TERMITE REPRODUCTION AND DISPERSAL Subterranean termite colonies are started from a single pairing of a male and female termite.  The pairs are formed after the reproductive flight commonly referred to as “swarms” and after mating these pairs normally begin laying eggs almost immediately. A small percentage of the reproductive swarmers will ever pair up or establish new colonies. For those successful few, it will take roughly a year for a …Read More

MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES Moist, dark environments are a must have for subterranean termites to thrive. Subterranean termites build shelter tubes which allow for concealed passage into a structure, and provides the dark, damp conditions they require. Moisture requirements also lead to termites focusing on slightly decayed wood or soil.  High moisture content in the soil, or direct wood-to-soil protects termites from drying out, provides a source of building …Read More

TERMITES FORAGING AND FEEDING HABITS Subterranean termites are unlikely to build nests within the structure, but can travel long distances to find food away from the nest. For most of the United States, termites can be brought to a standstill by the extreme cold of winter or extremely dry, arid climates. Termites become most active during the warmer temperatures, especially following a rainy season.  An increase in rainfall with warm …Read More

THE TERMITE CASTE SYSTEM A termite colony has a caste system with members working together to achieve the common goal for the survival and advancement of the colony. There can be hundreds of thousands to several million termites in established colonies, each spreading out to establish additional sub colonies. Each member of the caste has its own special job that it must perform within the termite colony in order for …Read More

WHAT DO TERMITES LOOK LIKE Termites can look very different even if they belong to the same species, as their appearance will differ based on what function they provide to the termite colony.  Oftentimes the hardest part of recognizing a termite problem is identifying that it is in fact termites that you are dealing with. The majority of homeowners are unable to make this distinction properly. For example, a swarm …Read More

STRUCTURAL PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY TERMITES Contrary to popular belief, wooden structures aren’t the only ones that feel the damage when it comes to termites.  Termites travel behind many types of unusable material such as metal or plaster in order to reach usable materials inside such as walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, boxes etc. Termite activity can be difficult to identify until the signs of obvious damage have occurred, and it …Read More

TERMITES CAUSE BILLIONS IN PROPERTY DAMAGE EVERY YEAR Subterranean termites are one of the most common termite species found in North America, and are responsible for the most structural damage caused by pests year after year. Termites are capable of causing significant damage to the foundation of a structure in a short period of time. Termites construct mud tunnels in order to protect them during trips above ground. New termite …Read More

PREVENT TERMITE CONDUCIVE CONDITIONS When it comes to general maintenance and preventing an infestation of termites, prevent moisture retention through proper drainage systems and be sure to avoid direct contact between the wood and soil such as exterior siding or a nearby wood pile. Any piles of scrap wood, fire wood, vegetation, or pine mulch in direct contact with the soil should be kept at least 20 feet away from …Read More

PREVENT TERMITES WITH A PROFESSIONAL TERMITE EVALUATION An evaluation performed by a licensed termite professional is the best way to ensure that a structure is and remains free of termites. A qualified pest management professionals has the experience and necessary training in understanding termite biology and behavior which enables them to accurately identify, prevent or treat a termite infestation.  With termites there are multiple factors that must be considered when …Read More

LIQUID RESIDUAL TERMITE TREATMENT When deciding on a liquid residual termite treatment, there are multiple factors to consider.  The positives are that a single application can provide a fast and long lasting result, often lasting in excess of five years.  Liquid residual treatment can also be applied at any time during construction phase, it can also be implemented any time after the construction phase.  The flexibility of this treatment is …Read More