Why worry about termites? Because termites cause billions of
dollars in damage to homes each year. While buildings may become
infested at any time, being aware of termite infestations is of
particular importance when buying or selling a home since a termite
inspection report is normally a condition of sale. Aside from the
monetary impact, having thousands of winged termites emerge inside your home can be emotionally trying, as is the thought of termites
silently feasting on your largest investment.
Spring is typically when large numbers of winged termites, known as
"swarmers," emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse
and start new colonies. Triggered by 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 new colonies in the soil. Few swarmers
emerging outdoors survive to start new colonies. Swarmers emerging
indoors are incapable of eating wood, seldom survive, and are best
removed with a vacuum. They do, however, indicate that an infestation
is present.
People
often confuse winged termites with ants, which often swarm at the same
time of year. Termites can be differentiated 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 are attracted to light and are often seen around
windows and doors. Termite swarmers emerging from tree stumps,
woodpiles, and other locations out in the yard are not necessarily cause
for concern, and do not necessarily mean that the house is infested.
On the other hand, if winged termites are seen emerging from the base of
a foundation wall or adjoining porch or patio, there's a good chance
the house is infested and treatment may be warranted. Other signs of
infestation are earthen or mud tubes extending over foundation walls,
support piers, sill plates, floor joists, etc. The tubes are typically
about the diameter of a pencil, but sometimes can be thicker. Termites
construct these tubes for shelter as they travel between their
underground colonies and the structure. To help determine if an
infestation is active, the tubes may be broken open and checked for the
presence of small, creamy-white worker termites. If a tube happens to
be vacant, it does not necessarily mean that the infestation is inactive
as termites often abandon sections of tubes while foraging elsewhere in
the structure. Occasionally termites bore tiny holes through plaster
or drywall, accompanied by bits of soil around the margin.
Ridding a home of
termites requires special skills. A knowledge of building construction
is needed to identify the critical areas where termites are likely to
enter. Many of these areas are hidden and difficult to access. Termite
control also demands specialized equipment such as masonry drills,
pumps, large capacity tanks, and soil treatment rods. Liquid pesticide,
known as termiticides, are injected into the ground alongside the
foundation, or beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation walls. In
short, a termite treatment is a job for professionals. Do-it-yourself
products sold to homeowners at retail stores or bought over the internet
seldom eradicate an existing termite problem.
All liquid termiticides are
supposed to control termites for at least five years when applied
according to label directions. The actual length of control on a given
structure will depend on such factors as the thoroughness of
application, environmental conditions, and density of termites in the
area. If termites swarm again and continue to be a problem the year
following treatment, it's usually not from degradation of the
termiticide, but because termites have found an untreated gap in the
chemical barrier. The key is to hire a reputable pest control firm
employing experienced, conscientious technicians. Most companies will
return and retreat affected area(s) at no additional charge provided a
service agreement is purchased and maintained.
Source: Jim Hailey - Finley Termite & Pest Control Inc.
