Termite Control Treatments
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Types of Termite Treatments
Termites can be a nuisance to homeowners, business proprietors, and property managers in equal measure. Not only that they are unsightly but also they can cause immense damage to wooden structures and cardboard to the tune of millions of dollars within a short span of time. Many people think that there are a small number of termites in their premise or the problem is seasonal rather than an all year round problem. That is not the case. Termites live in larger colonies of up to several hundred thousand members.
Ongoing prevention is also the right way to handle ants control because ants are always there whether we see them or not. With most insurance covers excluding ant and termite damage to a home, you could be wondering what measure you can take to stop and prevent future attacks on your valued property. Here is a quick overview of the types of termites and methods of treatment that work.
Types of termites
While there are thousands of ant species on our planet, here are the main types of ants that can attack human settlements. Here is a brief discussion of each and how to control it.
Subterranean termite treatment.
Termites prefer to keep their operation below ground. They can also surface to chew on more wood by building those nasty earthen tunnels to access the upper parts of wood touching the ground. These ants can remain stealthy and fit through the smallest cracks up to a couple of millimeters. By those standards, there is no home safe from termites and their destructive tendencies as long as it has something made of trees in or part of it.
Treatment options include;
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Temite Monitoring and bait stations
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Application of termiticide
Drywood Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, Dry wood termites are not shy of the earth’s surface even though it’s devoid of moisture. They do not need to build tunnels or stay in the ground at all times. They can travel up to a mile in pursuit of a good source of wood. Wherever they find ample supply of dead untreated wood they call home for a couple of months, maybe years. You will find these ants eating at the attic of a house and wonder how they got there. These more formidable foot soldiers will attack structural wood, the dead tree remains, utility poles, fencing, and furniture. Treatments options include;
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Gas fumigation
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Heat treatments for termites
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Use of termiticide
Dampwood Termites
Damp wood termites are dissimilar from their subterranean counterparts in that they do not construct mud tubes. However, they also have high moisture requirements and will prefer dead and decaying moist wood that is in contact with the ground. They may be less destructive than the earlier two groups but they can also cause measurable harm to property where wood touches the ground. These termites will generally have large pincers that can ward off predator attacks. To treat for damp wood termites use;
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Dehumidification
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Use of termiticide
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Bait stations
Bait Stations for termite control
One of the most effective ways to guard your property against termites is to have monitoring and baits stations installed. Monitoring stations are strategically placed to detect and determine the extent of termite activity on your premises. Once confirmed, bait stations draw termites that then can carry the chemical agents back to the colony. This means that we can deal with the entire colony even without uncovering their hideout underground. This control method is effective for small to large colonies.
Gas Fumigation
Gas Fumigation targets dry wood termites because they can dwell anywhere inside the house. The fumigant is a precise targeting formula that inhibits the metabolism of termites once inhaled. This method has the advantage of getting to the root of the problem because the gas can permeate throughout the premise.
Heat termite control
Another weakness of termites is to exploit with the help of an experienced termite control specialist is that termites cannot survive large amounts of heat. The heat treatment method involves the deployment of a large capacity heater to raise the temperature of targeted areas between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill termites in the wood.
Application of Termiticide
Termites are some of the most resilient species and they will build a tolerance to most mild pesticides over time. This calls for prompt and proper application of chemicals to remove current populations in the home and prevent re-infestation. The best termiticide and application depends on the nature of attacks and is best for a qualified pest control professional to decide. Improper use of chemicals can cause harm to other life and prove to be ineffective in combating the termite problem at hand.
Moisture Removal termite control
For a majority of termite species, moisture is critical to their survival. So fixing a leaking faucet or pipe could go a long way in keeping termites away. Further, wood in contact with the ground is always more prone to dampness and hence an attraction for termites. Instead, use pretreated wood smeared with ant repellent to prevent decay and termites chewing at it.
Post-treatment swarming and what it means
Winged termites flying around the home might be a bother flying into the home and are an indication of a nearby colony. They may not eat on wood but they are reproductive (mature termites seeking mates). They are not harmless as they will eventually couple up, lose their wings and start a colony of their own. When swarming occurs after treatment, it is often an indication that there are other colonies nearby and that fumigation was not effective.
What to do about post-treatment swarming?
For termite control, homeowners are better off hiring a trusted pest control company that has a deeper knowledge of local species. Follow up treatments are always necessary as part of the surviving colony members can always regenerate if left unchecked.
The bottom line is that termites take adequate skill and determination and the constant checks to keep away. With persistent effort, termites can be stopped and prevented.
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