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How to Naturally Deter Termites

Posted by on March 15th, 2013

Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damage each year. These pests are attracted to areas where there is low light, poor ventilation, and a good supply of wood. A termite queen can lay hundreds of eggs per day, meaning an infestation can happen very quickly. There are many commercial insecticides available that can help to deter infestation or remove an infestation that has already occurred. However, these chemicals are often hazardous to the health of humans through repeated exposure. The poisonous effects can be even worse if small children or pets live in the home. However, there are some termite control methods that are just as effective and do not use chemicals that are harmful to humans or pets.

If an infestation has not yet occurred, there are some simple steps that can help to prevent the insects from invading the home. Fix any water leaks around the home (moist soil promotes breeding), keep all scrap/fire wood off the ground and away from the home, and use treated lumber for any structures with direct contact with the ground. Make sure the gutters are free of debris. A clogged gutter will leave pools of water near the home. Even the use of organic soil helps to make the area less appealing to the insects because the soil will promote robust growth. Poorly cared for soil usually promotes quick and weak growth that is more appealing to termites. These simple steps can help to minimize the chance that an infestation ever takes place.

If an insect problem already exists, the use of the following natural products can greatly reduce the chance of further infestation and mitigate the existing problem:

Orange Oil

One of the most popular natural treatments is orange oil. The oil comes from the glands inside the rind of an orange. Specifically, the chemical D-limonene is found in the oil and is a natural insecticide that does not affect mammals adversely. This termite treatment will kill the insects on contact and can be sprayed directly onto infested areas. One drawback to using orange oil is that the chemical’s potency dissipates quickly and frequent re-application is required to remain effective. Due to this limitation, it is often recommended to use orange oil in conjunction with other natural treatments to eliminate infestations quickly.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the world. Although it’s slightly more toxic to humans than orange oil, boric acid works by destroying enzymes needed by the insects to digest wood. Essentially, the application of this chemical to infested areas will starve the insects to death. Using boric acid and orange oil together can be an excellent way to eliminate your termite problem.

Nematodes

Most termite colonies live in the soil. Beneficial nematodes are small, round worms that eat termites and other ground dwelling pests. By adding these worms to the soil surrounding the home, soil quality will improve as parasitic insects are removed. This helps to keep the insects out of the home and can help to protect vegetable and flower crops being grown in the yard.

Whether just preventing the likelihood of a future problem or dealing with an infestation, these natural remedies will protect property while not hurting the environment or any members of your household.

Understanding Termite Behavior

Posted by on March 6th, 2013

Termites can do serious damage to housing structure and furniture if they get into your house, purely by eating their way through any wood they come across. It is the worker termites that do the damage as they collect cellulose which they then digest and provide as food for the queen, king and soldiers of their colony. Understanding the behavior and structure of a termite colony can provide ways to prevent them invading your house, without resorting to chemical pest control.

There are two main types of termites, drywood termites and subterranean termites, which each behave in a different way. The drywood termites do more damage and are harder to prevent as they live inside the timbers of housing and furniture and eat the surrounding wood as and when they choose. Luckily drywood termites are much less common in the United States than subterranean termites; subterranean termites are susceptible to desiccation and tend to remain in damp places so only really pose a risk to damp timbers or those that come in direct contact with the damp ground.

Termites live in colonies, with a queen and king who are responsible for the production of young, soldiers who defend the nest and workers who do pretty much everything else. Worker termites are blind, sterile, wingless and very susceptible to drying out, but can tunnel a long way underground to find food to bring back to the soldiers and king and queen. Termites that have entered a building will not limit themselves just to eating wood; they may also damage material, carpets and paper.

The best defense against termites is to stop them getting into your house in the first place. This means making sure there is no direct route from the damp soil outside into the wooden parts of the house. In order to do this you need to avoid contact between timber and the ground; there are termite proof material designed for this purpose. Make sure that the perimeter of the house does not have piles of soil of damp leaves up against it, and keep drainage in working order. You can also treat any timber used in building, or use species such as teak, white cypress or turpentine tree which are naturally repellent to termites. By removing routes into the house you can effectively stop a termite invasion from occurring in the first place.

Termites in the wild create amazing structures which have inspired architecture, sometime creating nests up to 9 meters high that are constructed in a certain orientation to aid thermoregulation. Termites have also been used to find water sources in the early 6^th century, and eaten in many culture, particularly those based in Africa. Termites may have the potential to be hugely damaging, but they are also fascinating creature with complex social structures and amazing construction skills and with a little bit of planning and care we can live along side them without the need to exterminate them.

How to Treat Termites

Posted by on February 25th, 2013

One of the most damaging pests that can affect a home’s structural integrity and decrease the value of the property is an infestation of termites.

Consequently, it is important to not only maintain the structural integrity of the home but to conserve the value of the home. This is due to the fact that the purchase of a home is probably the most expensive investment that an individual will make in their lifetime.

Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent termite infestation and the various treatments available for a homeowner if termite infestation is suspected or determined.

Prevention

First of all, the old axiom is true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, it is important to be diligent in regards to preventing termite infestation.

Some of the simple steps that can be taken to deter termites are to ensure that moisture is controlled in various parts of the home. Specifically, those areas of the home that should be kept as dry as possible include attics and basements. To help eliminate moisture it is important to keep the area dry from various leaks and adding proper ventilation to ensure the proper drying out of these areas.

Another way of termite prevention from infesting the home is to follow a soil treatment plan. The process simply involves the treating of the soil around the home through various products. Examples of these products could be Premise or Termidor. These products are normally applied by professionals and could have up to a five year warranty.

Fumigation

If a home has been found to have an infestation of termites, then one of the options is for the home to be fumigated. This involves the sealing off of the home so that the fumigation process can be delivered effectively by a professional trained in termite extermination. Generally the fumigation process takes up to five hours.

The only negative aspect of this treatment process is that the fumigation of the termites has little or no effect upon the queen of the colony or the eggs that have been laid. Fumigation generally has a shelf life of 90 days. Following that period of time a further treatment may be required

Treating the Wood

The object of attention for the termite is the wood that is found in the home. Therefore, one of the most effective ways of treating termites is to deal directly with their food source.

Generally, the treatment of the wood in the process of exterminating termites involves the application of a number of products directly applied to the wood. This termicide could be in the form of bait, liquid, foam, etc. The termicide is applied directly to the wood.

Electrocution

One final method that has proven to be successful in the treatment of termites is through the use of electrocution. This specific process involves a piece of equipment known as an electogun and actually delivers electrical charge into the area where the termites have infested.

How to Prepare for Termite Tenting

Posted by on February 18th, 2013

The most common solution for dry wood or subterranean termites is fumigation. This involves the process of termite tenting which can be time consuming and quite expensive. However, this is one of the most effective options that are available for homeowners who are experiencing a termite problem. Those who need to get their house fumigated will have to stay out of their home for three to seven days. During this time, fumigators will make sure that the air is clear and there are no toxins left inside the home. Before your house gets fumigated, you need to prepare for termite tenting.
The pest control company will give you a list of things to do before your home gets tented. It is very important that you follow all of the steps laid out. Termite fumigation chemicals are very toxic and harmful. Humans and pets must stay clear of the property once the termite tenting process has commenced. The entire home will be covered with a nylon tent and secured with sand snakes. Once the tent is in place, the poisonous gas can be released in order to relieve the home of any type of termite infestation.

Before termite tenting, it is important that you remove all pets from the home. Dogs, cats, and even fish cannot be left inside the house that will undergo fumigation. Warn your neighbors about it several days before your home gets tented so that they can keep their pets and children clear off your property. You should make arrangements to stay at a relative’s home or a nearby hotel while your house is being fumigated. Be prepared to be away for a few days, so make sure to bring everything that you need and a little bit extra. During the whole duration of the fumigation process, you will not be allowed to enter your home.
The ground around your house should be soaked so that chemicals will not penetrate the soil. All plants inside your home have to be placed outside in the garden. Make sure that these remain at least 5 feet away from the perimeter of your house. All food, medication and cosmetics should be double sealed in plastic bags. If you have any bottled water, this should be removed from the house. Pet food or any liquids should be tightly sealed. If there are any holes or cuts in the plastic bag that you are using, replace it.
All electricity, gas and water in your home should be shut off. Be sure to open all doors. Your fumigation company should have access to all doors and rooms inside your home for safety precautions. The pest control company conducting the termite tenting will let you know what type of gas is being used. Before re-entering your home, a qualified fumigator will test the air quality in order to see if the poisonous gas is still present. Be sure to follow all the instruction given to you by the fumigator so that you family can stay safe.

Termite Control Humor

Posted by on February 10th, 2013

A full-blown termite invasion is no laughing matter, but I can’t help but chuckle at this cartoon! Make sure you carry out effective termite prevention methods and termite control to prevent any termite date nights from happening in your home!

Factors Affecting the Cost of Termite Control

Posted by on January 31st, 2013

You might have checked the internet for quotes on termite control and were probably shocked at the price provided by some termite control companies. It might be more expensive than you expected, but you should also consider several factors that might be affecting this cost. One primary reason why termite control is expensive is because termite control treatment is difficult compared to the control of any other pests and its normal cost may range from $2000 to $4000. Expensive, right? However, if you fully understand the factors involved in the process then you will see that it is reasonable and it is actually worth paying for. In fact, some homeowners believe that termite control cost actually represents an extraordinary value.

To make things clear, here are the vital aspects that affect termite control cost so you can easily consider it for your own property:

- One factor that affects termite cost is the detection of particular areas infested by termites around the property. It also involves the process of determining different species of termites affecting the area and the consideration to the soil within the properly. These are just some of the factors that add to the cost of termite control. However, you should know that these processes are of utmost importance, as it would help successfully terminate infestation and prevent the infestation from recurring.

- The products used by professional pest controllers can also affect the cost of termite control. Credible and reliable pest control experts will only use effective, safest and latest options for treating and controlling termite infestations. As a consumer, you should know that latest products in the market are normally expensive compared to the outdated ones so you should be able to understand this vital factor.

- Some chemical treatments, particularly the modern ones, are considered the most effective against the problem. However, it is more expensive compared to any other chemical treatments. Therefore, this will also add more to termite control cost and you have to be aware of this. Professional termite controllers make use of only best products for the procedure, to make sure that termite infestation is terminated and controlled properly. Of course, as a homeowner, you do not want to go through the same problem in the future so you need to understand this factor if you really want to get rid of the pests in your home.

- Another factor that should be considered when it comes to the termite control cost is the area and size of the property that requires treatment. Also, the cost is more expensive if the area is hard to access, as special tools might be necessary in order to apply the treatment.

Of course, the most vital component that could add up to the cost is the professionalism of the controllers that you will be hiring. Some companies may offer lower prices but you have to make sure that they are reliable. Companies who offer cheaper costs for the service often make use of cheap pesticides that can be harmful to you and your family’s health. Reputable and trustworthy companies, although expensive, can assure you that they only make use of superior products and provide excellent services to successfully eliminate infestation and terminate the pests from your property.

Guide for Effective Termite Pest Control

Posted by on December 13th, 2012

Termites can cause severe disaster when left unmanaged and you may be surprised with how these little organisms can cause tons of damages to your home and the environment. Aside from destroying your furniture, windows, doors and other parts of your home, termites can also cause several health effects especially to younger individuals. Many individuals have long been looking for the most effective termite pest control method but as of the moment, no specific technique has been identified. However, in order to eliminate termites, a combination of methods can be used. Termite pest control is done in a systematic manner to make sure that all the termites are eliminated and the core of the pests is destroyed.

Identification of site
Before any procedure for termite pest control is done, the site or the area where the termites thrive should first be identified. The suspected sites are inspected by an expert to determine if your wood furniture or attic and basement are invaded by termites. Treatment options are usually dependent on the judgment of the expert or inspector who has performed the inspection in your home.

Termite control methods
After the inspection, termite control methods will be recommended by your hired expert. It is best for you to hire a termite pest control team who can perform the methods with ease since they are skilled in their profession and they have all the necessary equipment which will be needed. Although you will be paying these skilled individuals, you will surely spend lesser compared to when you do it all alone. The following are some of the termite control measures being done by skilled termite control individuals.
1. Use of pesticides or termicides
You may have heard of the different brands of pesticides which can help in the elimination of termites. However, not all products work in all types of termite infestation. Some products work best for termites that live outside of your home or in the grounds while some work best on furniture. When you hire a pest control team, they can easily identify the specific type of product for your termite control need especially if the company you will hire is the one which has been providing service for many years.

2. The use of baits
Pesticides and termicides are often used for temporary treatment while baits are used to completely eradicate these pests. Baits are cardboard papers which contain poisonous materials. When the termites consume these baits, they will eventually die because of the toxic effects of the material to their bodies. Although the decrease in their number will happen gradually, you can be sure that they will eventually disappear and the further damages they can cause to your furniture can be prevented.

3. Barrier methods
It is important to protect your furniture, attics and basement after the termites have been eliminated to prevent re-infestation. The wood materials are often treated with solutions to prevent further damage and spray barriers are often applied.

Termite pest control procedures are very essential to make your home safe and protected. If you suspect termite infestation in your area, hire a termite control team immediately.

How Can You Go About The Termites Control Process?

Posted by on December 10th, 2012

Did you know that more people call professionals to help them deal with termites control issues? This percentage is usually higher when compared to the call for help when other household insects are involved. Termites are pests which may be difficult to deal with on your own, the more reason why you need to let professionals deal with them. These pests may be small but they cause damages worth billions of cash every year. This is because they mainly feed on wood but will also cause damages on items such as books, insulation, and the liners of swimming pools as well as filtration systems.

Most of our homes have wood as part of it. Therefore, it is important that you take immediate action before the damage caused is irreversible. There are many signs which can guide you to know if your home is termite infected or not. First of all, termites and ants usually swam the home at around the same time. This is the reason as to why most people often mistake one for the other. Termites usually have wings of the same length and a uniform waist. Ants on the other hand have slender waists wing bigger forewings. For an effective termites control process, it is important that you keep watch of signs such as the emergence of termites from the base of your foundation walls, mud tubes that run along the foundation wall or even on the floor joists and sill plates.

Treating the house effectively so that the termites are gone for good requires professional skills. Therefore, before you make a choice go do some forehand research. Ensure that the termites control company you want to pick is licensed. Check the background of at least 2 or 3 pest control companies and compare what they have to offer. Different companies prefer different treatment methods. Go for one that will make you comfortable.

There are two kinds of termites control treatment methods. One is the use of liquids, while the other is the use of baits. Liquid termiticides are used to give a barrier that stops termites from entering buildings. This method also works for termites that were already inside as it prevents their re entrance into the soil. Older products in this category are mostly repellent but there are newer products which do not repel but kill the termites once they come to contact.

The use of termite bait to help control the issue has also proven to e helpful. It involves the use of a lethal substance on cardboards, paper and other products which termites feed on. The substance takes effect slowly as the termites feed on it. Eventually they die off from the poisoning caused. These baits are meant to be placed outside or inside the house but on a mud tube. The use of these two major methods may be combined to enhance the process. The liquid form lasts for years if applied according to instructions. However, other environmental conditions may also affect the period. Termites control is a very important factor because you need to protect your home.

Effective Termites Treatment Options

Posted by on December 7th, 2012

No matter how tiny termites may be, they can cause colossal damages to woods present in your house. It is ideal that you carefully rid this write up if you want to be conversant with various termites treatment options that can be very beneficial to you. Termites are a kind of pestilences that usually move from one place to another, and in the process demolishing whatever they find in their way. These pestilences, breed, nest and thrive in low moisture places. Termites do not normally restrict their habitat to any single location; instead they keep on searching for new places all the time, and hence in the process destroy any wood that they come across. Let us now have a look at the various termite treatments options that can assist as in getting rid of termites.

Tips for Termites Treatment:

The following are some of the effective and essential termites treatment tips that can be of great beneficial to you. They include;

Tip#1: Liquid Pesticides

Liquid pesticides also known as termiticides usually are of two types i.e. repellent and non repellant. The former is an effective product which when used prevents the invasion of termites in a house. The later normally works by destroying the termites that have infested the house.

Tip#2: Termite Baits

Termite baits is among the popular techniques that are commonly being used for termite treatments. The good thing with such a product is that it does not cause any chemical contamination. Termite baits is not only more safe and effective, but also expensive. However, the quality of service you’ll get from it is worth its cost. Termite baits product has got systems in it that contains several plastic stakes that are inserted in the field near the house. These stakes have got growth inhibitors, which results in the eventual death of the termites.

Tip#3: Borate Treatment

This is another effective method that you can also rely on, in your attempt to get rid of termites. In this termite control technique, sodium borate that has been mixed with water is normally applied on all the wooden surfaces. Protozoa will then penetrate the termite’s digestive tract and break down the wood materials into nutrients. Sodium borate will in turn kill these protozoa and the termites will eventually starve to death.

Tip#4: Use of Fumigation

Unlike the other termite control methods, fumigation is the one that is commonly being used to combat the drywood termites. However, due to the fact that this method involves the use of concentrated gases like methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride, it is ideal it is done by a professional, as it can lead to very serious complications in your system. Let us now have a look at the various steps on how to control termite invasion.

How to Control Termites Naturally

Do not let any water collect and stay stagnate around your home for long
Properly maintain the drainage system of your house
If you’ve got any wood furniture being exposed to moisture, ensure that you cover it using weather sealer

Last but not the least; it is my sincere hope that you will adhere to any of the above termites treatment option in your attempt to get rid termites.