Different types of termites require different termite control methods. Subterranean termites live in the soil because they require moisture. Drywood termites do not require as much moisture, so they can live in dry wood. Fumigation is an effective control for drywood termites but not for subterranean termites. Subterranean termite control requires either bait systems or soil treatments.
The wide distribution of subterranean termites across the U.S., especially in the southern states, is the cause of most of the termite damage recorded in the country. The cost of termite control and termite damage repair throughout the country is around $4.5 billion.
The ideal situation for subterranean termites is to find wood that is in close contact with the soil. If they find wood nearby but not touching the soil, they will build “mud tubes,” to connect the colony to their food, the wood. Mud tubes are essentially highways that allow termites access to their food supply without being exposed to predators or weather.
The nature of termites is to remain hidden. They avoid exposure to the outside environment. In addition to the use of mud tubes, they also prefer to remain hidden on the inside of wood. This makes termite control all the more difficult. Infested wood may appear perfectly normal on the outside while the inside is largely eaten away.
Detection of subterranean termites is difficult at best. First, walk around your home and look for mud tubes as they are an obvious sign of activity. Second, watch both inside and outside for accumulations of wings. Third is to tap on any suspicious patch of wood while listening for hollow sounds. Should you find any of these warning signs, call a termite control professional for confirmation.
Soil treatments and termite bait are the 2 effective termite control methods. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Soil treatments tend to be disruptive for the homeowner. In addition, large amounts of chemicals are used. On the plus side, infestations can be eliminated fairly quickly and protection continues for several years.
Baiting systems offer small pieces of wood as bait. When the termites locate and begin eating the wood, it is replaced with a small amount of slow acting poison. As the poison is taken back to the colony and shared, the colony will die. On the plus side this system is not disruptive and that very little poison is used. The down side of this termite control system is that it takes time, usually several months to work, and the cost is a bit more than soil treatment.
Subterranean termite needs and behaviors are the key to both detection and control. Locate any problem areas around the home and take corrective action. Next, call a termite control professional and schedule annual termite inspections. Quick detection and prompt action are the best insurance against termite infestation.
Florida Bug Inspectors is a leading pest control firm in Tampa. The owner, Russ Frank, has been helping Florida families with their termite problems for over 25 years. FBI can provide control of Formosan termites in Brandon, Riverview, Ruskin and other communities near Tampa.
