Termite Treatment
What Are Termites?
A termite is in the family of wood-destroying insects that feed on wood, paper products, or cellulose material. Here in Florida, we typically find three different types of termites, which are Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termites, and Damp Wood Termites. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to businesses and homes yearly. Termites pose a huge threat to homeowners, more so than tornadoes, lightning, fires, and hurricanes combined. It is estimated that for every human on earth, there may be 1,000 pounds of termites! These are just a couple of minor reasons to have your property protected from subterranean termites, Drywood termites, and the damage they cause. For years, Imperial Pest Prevention has employed the most technologically advanced Subterranean and Drywood termite treatment techniques while offering the highest quality service and competitive pricing in the pest control industry. Click this video from our Imperial Pest Prevention YouTube page for information on How to Recognize a Termite Infestation.
What Type Of Termites Are In Florida?
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites come from the Isoptera insect order, which has lived on earth for millions of years. There are three forms of subterranean termites, workers, soldiers, and swarmers. Each of these forms, ' castes,' has specific characteristics. Subterranean Termites construct Mud tubes that are also known as shelter tubes or tunnels. Subterranean Termites require constant earth contact and build these" Mud Tubes" to shelter themselves from predators and create a highway to food sources in which they feed. The Subterranean termite dubs the name subterranean because it lives underground; subterranean colonies can consist of numbers in the millions; for this reason, Subterranean Termites are the most destructive termite species. Termites are a non-sleeping constant energy source. They will consistently feed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all 365 days of the year nonstop with jaws that easily destroy wood at a rapid rate. If left untreated, Subterranean Termites will cause mass damage to the home to the point it may become structural and ultimately result in expensive repairs. If you suspect a termite infestation or seeing insects around, it is best to contact a pest control specialist like Imperial Pest Prevention (386) or us at 956-9506, so we can perform a WDO inspection and discuss subterranean termite treatment options.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites, wood-destroying insects, generally live, feed and nest in wood containing deficient moisture levels. Drywood Termites do not require earth contact as Subterranean termites do. In Florida, we are in a very humid state. Because of this, undamaged wood like that in your home contains a moisture content to a certain degree. This amount of moisture is enough for Drywood termites to pull a food and moisture source, resulting in them being able to thrive.
A byproduct of Drywood Termites feeding is fecal pellets known as frass. Frass is small 6-sided concave pellets that resemble coffee grounds and are extremely hard. These small pellets are usually how a homeowner first finds out that they have Drywood Termites feeding on their home. In many cases, a homeowner sees them in a neat little pile, cleans, or vacuums them up only to find them quickly return. If you suspect a termite infestation or seeing insects around, it is best to contact a pest control specialist like Imperial Pest Prevention (386) or us at 386-956-9506 o we can perform a WDO Inspection and discuss Drywood termite treatment options.
Since Drywood Termites do not require ground contact, they have also been known to infest furniture. Many documented cases exist, especially with antique collectors, who buy a secondhand piece of furniture to discover later that it had Drywood Termites. Drywood termites will not discriminate against any type of wood, contrary to many people's beliefs. They will readily consume timbers, framing, flooring, and any other type of woodwork in buildings, as well as furniture. If you notice any possible signs of termites, we recommend you contact us at (386) 956-9506, so we can evaluate what you may be seeing. Drywood Termite treatments can be as simple as a spot treatment and as severe as needing a tent fumigation specialist. To see treatment options, please click this link for Termite Treatment Options.
How To Eliminate Termites
As a homeowner, property owner, or renter, the word termites can be scary. Termites are hidden destroyers and require the help of a pest professional like Imperial Pest Prevention. Because termites are hidden and most likely unseen, they can cause extensive, expensive damage unknowingly. Ignoring symptoms of a possible termite infestation can be detrimental to your home. These homeowner tips for preventing termites help to reduce some of the probability of a termite encounter in your home.
Fix Water Leaks
Termites love moisture sources. They are usually a secondary problem due to the primary problem source being moisture in the first place. Locations of leaks like faulty shower pans, air conditioning condensation drip lines not being extended far enough away from the structure, leaky pipes under sinks, etc. Ridding your home of these leaks will cause your home to be less desirable to termites and other insects.
Seal Up Entry Points
Sealing off accessible entry points where possible makes a huge impact on reducing insect activity in a home. Simple fixes like caulking around windows, replacing gable vents or soffit vents when damages, weather stripping of doors, etc. The more locations you can find to seal, the better.
Choose a gardening substrate other than Mulch.
Mulch is already deadwood that can hold moisture and decay at a speedy rate. Because it holds moisture, allows shelter, and a readily available food source, it is the least ideal substrate to use around your home. If you like the look of Mulch, they now make a rubber mulch made from recycled tires that perform well for drainage while allowing the look of mulch. It is a little pricier per bag, but it will pay for itself in the long run. Rock is also an excellent alternative to mulch.
Store lumber away from the structure and off the ground.
Those who have fireplaces or fire pits tend to store firewood close by the home or within proximity to. Woodpiles are excellent locations to harbor insects and termites. Stored lumber should be kept at least 25 feet away from home and should be off the ground.
Clear Brush
Another termite favorite is overgrown plants around the exterior of the home. If you have plants around your home, it is important to keep them at least 18" from touching the structure. Plants that get too close to the home can also cause the soil level to get high. If soil levels get high enough, they can engulf the slab and become in contact with wood siding, etc. Once you have earth to wood contact, you have created the perfect recipe for termites.
Termite Control Near Me
An Imperial Pest Prevention professional will perform a thorough termite inspection of your property and compose an ideal Termite treatment strategy that will be both accurate and effective. A written termite proposal will be presented, detailing the inspection results and treatment options. Your Imperial Pest Prevention associate will be more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with termites or termite treatments in general and recommended the appropriate treatment.
Regardless if you concur with Drywood Termites or Subterranean Termites, you are covered. We also handle Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borers, Wood Decaying Fungus, and Spot treatments; there is no job too big or small. Protect your investment today!
Don't hesitate to contact us to set up a Termite WDO inspection or Termite treatment for your property. We offer termite inspections and consultations. Call today for a service consultant to evaluate your property at no charge. Our full range of pest control services will ensure your investment is protected (386) 956-9506.
All content you have read above has been written in natural form by Entomologist Jonathan Stoddard to ensure the pest control industry's expertise and is subject to copyright.
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