Termites
How do they get in?
Subterranean termites create forage tubes out of mud and saliva to connect their colonies to their above ground food sources. These tubes provide shelter and act as a way of keeping moisture near where they are active. These mud tubes may appear on the exterior foundation, interior foundation of a crawlspace, inside of masonry walls or around the perimeter of a garage from the expansion joint in the slab.
What do they eat?
No, they do not eat concrete. Termites feed on cellulose material which is an organic compound that can be found in wood, paper, and cotton. Keeping your crawlspace free of stored cellulose material is a great way to prevent any heavy infestation.
How will we treat them?
With a combination of both a liquid and a bait system technique, we are certain to have your home termite free. The Trelona® ATBS annual bait stations come dually loaded with compressed bait that will keep the termites off your structure and attract any that may already be there. When applying curative treatments we will always apply termiticide around your home to ensure a quicker and more effective solution.
Powder Post Beetles and Other Wood Borers
Where are they hiding?
Powder post beetles are introduced from infested wood and begin to bore holes in floorboards, joists and other wood members inside/underneath the home. Other wood borers such as Old House Borers come from lumberyards, they lay their eggs on the wood or in cracks and crevices and it becomes an infestation once this wood becomes a part of your home. Wooden furniture is also subject to infestation so we recommend an annual inspection be done on your home to prevent these pets as well as possible.
Preventatives
Start by keeping stored wooden items OUT from under your home and away from the foundation. Kiln dried wood is the best wood to use since wood boring beetles tend to like some moisture in their wood. Also recommended that the moisture content under your home be checked as well so it doesn't promote infestation either. Lastly, simply check any wood for exit holes before taking it home.
How will we treat them?
Starting with a borate, wood boring beetles become much more easier to treat for. Since the larvae of the beetle is what eats the wood and does the damage, the chemical has to be able to reach them. Borate products penetrate the wood attacking the larvae and staying around for several years to prevent re-infestation.
Carpenter Ants
Where do they nest?
Most carpenter ant nests are found and located in moist wood or wood that has already been damaged by other pests. Hollow decaying wood, trees or logs may have activity, or that soft rotten soffit you have above your back door!
Do they eat wood?
No, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Which is the reason treated lumber (seen here) does not affect them. Treated lumber is only effective for up to 2 years anyways, so put your trust into a longer lasting and effective treatment.
How will we treat them?
Baits, dusts and liquid formulations are all good ways of dealing with carpenter ant nests. It all just varies on the situation or other factors at the time of treatment.