Author: Ted

Termite Alate (Swarmer) Pictures

Termite Alate (Swarmer) Pictures

As termite swarming season gets into full swing, we wanted to remind you of one of what the enemy looks like.  The following are termite swarmer images from different places around the country.   Termite Swarmers in San Diego, California (2011) Termite Swarmers in San Diego, California (2011) Termite Swarmers in Adairville, Kentucky (2012) Termite Swarmers in Orlando, Florida (2012) Termite Swarmers (May 2013) Termite Swarmers in New Orleans, Louisiana (May...

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Formosan Termite Swarms

Formosan Termite Swarms

The Formosan subterranean termite is an invasive, forign termite species. Compared to the native U.S. subterranean termite species they are more agressive, they forage in a wider area and they grow into much larger colonies of termites. While native termite colonies can grow to includes several hundred thousand members, mature Formosan termite colonies can surpass a million members. Swarmers Alates, commonly called termite swarmers, are wingged reproductive termites that leave the colony to start their own colonies. It’s common to see termites swarming on moist, spring nights just before dusk. They are attracted to light, and on those perfect...

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Springtime Termite Swarming

Springtime Termite Swarming

As we start sliding out of the winter months and the weather starts to get nicer, termites begin to become more active. They’ll quietly work along, multiplying, and preparing the next generation of alates (young king and queen termites) to leave and start their own colony. The number of alates will build up in mature termite colonies, and when the weather is right, they’ll burst from their colonies in large swarms of flying termites. The timing of termite swarming is a directly related to the weather. Termites have delicate bodies. They like warm temperatures. They don’t like to be...

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How to Kill Drywood Termites

Understanding how to kill termites depends on a few factors. Termites are common pests that can be found all over the United States. Some varieties of termites live underground and move back and forth in mud shelter tubes. Subterranean termites make up nearly 90% of the termites that plague the eastern region of the United States. Formosan termites are also subterranean termite that are common in the southern portions of the United States. Drywood termites occupy dried wood, and they can be located in Southern California and the Gulf Coast. Drywood termites require a different treatment strategy than subterranean and Formosan termites. The process used to solve a Drywood termite infestation consists of either a spot treatment and structural fumigation. Drywood Termite Spot Treatment How to treat termites will also revolve around whether the infestation confines to a concentrated space. A do-it-yourself, spot treatment is useful under this condition. A spot treatment system can be purchasable at a nearby home and garden retailer. Deciding how to kill termites in a more extensive infestation warrants a more potent maneuver to purge the affected area of the pests. The swarm is manageable with the use of sulfuryl fluoride, SO2F2, also called Vikane. Sulfuryl fluoride is a fireproof, non-corrosive biochemical compound that does not emit a bothersome odor. It is a controlled product, so it must be administered by a licensed fumigator....

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How to Choose a Pest Control Company

Once you suspect that you have a termite problem, or any pest problem for that matter, it is important to choose the right pest control company. When looking for an extermination company you can trust, it is important to know the right questions to ask and what to look for in a reliable business. Check that they are Licensed and Insured First: find out about the company’s state licensing status. If they are not licensed you should pass on their services even if they are offering a better rate. Second: once you have seen the proof of licensing ask about their insurance coverage. You will want to make sure that their coverage will cover any mishaps or damages that might occur in the termite removal process.  It’s their insurance that is going to cover any damage they accidentally cause to your home, so be sure they have coverage. Check Reviews and Past Customers Now that you know that they are a legitimate pest control service, do some of your own research to find out the quality of their work. You can even research on their pet-safe products to kill cockroaches. Finding out if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau and/or Chamber of Commerce will enable you to find out if any complaints have been filed against them. Another good way to check the quality of their work is to ask...

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