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Top Ten Facts Homeowners Should Know About Termites

1. How do I know I have termites or ants ?

Termite swarmers and ant swarmers look similar from a distance but there are some key things to look for to help you differenciate them. Termites are poor flyers and their wings break off shortly after leaving the colony. Termites have straight antennae and an ant’s are bent. Termites have broad thick waists where an ant has a narrow waist. Also, differing from ants, termites have two pairs of identially shaped and sized wings.

2. Are termites seasonal or do I need to look out all year long?

Termites are active all year long in areas where it’s warm outside and in homes with central heating. Depending on climate and geographic region; they generally swarm in search of a partner and to start a new colony between January and June but this isn’t carved in stone either. As long as they have heat, moisture and food the colony will continue to expand year round.

3. What should I do to help prevent termites ?

There are many practices to termite prevention and termite control that include barrier, moisture control and anti-harboring measures for new buildings. In an older home or already existing structure it is typically recommended that you use a chemical barrier, such as a Termidor soil treatment for Subterranean Termites, to prevent infestation after the structure is treated from any existing termite population, such as a fumigation with Zythor for Drywood Termites. We can recommend specific treatments to your particular needs.

4. How often should I get my home inspected for termites?

You should check with your local Structural Pest Control Commission or Board about their recommendations for the frequency of termite inspections and follow their guidelines for your area. In some areas a yearly inspection is sufficient; but in other areas quarterly inspections may be necessary. Every homeowner should be aware of the physical evidence and damage that Subterranean and Drywood termites can cause.

Subterranean termites: mud tubes inside (Fig. G) or outside (Fig. I) structure; damage along grain of wood (Fig. K)
Drywood termites: kick-out hole with a pile of frass (Fig. H); close-up of six-sided frass pellets (Fig. J); damage across grain of wood (Fig. L)

5. What if my neighbor gets termites, does that mean I will get them too ?

Termites live in colonies that can have as many as 2 million members each and it is estimated that 13 to 14 colonies can exist per acre of land. The average home could well have 3 or 4 colonies situated under and around it making the risk of infestation very high. If your neighbor’s home is infested with termites that doesn’t mean that yours will be too, but your homes' risk that it will be infested the next time the termites swarm is much greater.

6. What if I find termites in wood outside near the house (landscape, firewood, etc.) does that mean I have termites in my house ?

Your home may not necessarily be infested, but termites in the area means that your home is at high risk because each time the colony swarms, or grows your home may be a prime food target for the swarmers to start a new colony in or around your home. As the colony becomes larger the need for a larger food source is obvious. Subterranean termites will travel 100 feet from their colony to find a new food source. They may be feeding on the stump next door, the wooden swingset across the street and your home all at the same time.

7. If a termite inspection is done correctly will all the termites that are there be found ?

It isn't possible for an inspection to yield definitive results unless termites are found. There will be areas of your home that the inspector will be unable to evaluate because it may be inaccessible for one reason or another. If you live in a high infestation area preventative treatment may be an important consideration even if no termites are found. When you have an inspection done it is recommended that all area of the home are accessable for the inspector to do a full evaluation of the home, inside and out.

8. What is an average cost to expect for a common termite treatment ?

**Pricing reflects Brantley Termite & Pest Control ONLY** We offer FREE termite inspections but if you need a WDO the average cost is around $75 and is applied to the initial treatment. A fumigation can range from $700 or more depending on the size of your home and the magnitude of the infestation. Pricing also depends on any additional preporation that needs to be done if the homeowner is unable to do it themselves and if the fumigation crew needs a lift to properly place the tarps over the home. We also offer a yearly lifetime renewal. (Which is subject to change every 5 years.) This is like an insurance policy; which in case of a reinfestation that the property will be spot treated or retented as long as the renewal is paid on time each year. We strongly recommend our customers to keep their yearly renewal up to date.

9. Do I have to leave my house when the inspection or treatment is being done ?

Most people stay for the inspection of their homes and we stongly recommend that they do. That way, the customer can be informed by the inspector of any problems that may be found and discuss all possible treatment options. It isn’t necessary for you to leave during a spot treatment. If the home needs to have a fumigation, it is required by state law, that there may be no people, pets or living things of any kind in the home. Depending on the treatment your home requires will be the best indication and your inspector will advise you if leaving is necessary and of any other associated health risks.

10. Do the chemicals used in treating for termites by professionals hurt the environment, pets or children ?

Termiticides go through a stringent series of study and evaluation before they are approved for use. According to the University of Kentucky’s web site, based on the current body of knowledge, registered termiticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or the environment when applied according to label directions. All of our technitians have been trained to know all of the safety guideilnes to all of the products that our company uses.