confirmation of infestation often requires the keen eye of an experienced termite inspector. However, even the most experienced termite inspector can overlook damage which is hidden.
Back to topCan I treat the house myself?
Ridding a home of termites requires extensive knowledge of building construction and an understanding of where termites are likely to enter. Many of these potential entry points are hidden and difficult to access. Termite control also requires specialized equipment and the application of large amounts of termiticide. A typical termite job may require 200-plus gallons of termiticide solution injected into the soil, beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation walls.
Given the substantial financial investment of one's home, termite treatment is usually a job for professionals. A possible exception would be if a mailbox post, sandbox or similar outdoor wood object not attached to the structure was infested.
Back to topHow can I determine if I'm getting a proper treatment?
There are many elements to a quality termite job. The inspection should be thorough, with a diagram of the structure indicating location(s) of termite activity, observable damage, and types of treatment techniques that will be performed.
Ultimately, the quality of a termite job depends less on the person who sells the job than on the individual who does the work. A safe and effective treatment requires an experienced technician, not someone who was hired a few weeks ago.
Back to topHow long will the treatment last?
Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggest that all of the registered termiticides should control termites for at least five years if they are applied at label concentrations and rates. The actual length of control, for a given structure, will depend on such factors as thoroughness of the application, the prevailing environmental conditions, and density of termites in the area. If termites continue to be present the year following treatment, it's probably not from degradation of the termiticide-but because termites have found an untreated gap in the chemical barrier.
Will the termite chemical harm my family or pets?
Termiticides are tested extensively for adverse effects on health. Before a product can be used, numerous studies must be conducted by the manufacturer and independently evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Based on the current body of research, these registered termiticides present no significant hazard to humans, pets or the environment when applied according to label directions. In spite of the negligible health risk from a termite treatment, people with lingering concerns should consult their physician.
Does my entire house need to be treated-or can I just pay for a "spot treatment" in areas where I see termites?
Subterranean termite colonies can be very large; a single colony may contain a million or more individuals. Termite workers (the life stage doing the damage) can also forage considerable distances-in some cases, the entire length of a football field. This means that the termite colony or colonies responsible for damage may actually be in a neighbor's yard, rather than beneath the house which is infested. For these reasons, localized or "spot" treatments are generally a gamble, except in cases of re treatment. Most reputable pest control firms will not warrant spot treatments, since it is likely that termites will eventually find other points of entry into the structure.
Have I been "cheated" if termites continue to infest my house after treatment?
Not necessarily. Unlike other services such as plumbing or electrical work, termite control involves living creatures. The best efforts may fail at times because termites are able to find their way through small untreated gaps in the soil. The intent is to establish a continuous and impenetrable chemical barrier in the soil-but this is almost impossible to achieve in actual practice. Termites can penetrate though untreated gaps as small as 1/64 inch (as narrow as a pencil head) in the soil.
The key, therefore, is to hire a pest control firm employing knowledgeable and thorough technicians. Companies will usually return and retreat affected area(s) at no additional charge provided the service agreement is purchased and maintained.
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