TAKE ON THOSE
TERRIBLE TERMITES!
The Ultimate Guide to Exterminating Termites
Prepared by:
TERMITE TERROR:
DESTRUCTION IN A FEW BITES
Have you ever wondered why termites are such a problem?
Home inspectors search for them, contractors fear them, and
homeowners often don’t really know what to think about them.
After all, how can such a tiny insect do so much damage?
Much like bees, termites live in large colonies. When a termite
colony sets up house, they do so in a place that provides plenty of
moisture for their needs. Unfortunately, if you have a wall cavity
where moisture has been allowed to build up due to leaking pipes,
a shower recess, gutters, or broken roof tiles, this is the perfect
place for termites to build their nest.
Termites build a central nest around which they construct a colony
of underground tunnels that can radiate out 100 yards from the
nest. These tunnels allow them to travel safely in search of timber
to feed their colony members.
If their nest is somewhere within your walls, where do you think
that timber will come from?
You guessed it – your home.
All homeowners are familiar with the silent home
destroyer – the termite. Termites are dangerous to all
types of homes because they feed on dead trees, plants,
and other forms of cellulose. For many, this means that
termites may target their homes. Each year, termites
chew their way through billions of dollars in home
damage. In many cases, homeowners may not be aware
of a termite infestation until it’s too late.
How can you protect your home from termites? This
guide provides you with everything you need to know
about termites and how to treat your home. After
reading this guide, you will know why termites are so
destructive, the different types of termites, how each
termite type works, and how to get rid of the most
common type of termite.
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Termites can travel through an opening as small as 1/8” and can
eat through the rubber compound between an expansion joint
that adjoins concrete to ground flooring. They can travel under
and between flooring to get to the wall framing timbers. They can
pretty much go anywhere in your home and you won’t ever know
they are there.
Once they have accessed the wood that makes up the structure of
your home, they begin to eat.
Worker termites digest the wood and then feed the partly digested,
semi-solid food to the other members of the colony. This requires
a lot of food, and in a very short time, termites can do massive
damage to a home’s structure.
They have been known to eat through structural timbers, posts,
floor supports, ceiling supports, wall studs, subfloors, drywall,
paneling, carpet, and even furniture.
Termites are hard to detect, but some signs can include discarded
termite wings, mud tubes, termite droppings, bubbling paint,
and wood damage. If you suspect that you have termites in your
home, call a professional immediately for an inspection. The longer
you wait to take care of these insects, the more damage they can
do to your home.
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TYPES OF TERMITES
Now that you understand why termites are so destructive, your first thought
may be how to prevent and get rid of these tiny terrors. In order to destroy
this enemy, you must first understand the different types of termites and how
each type works.
There are three main types of termites: subterranean, drywood, and
dampwood. Each of these main types has several more specialized species.
It is important to identify which type of termite is present in the home.
While all termites live in “social” colonies, different types have varying
nesting, feeding, and reproductive habits that play a role in proper termite
management.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive type of termite
in the United States. These termites typically live in the soil or in moist,
secluded areas above the soil. Subterranean termites are the only type of
termite with a true caste system consisting of reproductive termites, workers,
and soldiers. Reproductive termites focus on reproducing. Workers focus on
building shelter and finding food for the colony. Soldiers focus on defending
the colony from intruders like ants and other termites.
One of the telltale signs of a subterranean termite infestation is the presence
of mud tubes outside the home or on areas such as foundation slabs and
crawl spaces. Mud tubes, also called shelter tubes, are built by worker
termites to provide shelter as they travel back and forth outside the colony for
food. These mud tubes are made of components like dirt, wood bits, termite
saliva, and termite fecal matter.
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In addition to causing property damage, subterranean termite infestations
may compromise the safety of family members in the home. Since floor
joists and support beams create an ideal food supply for subterranean
termites, these termites tend to weaken wood structures. This can cause
homes to partially or completely collapse if the infestation goes untreated
for a long period of time.
Drywood Termites
After the subterranean termite, drywood termites are the second most
common type of termite and their colonies are typically smaller than
subterranean termite colonies. As indicated by the name, drywood termites
live and feed deep inside sound, dry wood. A telltale sign of drywood
termites is the presence of feces pellets that are discarded through “kick
holes” made in a building’s wood. The pellets will collect over time and have
a distinct shape. A pest control professional can help to identify the presence
of drywood termites and these characteristic feces pellets.
Dampwood Termites
Unlike subterranean and drywood termites, dampwood termites do not
nest in soil or dry wood. They make their home in damp and sometimes
decaying wood. These termites are significantly larger than subterranean
termites. Due to the need for moist wood, it is important to help prevent
dampwood termite infestation by avoiding moisture in and around the
home. Roof or siding leaks, plumbing issues, and wood that touches the
ground should all be tended to accordingly.
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SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE CONTROL USING
BAIT SYSTEM
Now that you understand how each type of termite works, you can begin
strategizing with your pest control company on how best to remove the
termites in your home. Since subterranean termites are the most common type
of termite, let’s discuss the best method for exterminating this type of termite.
So what is the best way to get rid of subterranean termites? Answer: The
Sentricon Colony Elimination System is the best method to identify, eliminate,
and prevent infestations of homes by subterranean termites.
Subterranean Termite Infestation Prevention
The damage which is inflicted by subterranean termite infestations prior
to beginning termite control systems may be costly to repair and may
decrease home values. Homeowners can avoid these complications by
utilizing Sentricon before an infestation begins. Having Sentricon Colony
Elimination Systems installed to prevent termite infestations may save
homeowners money as well as provide peace of mind.
Identifying a Subterranean Termite Infestation
While certain signs may indicate a possible termite infestation, the Sentricon
system helps professional exterminators to confirm the presence of termites. To
do this, Sentricon bait stations are set up in select areas surrounding the home.
Professionals will return to the home regularly to inspect bait stations for signs
of subterranean termites.
Sentricon Bait Stations
Once a subterranean termite infestation has been confirmed, professional
exterminators will carefully insert bait into the station. Subterranean termites
operate on a caste system similar to ants with workers and a queen.
The worker termites take the bait back to the colony and the colony is
systematically eliminated.
Sentricon Effectiveness
The Sentricon Colony Elimination System is guaranteed to eliminate
subterranean termite infestations and prevent future infestations. Sentricon
has been used in the United States for about two decades and is the most
trusted name in subterranean termite extermination. Approximately 70 articles
have been written pertaining to the effectiveness of Sentricon in eliminating
subterranean termite colonies and queens.
Ongoing Termite Control
It is necessary to take steps to continually monitor and protect against
subterranean termite infestations. Homes that have attracted subterranean
termites in the past will always present a habitable environment for termites.
Sentricon bait stations continue to stay in place after the subterranean termite
infestation has been eliminated. Pest control professionals will continue to
monitor these bait stations periodically to identify signs of termite activity. If
any termite activity is detected, bait is reintroduced into the bait stations.
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You now know why termites are so destructive, the different types
of termites, how each termite type works, and how to get rid of
the most common type of termite. With all of this knowledge, you
are ready to tackle your termite problem with your pest control
company. So where should you look for an experienced pest
control professional?
Guarantee Floridian Pest Control is the company for you! We
are qualified to use the Sentricon Colony Elimination System and
we can eliminate the entire colony of termites that are destroying
your home. In addition to being qualified to use the best termite
extermination system out there, we also consistently provide
prompt, courteous, friendly, and professional service. You can trust
our service professionals to treat your home with the same level of
dedication and professionalism as they would their own homes. If
you’re ready to take on your termite problem, call us today!
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