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Termites

In March on a sunny day following rain, you may see swarms of termites inside your home. Termites are a year round problem and may go undetected without careful annual inspections, the presence of swarming termites indeed indicates of an infestation. These flying, winged termites are on the move to start new colonies and destroy wood.

When you see swarming termites, close off the room where the termites are swarming and carefully collect several examples of the insects to show your pest control professional. Termites are sometimes confused with winged forms of ants, which also leave their underground nests in large numbers to establish new colonies and swarm in a manner similar to reproductive stages of termites. However, ants and termites can be distinguished by checking their antennae, wings, and waist.

The termites will try to exit your home by following light. After their flight, the swarming termites will drop their wings and can no longer fly. At this point, they will mate and locate new sites (damp wood touching the soil, for example) to begin colonies. If you miss the swarm itself, you may find their rice-shaped wings on windowsills or near a heat or light source. Mark the locations of the termite swarm and vacuum any remaining dead insects and wing residue.

To control termites, it is important to understand their habits. Termites are social, forming large nests or colonies. Each termite has a specialized job. The queen's role is to lay eggs, sometimes thousands in a single day with the king by her side. Soldiers with their powerful jaws and bulblike head protect the nests. The numerous male and female workers tend the queen, build the nest, and gather food. Queens and kings can live for decades while individual workers can survive for several years.

An infestation begins when a mated pair finds a suitable nesting site in or near wood and constructs a small chamber, which they enter and seal. Soon afterward, the female begins egg laying, and both the king and queen feed the young nymphs on predigested food until they are able to feed themselves. Termites have microscopic, one-celled animals called protozoa within their intestines that help in converting wood (cellulose) into food for the colony. Once workers and nymphs are produced, the king and queen are fed by the workers and cease feeding on wood.. Both nymphs and workers groom and feed one another and other colony members.

Your pest control professional will control these subterranean termites with the application of repellent insecticides and non-repellent baiting programs. First your pest management professional will destroy the shelter tubes and access points or nests to interrupt access to your home and to open colonies to attack from natural enemies such as ants. Foundation vents and other measures to control moisture may also be recommended.

Insecticides should be applied to the soil around your home's foundation in a narrow trench by injection. The barrier will include adjoining carports and garages. Termites will detect and thus be repelled by the chemical barrier around your home.

Numerous monitoring stations may also be installed in the soil around your home's perimeter approximately two feet from the foundation. When termites are found eating the stick of wood inside the stations, the wood is replaced with a special bait containing a non-repellant insecticide. Termites do not detect the insecticides which cling to their bodies. The termites return to their nests and their grooming and social habits will spread the chemicals to others in their nests, killing the termites. Thus the monitoring stations alert you to termite movement toward your home and the chemical barrier turns the termites away from your home's foundation.

Termite Control - Baiting

It is true that once the pest control industry lost Chlordane/Heptachlor the art of controlling subterranean termites changed dramatically. The practice of controlling termites is not a science, rather an art form where pest control professionals have an array of products and techniques at their disposal along with extensive training to control termites.

The newest form of termite control is known as baiting , though often described by some as a panacea, it has limitations.

Termites may not find the bait due to their need to constantly search for a food source.

Monitoring devices only function when monitored on a scheduled basis.

Manufacturers claims of total colony elimination has not been proven.

The best approach is to combine this type of baiting with a liquid barrier treatment, aggressive inspection, and monitoring of the property. It is very important to note termites do not distinguish between old and new houses.

Construction techniques and products used on housing structures can contribute to a termite infestation. Poor grading of the lot can cause moisture situations resulting in rot damage and attracting termites. Wood siding or supports in contact with soil may attract termites. Use pressure treated lumber whenever possible as it is less prone to attack from termites. However, termites can build their mud tubes through cracks in pressure treated wood or around them which they can also do to metal shields.

Synthetic stucco (EIFS ) housing can also be a serious problem if the material is incorrectly installed. This product should have a minimum ground clearance of 8” to 12” inches from the ground and the correct caulking material properly applied to windows and doors and constantly monitored for moisture. Many professional pest control companies are now refusing to treat structures with synthetic stucco.

Inadequate chemical barrier treatments using less effective products may contribute to a termite problem. Make sure to check with your builder before moving into your home and find out who treated your home while it was being built. Contact a them about a service contract and warranty. Some states now require an inspection be made within 10 days of the property being listed for sale and again 30 days prior to closing. This could help prevent any surprises.

All pest control companies in Tennessee and Georgia are required to be licensed and insured. The license holder and technicians are required to attend many training seminars and to maintain certification in their category of pest control work they perform. It is always a good idea to ask about credentials when employing anyone to perform a service for you.

Your home is one of your biggest investments, it is extremely important that it be monitored for termite activity by a pest control professional at least once a year.

Pre-Treating New Construction

Often new homes are treated for the prevention of subterranean termites while under construction. The purpose of the treatment is to create a barrier between the ground where termites originate and the treated structure. Treating the soil to repel termites is commonly referred to as a “pre-treat.”

What are termites? They are highly social insects. These insects may live by the millions on one acre of property. When you build a structure on that property, you are providing a readily available meal for them because termites eat anything containing cellulose or wood fibers. They enter a structure through cracks in the slab and foundation and search for food – your wood frame. They chew the wood and microorganisms within their stomach process the food. Pest management companies keep termites away from wood by initial chemical applications and scheduled follow-up monitoring.

But is it really necessary that a new home be treated for termites? The answer is “yes.”A home is one of the most important investments individuals make in life. No one wants to see their largest investment damaged by termites. More importantly, termites do not differentiate between old and new houses.

It is hard to imagine that such tiny insects can cause significant damage. Because subterranean termites have survived for millions of years, they have effectively adapted to their environment, ensuring their survival. If you live in the south long enough, you will experience some contact with termites. The further south you go, the bigger the threat. Tennessee and Georgia are both considered high pressure areas for termite activity. It makes sense to protect homes from termites and to protect them immediately beginning at the initial construction stage. Termites do more damage than wind, fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes combined.

At what point during its construction should a new house be “pre-treated?” That depends on the type of foundation. Most homes in our region are built on either conventional foundations (block and pier) or have basements. While you see the occasional solid concrete slab foundation, it is usually found on commercial projects.

Conventional foundations are treated with a liquid barrier under footers, inside block walls, under attached porches, and around the foundation after the final back-fill has been made. Basement treatments normally include treatment to the fill area or floor just prior to the concrete pour. Another treatment is then made once the house is finished and the back-fill is completed.

The liquid barriers should be applied before concrete is poured and before any plastic barriers are used. Also the weather should be clear and dry during and following the treatment. Treatments should not be made in the rain or if rain is expected within four to five hours. The liquid chemical barrier needs to have a good contact with the soil and foundation.

A post construction treatment can be made but at a much higher expense, so it is important to pre-treat the home during construction. Commercial buildings should be treated even if they are primarily constructed from concrete and steel. These buildings have sheet rock and wood trim that must be protected from termites. All outbuildings like storage buildings and pool houses that contain wood building products also need treatment.

As a builder, you should understand the pre-treatment process so you can be sure your construction project gets the most effective initial treatment possible. Several key issues contribute to achieving the best results.    First, construction techniques and products used on housing structures can contribute to a termite infestation. Poor grading of the lot causes a moisture situation, making the area conducive to termites or resulting in rot damage that attracts termites and other wood destroying organisms like beetles and fungus. Moist wood is easier for termites to eat. Wood siding or wood supports in direct contact with the soil attract termites. The use of pressure treated lumber can minimize or prolong attacks from termites but pressure treated lumber is no guarantee against termites. Termites can build their mud tubes through cracks in pressure treated wood or even around the wood. Even metal shields sitting on top of block foundations do not slow down termites; they just build their mud shelter tubes around the shields.

Synthetic stucco (EIFS) housing can also be conducive to termites if the material is not properly installed. This product should have a minimum ground clearance of 8” to 12” inches. The correct caulking material should be properly applied to windows and doors to minimize moisture. Many pest management companies refuse to treat structures with synthetic stucco construction.

It is important to ensure no wood debris or cellulose materials are in the construction area. When debris from construction is left under homes, it attracts termites. Also be sure your pest management company performs the backfill treatment. Insist your pest management company post the proper signage to verify that treatment has occurred – for the benefit of you as well as the homebuyer. Homes financed by FHA and VA loans are provided with a one-year termite-free guarantee.

Your pest management company should also provide two supporting documents for closing on the sale of the home -- a “Subterranean Termite Treatment Builder’s Certification Guarantee” and a contract or warranty.   In addition, information about the pest management is typically provided for the buyer. Normally, the new homeowner will continue yearly monitoring of the home for termite activity under the terms of the warranty.

All pest management companies in Tennessee and Georgia are required to be licensed and insured. Tennessee also required bonding. The license holder and technicians are required to attend training seminars and to maintain certification in termite and pest management service categories. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to ask about credentials when anyone performs pre-treatment services for you.

The Importance of Pre-Treating for Termites

Just because new homes are treated for the prevention of subterranean termites while under construction, doesn't mean that it is the only time a treatment is necessary. When adding a garage, outbuilding, or new addition, that should be pretreated. Most lending institutions require the pre-treatment of a new structure when a construction loan or a HUD-backed loan is involved. Even commercial buildings made of concrete and steel need a pre-treatment. Why? Because they contain sheetrock, wooden doors, wood stud walls, or other wood materials attractive to termites.

Treating the soil to repel termites is commonly referred to as the “pre-treat.” The purpose of pre-construction treatment is to create a barrier between the ground where termites live and the structure being built.
In nature, termites are actually beneficial insects because they consume old decaying wood and clear land of such materials. Unfortunately, they make no distinction in your home or office's wood construction material from wood in the forest. Your new structure is encountered on their continual search for food. Termites live by the millions on one acre of property. When you build a structure on that property, you are providing a readily available meal for them because termites eat anything containing cellulose or wood fibers. They enter a structure through cracks in the slab and foundation and search for food – your wood frame. They chew the wood and microorganisms within their stomach process the food.

But is it necessary that a new home be treated for termites? The answer is “yes.” A home is one of the most important investments individuals make in life. No one wants to see their largest investment damaged by termites. More importantly, termites do not differentiate between old and new houses. Should a new home be inspected every year? Again the answer is "yes." Termites don't realize a home is new or not. Also construction practices including moving soil, water leaks from plumbing, roofs, or gutters, mulch around foundations, flower beds made from landscape timbers, etc. may create conducive conditions. Pest management companies prevent termites from invading your home by initial chemical applications and yearly scheduled follow-up monitoring.

It is hard to imagine that such tiny insects can cause such severe damage. Subterranean termites have survived for millions of years and have effectively adapted to their environment and construction practices and materials, ensuring their survival. If you live in the south long enough, you will experience some contact with termites. The further south you go, the bigger the threat. Tennessee and Georgia are both considered high pressure areas for termite activity. It makes sense to protect homes and other structures from termites beginning with the initial construction stage. Termites do more damage than wind, fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes combined causing over $1 billion in damages each year.

If a new home is not pre-treated during construction, post construction treatments can be very costly. All outbuildings like storage sheds, garages, and pool houses that contain wood building products also need treatment. At what point during construction should a new house or addition be “pre-treated?” That depends on the type of foundation. Most homes in our region are built on either conventional foundations (block and pier) or have basements. While you see the occasional solid concrete slab foundation, this type of foundation is usually found on commercial projects.

Conventional foundations are treated with a liquid barrier under footers, inside block walls, under attached porches, and slabs and around the exterior-perimeter of the foundation after the final back-fill has been made. Basement treatments normally include treatment to the fill area or floor just prior to the concrete pour. Another treatment is made once the house is finished and the back-fill is completed.

The liquid barriers should be applied before concrete is poured and before any plastic barriers are used. Also the weather should be clear and dry during and following the treatment. Treatments should not be made in the rain or if rain is expected within four to five hours. The liquid chemical barrier must have a good contact with the soil and foundation.

Construction techniques and products used on housing structures can contribute to a termite infestation. Poor grading of the lot can cause a moisture situation, making the area conducive to termites or resulting in rot damage that attracts termites and other wood destroying organisms like beetles and fungus. Moist wood is easier for termites to eat. Wood siding or wood supports in direct contact with the soil attract termites. The use of pressure treated lumber can minimize or prolong attacks from termites but pressure treated lumber is not a guarantee against termites. Termites can build their mud tubes through cracks in pressure treated wood or even around the wood. Even metal shields sitting on top of block foundations do not slow down termites; they are detoured and build their mud shelter tubes around the shields.

Synthetic stucco (EIFS) housing can also be conducive to termites if the material is not properly installed. This product should have a minimum ground clearance of 8” to 12” inches. The correct caulking material should be properly applied to windows and doors to minimize moisture. Many pest management companies refuse to treat structures with synthetic stucco construction.

It is important to ensure that no wood debris or cellulose materials are left in the construction areas. When debris from any construction is left under homes, it attracts termites. Also be sure your pest management company performs the backfill treatment, a second termiticide application made once dirt fill has been placed against new walls. Insist your pest management company post the proper signage to verify that treatment has occurred – for the benefit of the builder, the homebuyer, and inspectors.   Homes financed by FHA and VA loans are provided with a one-year termite-free guarantee.

When purchasing a new home, the pest management company should provide supporting closing documents -- a “Subterranean Termite Treatment Builder’s Certification Guarantee,” a "New Construction Soil Treatment Record," and a contract. In addition, information about the pest management company is typically provided for the buyer. Normally, the new homeowner will continue yearly monitoring of the home for termite activity under the terms of the original warranty.

All pest management companies in Tennessee and Georgia are required to be licensed and insured. Tennessee also requires a bond. The license holder and technicians are required to attend training seminars and must maintain yearly certification review classes in termite and pest management service categories. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to ask for credentials when anyone performs pre-treatment services for you and confirm all tanks, chemicals, and service vehicles are labeled and employees should have proper identification.

Take Steps to Protect Your Home From Termites
With the recent rain in the Chattanooga area and cool temperatures, you home may be hosting unwelcome termites without you knowing it. Typically termites swarm from your home in the warm days of spring and early summer, yet with the current weather conditions in our area, large termite swarms have not occurred. You are typically only aware of a termite infestation when you see the swarms from the active colonies.

There are tips you can take to both safeguard your home from infestations of termites. These include keeping mulch and wood or cellulose bedding materials at least one foot from the foundation of your home. Also use brick or stone as borders and not timbers or other wood - even if it is treated. Remove all scraps of wood and wooden debris from around your home and particularly in the crawl space. Wood debris is equivalent to a flashing green light to attract termites. Move sprinklers and set sprinkler systems so they do not spray water near the foundation of your house. Remember moist wood is easier for termites to eat. Also keep your gutters clean of plant materials and make sure the downspouts direct water at least three feet from your foundation.

Check your home periodically for signs that indicate termites are present. These can include piles of discarded termite wings on windowsills, floors, or tops of furniture or counters. Inspect for small piles of wood shavings or residue as well as any small holes, sagging doors, or crumbling drywall. Pencil-sized mud tubes running across concrete or connecting soil to wood are indications of termites as is bubbled paint.

Even though you watch for these unwanted termites, industry practice recommends your home be inspected at least once per year by a pest management company. This is particularly important since your home is your single biggest investment. The inspection can be conducted at any time of the year. Termites are most active in the spring and summer months, but given the right weather conditions (warm, moist, enclosed environments with an available food supply) they can remain active the entire year. New homes must also be inspected on an annual basis. Construction pre-treatment warranties are valid only for one year but most may be extended through a signed contract with the company providing the original treatment for your homebuilder.

Your yearly review should include a visual inspection of the wood members, crawl space, basement, interior walls, exterior perimeter, and outbuildings. If active termites are found, treatment options include a chemical application using an EPA-approved termiticide such as TermidorTM or an in-ground perimeter monitoring/baiting system.

The chemical is applied into the foundation of your home, under all attached porches and garages and to the exterior perimeter of your home. The barrier surrounds your home, killing active termites and protecting your home from further invasion.

In contrast, the monitoring system is installed around the perimeter of your home. Round monitors are installed in the ground 8-10 feet apart and 2-3 feet from your home's foundation. The termites find the monitor and feed on the stick of wood inside. When the monitors are inspected on a monthly or quarterly basis and active termites are found, the wood stick is replaced with a treated bait.

The chemistry of termite control products today provides a more effective method of control because the products are not repelling termites as they did in the past, but expose termites via a transfer effect. Termites are not aware of the presence of the product. These highly social insects pick up the chemical and ingest the product as they groom themselves and expose other termites when they return to the colony.

Be sure you contact a licensed, bonded, and insured pest management professional with trained technicians certified to work in your state to perform all your termite and pest control services. Ask to see the company's license, are they members of the local pest control association or the National Pest Management Association.