Pest Control Specialist

It does not matter what the circumstances are, the news of termite damage is never favourable, even if you caught it before any severe damage occurred and even if you have already repaired it. This is because it proves that your house is in danger of another attack.

This is very bad news indeed if you are trying to sell your home, because the estate agent’s examination of your property will expose the truth and that will scare a lot of potential buyers. When termites are found by the estate agent and the vendor did not even know, it is normal practice for the vendor to offer to exterminate the termites and repair the damage.

However, this is frequently not sufficient to save either the sale of the property or its original selling price. You may have to take a hefty reduction in the selling price. This is because the pest controllers can give a report that the termites have been eradicated and the estate agent can give a report that the visible damage has been repaired, but who is going to give such a report on the overall structure of the house?

Structural damage is not always visible to the naked eye and some termites are even subterranean. Some termites will even eat concrete! If there is structural damage, the costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Forty or fifty thousand is not an exaggeration. Therefore, the only way to assuage a prospective purchaser, or indeed, yourself, that your house is structurally sound, is to call in a structural engineer.

Do not worry yet, that does not inevitably have to cost a lot. It depends on what the engineer finds and what he has to uncover to satisfy himself that the structure is sound. You can help lessen the costs by clearing out some or all of your rooms and making certain that appliances can be moved if necessary.

If you have an attic or and a basement, now is a very good time for a clean-out. The garage too. Completely empty the attic, basement and garage so that the engineer can see what is going on and make certain that there is ample strong lighting for him to see by. If he has to bring in personnel to do all this essential work for you, your bill will go up considerably.

Likewise, if he says that the footings have to be uncovered, offer to do the excavating yourself. Better still, have some friends and family on hand to do it there and then if possible so that he does not have to come back again. They charge by the hour and by the visit and you pay for travelling time.

Lastly, whether you are buying, selling or staying, get depositions and warranties for all the work carried out and keep those reports with the other vital papers relating to your home.

A potential purchaser will definitely be more impressed by these depositions and guarantees and so will your insurance company. Just remember that, you would not like to live where there is serious termite damage and neither does anyone else.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many topics, but is at present concerned with Termidor termite treatment – a termite killer. If you are interested in this or if you are wondering: What Does A Termite Look Like?. Please go to our web site now for further details.

Owen Jones Pest Control engineering, environment, gardening, home repair, house, Insects, Landscaping, other, outdoors, Pest Control, real estate, structural engineering, termites, uncategorised

Do you have a termite concern? If you have, you should get on to it right away, because the ultimate future of a house infested with termites is a demolished house. Termites can be eliminated, there is no question about that, but the technique you choose is significant. One of the means that some professionals use is termite tenting.

If you and your termite exterminator decide to use this method, the professional will put up a huge tent around your house to contain the noxious gas that he uses to kill the termites within your house. The house has to be tented to enclose the gas in and around your house and to stop it from dispersing, because it is injurious to human health as well.

Some say that termite tenting is old-fashioned and just too hazardous, others say that it is the only certain way of killing all the termites in a house. Some people say that it is very expensive, others say, so is a house. At the end of the day, the choice is yours, obviously, but please be aware that there are other alternatives of eradicating termites these days, although not all are as fast-working as termite tenting.

In fact, termite tenting may be the only method open to you, if your house is about to fall down, because you will be able to get on with the renovation work that much more quickly. Other professionals do not agree, saying that if you use a slow-acting poison, you can still work alongside the dying population of termites. You would be best advised to get a couple of quotes for the work and a couple of opinions.

If you go for termite tenting, you will have to pack up all your food and clothing in air-tight plastic bags, which the contractor can normally provide. Then, they will make a large loose-fitting tent around your house. Next, they will release a poisonous gas into your house and have it circulated into every nook and cranny by means of fans.

This gas is detrimental to humans, so you will have to move out for two or even three days and people will be warned by signs to keep away from your house while it is being fumigated.

The termite tent will be taken down on the second day and the clean-up process will commence. Now the powerful fans will be used to drive the gas from your house and sensitive instruments will be used to check when it is safe for you to come back. That often takes another twenty-four hours to be certain.

Although the gas is toxic, it does not form a film on surfaces, so when the house is deemed clear, it really is safe. Many people worry that it is not. This fear is groundless, which is borne out by the fact that you are warned to have your house inspected for termites in your annual house maintenance routine because they can come back and you will not want another termite tenting treatment.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is at present concerned with Termidor termite treatment – a termite killer. If you are interested in this or if you are wondering: What Does A Termite Look Like?. Please go to our web site now for more details.

Owen Jones Pest Control engineering, environment, gardening, home repair, house, Insects, Landscaping, other, outdoors, Pest Control, real estate, structural engineering, termites, uncategorised

If there are termites in your office building or home, you are probably going to need professionals to help you get rid of them. A lot of damage can be caused by these insects and their nests aren’t easy to get to. You will want to know more about pest control and termites.

Actually, it’s not a bad idea to have your home inspected once in a while. Just because you haven’t seen a termite, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They prefer to stay in the dark so they will be hidden as much as possible. It is best if you can catch them before they really infest the place.

Termites can sometimes be confused with flying ants, however there are some basic differences. Probably the easiest way to tell is by looking at the wings. They will both have two pairs. The wings on termites will be the same size while ants have one wing that is longer than the other.

A termite will eat anything made of cellulose. In a building, this means wood and wood by-products such as mulch and paper. If these insects have time and opportunity, they are capable of reducing an entire structure down to the metal frame.

Usually, fumigation is used to get rid of termites. This is the method where you see the entire structure enclosed in a tent. It works is effective and tends to be cost-efficient as well. It will mean, though, that you will need to vacate the building for a few days. No residual chemical will be left, however, so it will be safe when you go back.

There are some other ways of killing termites that involving using a baiting system. The termites bring the bait into the colony where they eventually die from it bring the poison. Bear in mind, however, that this method will take longer and will need to be monitored. However it is an option for pest control and termites that is a greener alternative as it results in using less of a toxic substance.

If you have a termite problem and live in Toronto then you should contact a exterminators in toronto professional. Get a termite inspection Toronto to make sure you don’t have termites.

Dave Oleg Pest Control extermination, exterminator, home, home improvement, home repair, house, Pest Control, terminte control, termite inspection, termites

The warm and humid conditions in Florida are perfect for subterranean termites. Several species call Florida home, but the most common are the Eastern subterranean termite and the Formosan subterranean termite. The Formosan is less common but has been found in many locations around the state including Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa.

Subterranean termites cause homeowners significant damage each year. They eat wood, or more correctly, the cellulose in wood. As a result hundreds of thousands of homes in Florida are damaged annually. Most homeowners are completely unaware of termite damage until the damage becomes extensive and visible. Below are 3 ways homeowners can help prevent termite damage.

Inspections are vital to termite prevention Walk around the outside of your house every couple of months. Inspect wooden doors, window frames and moldings for changes in appearance such as blistered paint or soft spots that might indicate termite damage. Also inspect foundation walls for small mud tubes. Call your pest control company immediately if you see problems. Also ask your pest control company for an annual termite inspection.

Don’t provide termites with an easy way into the house Don’t allow wood such as firewood, scrap lumber, fencing and planter boxes, to come into contact with the outside of your house. Don’t store firewood in the garage. Make sure your siding (except masonry and brick) is at least 6 – 8 inches above soil level. Otherwise talk to your pest control company to find a way to prevent termites from using that to enter your home. Make sure that any mulch does not come into contact with the siding.

Prevent moisture problems to help prevent termites Termites are attracted to moist wood. Ensure that your sprinklers don’t wet your siding or foundation. Divert air conditioner moisture away from outside walls. Quickly repair water leaks and any moisture problems in the roof, kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Make sure gutters and downspouts are maintained and move water away from the home. Use splash blocks as needed.

Subterranean termites are widespread throughout Florida. Because they are so common, termite prevention methods alone may not always protect your home from infestation. If you believe your home has become infested, additional action must be taken to prevent serious damage. Fortunately there are methods of control and eradication that will protect your home from termites. Over the past few years, the number of subterranean termite treatment methods has increased dramatically.

Florida Bug Inspectors has more than 25 years experience protecting homes and preventing subterranean termites. Call FBI if you live in Lutz, Temple Terrace, North Tampa, New Tampa or surrounding communities.

Russ Frank Pest Control home, home and garden, homeowners, Pest Control, property maintenance, shopping, subterranean termites, termites

Many properties are devalued or rendered dangerous to be lived in because of termites. In fact, any structure with wooden parts should be protected and regularly inspected for termite infestation. Properties in big cities are not totally safe from termites, New York included. However, many cases of infestation are discovered too late, when damage is already extensive.

What signs should homeowners and apartment dwellers look out for? Holes in the wood, sagging doors and discarded insect wings are some indicators that termites may be present. Wood surfaces such as windowsills may have wood debris or mud tubes or trails may be found along the foundation of the house.

Termites eating the wood from the inside can cause bubbles in painted wood surfaces. Inside wood, termites appear yellow or white. Sometimes, they can be seen outside, looking like flying ants. This is usually the point when exterminators are called in.

To check for termites, New York residents are advised to look in attics, basements and any crawl spaces or areas under the house. Places where plumbing or pipes, cabinets and anywhere the foundation can be seen should be checked as well. Suspicious hollow sounds when tapping at wood with a hammer or blunt object? That can be a sign of termite activity, too.

Aside from wood parts of a structure, termites can also destroy books, plants, trees and even parts of a swimming pool. It is a good idea to have a property inspected for termites and applying treatment if needed, before selling it or leasing / renting it out. Potential buyers or renters will not want a property that cannot pass a termite inspection.

Treatment can vary, depending on the type of termite causing the infestation. Termites can live in wood, such as the dry wood termite species. Another type, the subterranean termite, burrows into soil. Flying termites are not a species of termite, but are a caste of termite used for reproducing and founding new colonies.

It is best to get a termite inspector on the premises to confirm a suspected termite infestation and recommend a treatment. Termite treatment, however, should be left to an exterminator. New York residents are advised to get professional assistance in destroying colonies and active infestations.

Liquid treatments, termite baits, borate treatments and fumigation – these are some treatments that can be applied to get rid of termites. Spot treatment can also work if only a small part of the house is affected. There are some simple preventive measures that homeowners can use to prevent infestations from recurring, but the most important thing to do is to have regular inspections to discover colonies before they become too expensive, preventing termites from doing substantial damage.

Troubles with termites in New York happen a bit more frequently than you may think. If you suspect you are experiencing issues with termites look for a local Exterminator in New York and have your home inspected.

Bert Haley Pest Control exterminators, fumigation, home, home improvement, Insects, New York, New York City, Pest Control, Pest Invasion, pesticide, real estate, Remodeling, termites

Termites are a significant issue in much of the U.S. In the Southeast, Hawaii and California, termite issues are quite serious. It would make sense to either build or remodel our houses with the intention of preventing termites rather than waiting until we have a major problem and then working hard to get rid of the problem. This article will take into account a variety of techniques and materials that may help stop termites from becoming a problem.

The primary thing to recognize is that termites need food and water to stay alive. If we can create or remodel our homes in ways that eliminate termite’s access to food and water, the danger will be reduced considerably. Although that sounds simple, the details are somewhat more complex. The 3 basic steps in preventative remodeling are 1) good defensive design that includes an variety of tactics, 2) use of termite-resistant building materials, and 3) installing barriers to inhibit access by termites.

Preventative design requires keeping the property dry, controlling moisture in and around the home and allowing for easy termite inspection. Research demonstrates that most termite invasions start with wood-to-ground contact. Good design will avoid wood-to-ground contact. The next issue to avoid is moisture problems. Moist wood is a termite magnet. Be sure the soil slopes away from the structure. Reduce the humidity in crawlspaces. Design in access panels for higher-risk areas such as where plumbing penetrates the structure.

Termite-resistant building materials are a key component of termite prevention. Possibilities include using steel framing rather than wood, and using treated lumber or naturally resistant woods such as heartwood of cypress. A newer option is plastic or composite woods. These are made from either 100% recycled plastic or plastic mixed with wood leftovers such as sawdust. A number of grades are available. One way to increase the termite-resistance of existing wood is to paint or spray with a preventative borate mixture. This is a great option if you’ll be replacing or installing new drywall so the framing is totally open. Borates penetrate the wood, don’t break down over time and will last a very long time.

In the U.S., chemical barriers are widely used and quite effective. Physical barriers for subterranean termites consist of stainless steel mesh, and sand or crushed rock. Formosan termites can get through openings as small as 1.4 mm or .055 in wide. One answer is stainless steel mesh. This mesh is somewhat expensive and its usefulness depends completely on proper installation. Another solution that can work in some areas is crushed stone or sand. The particle size is vital to success. Particle size needs to be adapted for the individual termite in the area. If there are multiple subterranean termites in the area, this answer will not work.

Physical barriers for drywood termites mean that the home must be sealed completely. After the remodel is complete, use caulk and expanding foam to seal every little crack and crevice. Leaving even one tiny breach means the termites have a way in to your home. Eventually one of them will get in and create a colony.

The most secure approach to termite remodeling is to employ every possible technique and technology. Time and money are limited however. Go with the most effective techniques and materials first. You’re looking for the most bang for your buck. Get rid of wood-to-ground contact. Grade the ground away from the home. Add access panels. Spray a borate solution on open wood. Use termite resistant construction materials. Close up the remodel project completely. And get a termite inspection annually. Different states have different codes and different laws. Always seek advice from construction and pest control experts before carrying out the ideas above.

A professional inspection, and the peace of mind that comes with it, are inexpensive compared with the potential cost of damage. Call a professional. In Tampa that means Florida Bug Inspectors. We have protected Tampa homeowners with safe, effective service for over 20 years. Contact FBI today.

Russ Frank Uncategorized home, home and family, home improvement, Pest Control, termites

Property owners need a basic understanding of termites. Can you answer the following questions?

Q: How many types of termites are there? A: Over 2600 species have been identified by experts. Of those only 55 live in the U.S. Homeowners only have to worry about 2 types: subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Q: How are they different? A: Termites are social insects. That means they live in colonies. The location of the colony is different depending on the type of termite. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies because they need more moisture to survive. To feed they tunnel to into homes nearby. Drywood termites nest inside the structures they feed on. They depend on moisture from inside or nearby the structure to survive.

Q: How will I know if my property has termites? And, if so, what kind? A: Subterranean termites may be detected when they swarm, typically in the spring, when some termites leave their nests to start more colonies. Subterranean termites may also be detected when their mud tubes are seen on walls or foundations. Both types of termites may leave weak, broken, or blistered wood. Drywood termites can leave wings or piles of what looks like sawdust on floors and windowsills.

Q: None of these signs are present. Does that mean my home free of termites? A: No, termites are very hard to detect. Termites are hard to detect because they do their damage on the inside of the wood.

Q: What’s the difference between flying ants and swarming termites? A: If you can catch one, look at them up close. You’ll notice that termites have straight antennae, where ant antennae are bent. Another difference is that ants have a narrow waist and termites have a thick waist.

Q: Aren’t termites generally found in older buildings? A: The only preference termites have is for wood. They don’t care where it is. They’ve even been found in recently completed new construction. Termites have no preference for older buildings.

Q: How widespread are termites in the U.S.? A: Subterranean termites are common in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., but inhabit the lower 48 states plus Hawaii. Drywood termites are limited to the California coast, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the desert southwest. There are more termites in Florida than in most other states.

Why pay for termite damage? Florida Bug Inspectors, a leading Tampa termite control company, can provide thorough termite inspections and a complete prevention plan for far less than the cost of termite damage. http://www.inspection-termite.com

Russ Frank Pest Control home garden, Pest Control, shopping, termites

I like many other people found out I had a termite problem. But not just any termite problem; a drywood termite problem. I quickly called the company that is renting me the house and told them they need to take care of it.

Putting aside the fact that you should probably be on the phone with a company at the moment getting a quote for the job, you should have a basic understanding of what you will be dealing with.

It is important to know that there are many different types of termites out there. One of the more popular ones are known as Drywood termites. This type of termite is unique when looking at its survival skills. It can go about surviving and thriving, building its colony, without the need of water or soil moisture. They will look for a solid structured wooden surface and start eating away.

Termites hate regions where it’s too cold or where it’s too hot. You will usually find them in certain regions. For one, you will find drywood termites (the majority of the time) in coastal areas in the US. These regions do not contain hard winters or extreme summers; ideal for termites.

Before picking up the phone and calling the closest exterminator you can find, you know try to look for ways to identify if you have a termite problem. For one, it is very hard to know whether you have a termite problem. The easiest way to find out whether you have a drywood termite problem is by looking for small fecal pellets that are the size of salt (table salt).

Many people think that they can get rid of termites by getting out their usual bug spray and giving them a shot. This will not affect drywood termites, or any termite, and will probably cause the termites to flee and move on to a new wooden surface and feast away. Whether you have already tried to get rid of the termites by yourself, or you are thinking about doing so, I highly recommend you re-consider. Leave it to an exterminator to get the job done. They have the right tools and resourced that are necessary to get the job done.

I highly recommend you checkout this (more) comprehensive guide about drywood termite treatment

Jerry Timin Pest Control bugs, bugs and gardens, drywood termite treatment, Insects, Pest Control, pets and animals, termite treatment options, termites, treatment for drywood termites

If you’ve bought a new home, congratulations. However, it may have defects you’re not aware of. These defects can remain hidden for some time, and they might not be obvious to the naked eye or to someone simply walking into your home. However, these defects shouldn’t be ruled out and can manifest themselves now or later. You should keep an eye out for these types of defects, because left unchecked, they can ruin your home whether it’s new or well used. It’s not just about poorly placed windows or bad spackling, either.

CASE 1:

A family man trusts the wrong homebuilder, a family friend, and buys the new home his wife fell in love with. After six years, well past the deadline for any guarantees, the home has had no problems. Then the council builds a bypass, and the next rain reveals the flaws: poor drainage causes a flood in the poorly sealed lower level, not of water but of gooey mud, a metre high. A drainage culvert to the side of the house collapses in the washout, and parts of the lawn also become treacherous to walk over or mow. At the bottom of the sloping yard, what was once lush grass becomes a marsh, ruining the established vegetable garden.

In fact, the home has bad drainage and a poorly sealed lower level. These two defects are catastrophic, to the point where this house, originally priced at $250,000, dropped by about a third in value after the cleanup. Some of the problems have since been addressed, but there has been subsequent flooding over the last decade. The former functioning lower level is simply now average storage, which has cut the home’s living space in half. Many family heirlooms and memories were also destroyed in the floods, and these are irreplaceable treasures that are simply gone.

The Second Case:

A man buys a home, handyman’s special. He knows a bit about home structure, having worked several summers in construction, and he likes building and renovating. The flaws he sees – a roof cant indicating some leak problems, paint (of course), and broken bricks around the bottom of the home look like things he can work with. After signing his contract, he finds the real problem with the home: a cracked foundation caused by poor settling. The south end of the home is settling more than the north end, and though jacks have helped hide the problem and level out the floors, there is no repairing it himself. To fix the problem will cost him more than he paid for this unique fixer-upper opportunity.

Problems like these, and others, may hide in the home you’re considering. This can be true whether it’s new or old. Even if you think you know about homes and your best friend is the builder, it’s a possibility that the home you’re considering has serious building flaws.

As many as 90% of homes have flaws that are serious enough to cost you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs over the long run. A smaller percentage of these homes have flaws so severe that the only real option is to tear down and rebuild.

Before you purchase a home, always hire a building inspector. These professionals have worked for decades in construction, and have seen it all. They also know where to go to check credentials on land quality, future zoning issues, and the home’s history. Building inspectors know who to trust and who to avoid as well, and know what corners the shadier contractors cut – corners that might surprise you.

Before you buy your home, hire an independent building inspector to inspect it for you (and don’t go through your realtor, either). This will be easily the best money you spend in the process to get your new home.

Author: Mr Darren K Thompson has worked in Sydney termite control and he has seen lots of horror stories when people don’t tend to pest control Sydney.

Darren K. Thompson Pest Control cockroaches, Insect Control, Pest Control, pest inspection, termite control, termite control sydney, termites

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.

Russ Frank Pest Control home and garden, Pest Control, termites