Termites date back more than 120 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage to homes and structures in the U.S. annually. Damage costs that are not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. Termite colonies range in size from a few hundred individuals to enormous societies with several million individuals. Termite queens have the longest life expectancy of any other insect. Some queens can live up to 30-50 years. In the Alabama area, subterranean termites are the major cause of structural damage.
Subterranean termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes”, to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. They use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood and other products containing cellulose. The best method of prevention for subterranean termites is to avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Most importantly, remove any wood to soil contact, and maintain a gap between soil and wood portions of the structure.
Controls for Termites
There are two types of control measures for subterranean termites:
- Liquid barrier treatments
- baiting stations
Liquid barrier treatments are designed to prevent termites from entering the structure. These treatments will prevent termites inside the structure from getting to the soil to attain moisture needed for survival.
Termite baiting stations consist of cardboard, paper, or other acceptable termite food, combined with a slow-acting substance lethal to termites. Since baiting stations have a food source, they can attract termites closer to the home or structure. Baiting stations are placed several feet apart around the home to monitor any termite activity. Once activity has been documented, the bait is then replaced with a chemically treated material for the consumption of the termiticide. One of the downfalls to baiting is the spacing between units does not prevent termites from entering the structure. It also attracts termites closer to the home.
That is why the professionals at TDI use only liquid barrier treatments, and specifically with Termidor®. Termidor® eliminates termites by both ingestion and contact and is lethal to termites simply through contact with other Termidor®-tainted individuals. And because Termidor® is a non-repellent termiticide which is undetectable to termites, the pests freely forage through treated areas. They unknowingly ingest, pick up, and transfer Termidor® throughout the population. It is Termidor’s “Transfer effect” that allows Termidor® to achieve 100% control of termite populations. Whenever a termite comes in contact with Termidor®, either by ingestion or bodily contact, the termites can become carriers transferring the product to other termites in the colony. The unique, spiraling process of this “Transfer effect” helps Termidor® deliver devastating results to termites, and maximize structural protection.
If your home or structure is not protected from termites, or if you think you have a termite infestation, contact the professionals at TDI Lawn and Pest to have a representative inspect your property.