Termite Control Products Fundamentals Explained

Mud tubesUnlike ants, termites do not ramble around on the soil surface or out in the open. They'll either tunnel through the soil or into timber (or other material) or else traveling inside pencil-size (or bigger )"mud tubes" they build from soil, wood contaminants and other materials. You'll find these tubes on foundation walls, floor joists or other areas of the home.

Break open the tubes to determine if termites continue to be busy. An empty tube doesn't necessarily mean that termites are gonethey may have just abandoned this particular tunnel. Termites often rebuild damaged tubes, and it is another indication of current action. 'Old' tubes are sterile and crumble easily, leaving behind"etching" on the surface that may be observable for years (an indication that a home had termite activity at some time).

Tubes which are found on ceilings or on top levels of a building may indicate that you have an aboveground ("airborne") infestation, i.e., the termite colony actually resides in the building and the termites are traveling from the soil. Mud tubes constructed through an aboveground colony usually contain substances other than dirt, e.g., wood and sheet rock or whatever the termites are feeding on.

Not known Facts About Termite Control Process

In such situations, a thorough inspection may require removal of siding or interior wallboards, etc.. More importantly for you, these aboveground infestations cannot be controlled using the customary soil treatment (see below) and therefore are typically deducted by a termite contract warranty. In these situations, finding and correcting the moisture problem is the first step to eliminating the termites. .

We tend to think of termites as feeding/injuring timber only. Termites really feed on virtually anything that contains cellulose, the main component of wood, including wood paneling, paper products, cardboard boxes, art canvases, the paper covering of sheet rock, carpeting, etc.. While foraging and feeding, they may tunnel through non-cellulosic materials, such as plastic and foamboard.

Facts About Termite Control Products Uncovered

In reality, the amount of harm that termites cause depends on many factors. In regions with cold winter temperatures, termite activity (and feeding) often declines, but does not necessarily stop. If the termites are well-protected from colder temperatures (e.g., underneath a slab), then action may continue year-round. From a practical standpoint, severe termite damage usually takes approximately 3-8 years. .

There is no accurate way of determining the age of recently discovered damage. You need some reference point, i.e., some point in time when it was known that there was no harm to this particular wood. This can be one reason why annual inspections (and keeping your records of those inspections) are important. .

NOTE: These inspections are not a guarantee that you do not have termites or damage in areas which are not insured or not easily seen, such as inside walls. However, the inspections can reveal conditions that may imply that damage does exist and further investigation is needed.

In case you've got a termite protection contract, contact the pest control company quickly and arrange for them to check out the problem. If you do not own a termite contract, telephone 2-3 (or more) companies and have every one inspect your house and provide you with the details of their findings and any recommendations for a plan of action to fix any termite conditions they found.

Termite Control Products - Truths

Termites do not cause significant damage in a short time period, so spending a couple of added days or even a couple weeks will not why not check here make any actual difference in terms just how much damage occurs. .

Is there damage That Needs to Be repaired or examined by a contractor or engineer before control measures are performed

Simply spraying swarmers or the surface of accessible infested wood may kill the termites that you see now, but it does not stop the infestation nor does it protect your house from future attacks by termites. The most common type of termite treatment involves a"trench and treat" where a liquid insecticide ("termiticide") is applied to the soil surrounding critical areas of your house.

The Ultimate Guide To Termite Control Process

The dirt is trenched 6" deep and approximately 4-6" wide. For homes with crawlspaces, the dirt along the interior foundation wall has to be treated within 4 feet of identified signs of termite activity. In some circumstances, the soil around supports (for example, piers) underneath the house are also treated.

When applied correctly, this treatment creates a continuous chemical barrier like this which should prevent termites from reaching the foundation and piers in your residence. .

Concrete slabs which attach to the house, for example, a garage floor, or the slab of an earth-filled porch.