Fumigation:
Fumigation involves covering the residence with a tent and releasing Vikane Gas into the property. The complete fumigation process takes up to three days and occupants must be vacated from the premises. Although more expensive and troublesome to occupants, Fumigation is the #1 method of eliminating drywood termite infestations in all areas of the structure even if you can't see them.
Spot Treatment:
Localized treatment or "Spot" treatment has many benefits to the homeowner. No moving out of the property overnight, and no damage to roofing or plants. Once a complete inspection has been performed we can recommend a treatment to address each area of concern to exterminate the termite colonies.
About Drywood Termites
Drywood termites eat wood, and can consequently cause great structural damage to your home if left unchecked. A typical homeowner's insurance policy does not cover destruction caused by termites, even though they cause over 1 billion dollars in damage to homes throughout the United States each year. Our inspection and treatment program can help you understand the threat of termites, and take the necessary steps to protect your home.
Drywood termites are up to one-half inch long and create colonies in wood requiring very little moisture to survive. Unlike subterranean termites, they don't require any direct connection to soil. They eat all types of wood and occasionally other cellulose material like cardboard or books. Drywood termite infestations can exist for long periods of time before being discovered, often eating wood away but leaving the paint in place.
The most common evidence of drywood termites is small piles of sawdust-colored pellets that fall from kick-out holes made by the termites. Just one or two pellets are difficult to see, but over time an active colony will create thousands of these pellets making their presence more obvious.
Termite Colonies:
KING AND QUEEN
At least one King and Queen are at the center of every termite colony. The Queen's sole purpose is to reproduce. Some live for as long as 30 years.
EGGS
Queens can lay thousands of eggs every year. Eggs hatch into Nymphs.
NYMPHS
While in the nymph stage, they diverge into different castes: workers, soldiers, reproductives, and supplementary reproductives.
WORKERS
Workers are blind, wingless termites that maintain the colony, build and repair the nest and tubes, forage for food, and care for the other termites. They are the most numerous caste and the most likely to be found in infested wood.
SOLDIERS
Soldiers are sterile, wingless, and blind. Their sole function is to defend the colony.
WINGED REPRODUCTIVES
These termites will eventually leave the colony as Adult Swarmers. After swarming, they shed thier wings and pair up. Each male-female pair attempts to start a new colony.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPRODUCTIVES
These termites help increase the population of established colonies and serve as replacements for the King or Queen if they should die.
Preventative Steps
There are several ways to keep termites from disrupting your home. Cracks and crevices where termites can get into your home should be located and sealed. Get rid of any stagnant stacks of newspapers, other papers, bags, and cardboard boxes that could become a good homes for termites.
Perimeter Soil Treatments
We apply a long lasting residual termite treatment solution to the exterior soil around your home.
Exterior Treatments
A premium residual insecticide is applied with concentration on the entry points for termites into your home.
Interior Treatments
Interior areas are inspected and treated specifically for the termite present in your home.
Ongoing Maintenance
Season after season, your home will be exposed to different types of termites -- all trying to make a home in yours. To make sure the termites you’ve so carefully eliminated don’t return, you can contract with us for continuing regular termite control inspections.