TERMITES
How will I know if my home is infested? One of the most visible indicators 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 "shelter tubes” from particles of soil 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 (e.g. 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 or other obstructions. Termite feeding can even progress undetected in wood that is exposed, because the outer surface is usually left intact. Detecting an infestation often requires the trained eye of a professional inspector. However, even the most experienced inspector can overlook damage that is hidden.
Another visible sign of infestation is the presence of winged termites emerging indoors or from the building exterior. Termite swarmers have a dark body and are attracted to light and may 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
that the hind wings.
Will the swarmers emerging indoors damage my house? No. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. At certain times of the year, especially on
warm days after a rain, winged “reproductives” emerge from the colony and fly into the
air. The swarmers then drop to the ground, 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. The swarmer termites and their shed wings can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Swarmers emerging from tree stumps, wood piles and other outdoor locations away from the house are not necessarily cause for concern, and do not mean that the building is infested.
Can I treat the house myself? Ridding a home of termites requires extensive knowledge of building construction and 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 training in the installation of an interception and/or baiting systems as well as the proper use of supplemental treatments that may be employed, such as liquid chemical barriers, foams and wood protectants. Given the substantial financial investment of one's home, termite treatment is a job for professionals.
How do I choose a pest control firm? The company should be licensed by the agency within the state that regulates termite treatments (Dept. of Agriculture, Structural Pest Control Commission, etc.). Membership in local, state and national associations suggests that the company is an established firm with access to technical and training information needed to do the job correctly. As with any service company, references from friends and neighbors within the community are invaluable. Consider calling at least two or three companies. Requesting inspections and bids from more than one company will substantiate the extent of your problem and allow you to compare services and different types of warranties or service agreements available.
Click here for more information on how to tell the difference between ants and termites.
