Termites
We offer treatment for both subterranean termites and drywood termites. The first step is critical: the proper identification of the termite and to know the difference between a subterranean and drywood termite. Each has specific methods of treatments as discussed below.
Subterranean Termites
- Subterranean termites live in colonies that consist of millions of individuals. They share food and shelter and the care of their young.
- Subterranean termites usually swarm during the spring but occasionally a few smaller swarms may occur during the summer.
- They swarm during daylight and in large numbers over a wide area to find a mate from another colony nest to start up a new colony. Colony nests are usually located in the ground. Mud galleries or shelter tubes are constructed across hard objects in order to travel and gain access to timber food sources.
- These mud shelter tubes act as protection from predators, sun burn, and dehydration and they hold moisture which is essential for their survival.
- Shelter tubes are generally the same color and texture of the surrounding soil as they are made from the soil.
- Additionally, subterranean termites can develop a subsidiary colony nest which may not require contact with the ground to survive if there is moisture inside the wall or other cavities of a building from faulty plumbing or a roof leak.
- Subterranean termites rarely show themselves in the open and infestations can be difficult to detect until damage becomes severe. Subterranean termites nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wood that is often wet. They easily attack any wood in contact with the ground.
***Should you think you have uncovered subterranean termites, immediately take a photograph. Once you uncover their infestation, they generally will not return to that area but go to an area where it is more difficult to detect***
Subterranean Termite Treatment
Termidor® is applied to soil areas abutting a building in order to eradicate termites as they attempt to gain entry into the building. This method is referred to as trench and treat. It provides immediate protection and reduction of risk of on-going expensive structural timber damage from a termite infestation. Alternative termite baiting systems do not provide the immediate treatment. As additional termites come into contact with the treated perimeter, generally a few days later, they will transfer the Termidor® active ingredient to other termites they contact. This delayed accumulative lethal effect of Termidor® is aimed at eliminating the entire colony.
The installation of a chemical soil barrier requires expert knowledge and specialized equipment to form a complete and continuous barrier to protect the building from a termite entry and infestation. Please contact us for a free inspection.
Drywood Termites
- Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. They occur in small colonies in isolated wood pieces and multiple colonies can infest several areas in a structure simultaneously.
- Drywood termites typically swarm in late spring and into the summer. Otherwise, they typically remain hidden within the wood or other material on which they feed.
- You may see their discarded wings and/or their frass (fecal pellets, which are ejected periodically through kick out holes). Their frass will vary in color but have a distinctive hard, bun shaped pellet.
- Drywood termites will infest not only the structure itself, but will also infest in wood furniture, décor, and other wood items in your home.
Drywood Termite Treatment
While other companies may offer liquid treatment for drywood termites, we only offer and specialize in fumigations. It is the only method that offers 100 percent treatment; Vikane® penetrates the entire infested area.
We have performed over 30,000 successful fumigations since 2005 and have treated all types of structures, including antique vehicles and boats.
Additional information on Vikane® and fumigations can be found at www.fumigationfacts.com.
We also invite you to our fumigation services page to view a gallery of our exemplary work.