Posts from the ‘Termites’ Category
With a heat wave coming through Southern Arizona it is no wonder why so many pests are being seen. Plenty of homeowners and property owners have been coping with these creepy insects on a daily basis.
Angie’s List , which allows members to offer consumer reviews, records searches for pest control companies up 48 percent in March compared with the same month a year ago.
Phones are ringing off the hook – a full two months before the bugs usually arrive. These early unwanted guests include ants, bees and wasps, spiders and bed bugs.
Homeowners and property owners are better off calling professionals. People think they can save a lot going with do-it-yourself. They might be successful at first breaking up the colony but ultimately it can create more problems or simply the colony can repopulate elsewhere. Professional services, like Northwest Exterminating work like bug detectives. We are trained to look for the right and best solution for your property.
April’s temperatures have been at record-highs reaching up into the upper 90s. The thing with pests this month, is that it probably won’t stop. It will still continue on for several months. The pest invasion has begun….so beware!
Q: What exactly is a drywood termite
Drywood termites, unlike their subterranean termite cousins are important structural pests in warm and dry climates. As their name suggests, drywood termites occur in dry wood that may be above ground level. These pests build colonies in structural wood, fences, furniture, moldings, door and wood frames, etc. Termite workers can be difficult to identify because these species are often determined based on geographical location, location of colony and or type of wood damage.
Q: What is TermitaTube?
TermitaTube is a termite treatment option being offered by Northwest Exterminating.
A series of tubes installed four inches below the ground surface similar to an irrigation system. Instead of releasing water above ground, however, the tubes will carry termiticide below ground. If termite activity is found, Northwest connects equipment to the manifold control, selects the infected zone/area that is the target and releases product. Moisture sensors will determine product has reached the target in the correct quantity and correct depth.
When is TermitaTube installed?
Existing structures can have tubes installed around the perimeter only. If installed prior to the slab being poured, tubes are placed below the entire structure. This allows additional coverage for the interior of the home.
What are advantages of TermitaTube?
Prevents over application of termiticide
Landscaping not disturbed after initial installation
Limits or eliminates need to drill through flooring or patios
Architects and builders can offer this option to clients
TermitaTube recently assisted the Northwest team install two systems before and after construction. If interested in a TermitaTube program, contact Northwest Exterminating at 520-888-BUGS.
Q: How can you tell if you have termites in your home? Do they leave any trails of anykind? Please Help!
In Tucson, we all know termites are very prevalent. The tell-tale sign of termites are shelter tubes that the termites create as they forage for a food source. These tubes connect the termites from the soil where they live to the food source they have found. They also protect the termites from dehydration and predators. The tubes are formed to hardened shell over their pathway to find food. These tubes can be found connecting the ground to the home. Often times, the tubes can be broken open and termites can be found inside them. It is imperative to remain vigilant at checking the foundation of a home and particular areas inside the home like plumbing areas and any area where there are expansion joints and cracks in the floor slab. Hardwood floors can be checked also. There will be what appears to be water damage in the wood; however, it could be termites tunneling and eating the wood floor. The best way to tell if you have termites is to find the termite tubes that they create while foraging for food.
Q: I have a termite infestation in my yard! What can I do? and what type of treatment services are offered?
There are primarily two termite treatments for termites. The first treatment option is using a baiting system. An exterminating company will place bait stations around a structure that has cellulose and an active ingredient. When termites encounter those stations, they begin to consume the bait and they will feed it to other termites in the colony, thus passing along the active ingredient to them. Sentriconis a baiting system and the only one that has been proven to eliminate entire colonies. The second type of termite treatment is using liquid chemicals to form a barrier around a structure. With these treatments, trenching around the home is required and drilling into patios and sometimes foundations are required to inject chemical and create a barrier. These treatments are more invasive than baiting systems and require large amounts of chemicals.