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Termite Control

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Termite Control

Throughout the United States termites cause billions of dollars in destruction every year. Termites can destroy things ranging from home walls, wood floors, door trim, wallboard, books, plants, and even parts of swimming pools. If you suspect termite activity let our experts inspect your home today.

The inspection is free.The peace-of-mind is priceless.

 

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Subterranean termites are the #1 most common termite found in the Phoenix valley.  The good news is that they are, comparatively speaking, just little guys (about half the size of other termites).  But the bad news is that most homes in the Phoenix Metro area will be attacked by termites at some point and will be damaged.

So what can you do to prevent subterranean termites from invading your home?

Just remember, subterranean termites feed exclusively on wood materials; and they have strict moisture requirements.  Consequently, a lot can be done to prevent infestations by eliminating the food and moisture resources termites thrive on.  It sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many homeowners overlook the obvious.

Here are a few Tips to Prevent Termite Infestations:

• Repair structural and plumbing leaks.
• Pull all mulch and landscaping back at least 6 inches from the foundation.
• Remove piles of trash and debris from around the home.
• Keep firewood stacked away from the structure.
• Make sure downspouts are long enough to direct water away from the foundation.
• Keep irrigation systems from watering near the foundation or on home siding.
• Avoid direct wood to ground contact when building porches or decks.

3 Primary Termite Treatments

If you already have a termite problem and you live in the Phoenix Metro area then lets talk about what treatments are available to control termites.

There are 3 primary types of termite treatments when it comes to subterranean termites:

• Repellent Liquid Termiticides
• Bait Systems
• Non-repellent Liquid Termiticides

Repellent Termiticides

are fast acting nerve poisons that are highly toxic to termites but have low toxicity to mammals. They are so repellent that termites foraging under the soil will avoid coming into contact with the termiticide and forage elsewhere. Most homes in the Phoenix Metro area have been treated with a repellent termiticide since it is the most common termite pre-treatment used when building a new home.

The disadvantage to repellents is that termites are able to detect the termiticides in the soil and avoid lethal contact with them. This is important because creating a perfect repellent barrier under a fully constructed house is very difficult. Construction features, plumbing lines, and landscaping are just a few of the obstacles. Because of these difficulties, there are often gaps in the treatment where the termiticide was not applied completely. Eventually, foraging termites locate these gaps and gain access into the structure. That is bad news for you. If these termites find the structural wood, they will tunnel back through the untreated gap and recruit other termites into your home.

Termite Baiting

is a very different approach to subterranean termite control. Instead of attempting to protect a structure by creating a barrier between it and the termites, baiting targets the termites themselves. Termite baits are designed to suppress or eliminate the termite colony living in the soil. Stations are placed around the home and monitored for termite activity. When activity is found then bait is inserted with the hope that the termites will feed on the bait and infect the colony.

The disadvantage to baiting is there are no means of coaxing termites into stations that are being monitored, so it may take months before baiting can begin. Plus, the high surface temperture in our Phoenix desert valley can discourage termites from foraging where bait stations are installed. Another disadvantage is that bait station installations can be very expensive and must be professionally monitored on a regular basis – increasing the cost of the baiting system. Add to that the fact that baiting systems do not directly protect your home and you see why termite baiting is not our preferred method of treating termites.

Non-repellent Termiticides

have changed the termite industry for the better. Chemicals like Termidor are not repellant and termites cannot detect them in the soil. The termites tunnel into the termiticide while foraging, contact the chemical, and eventually die. But first they go back to the colony and infect other termites through a transfer process (trophallaxis), creating a colony elimination effect. Termidor is long-lasting and is the #1 termite defense system in the country. It is our product of choice and the best solution available.

The only disadvantage to Termidor is that it is more expensive that any of the other liquid termiticides. However, at First Inspection we are committed to giving you the best possible price and value. We don’t do gimmicks or cut corners. We know you want the best for your home, and we do too. Contact us now now for a free quote.

Now, it is true that our desert termites can take quite a while before you see any structural damage. In some cases, it takes up to five years or so before you see any signs of the problem. But how much did they eat before you saw them?

Let me warn you – a healthy termite colony can consume an entire foot of a two-by-four in just a few months. That doesn’t sound so bad, but the extent of the harm depends on how it’s distributed in your house – the termites don’t eat the entire board, they tunnel around in them. It is tough to tell exactly how much it will cost you to repair it, because it can vary so much.

You may know that all new homes built in Arizona are pre-treated with a chemical barrier for protection from termites. In many states that barrier can last for 5-10 years. But that is not true in our desert environment. Pre-treat termite barriers commonly break down within 2-4 years leaving your home at risk of infestation. If you care about your home investment and want the peace of mind that you are protected, then contact First Inspection Termite & Pest Management now and receive a FREE termite booster estimate. It is very affordable and we warranty our service. Don’t wait until damage is done.

Calling All Termites!

A while back I was called to a recently vacated home that had termite tubes inside a corner bedroom.  I inspected the entire home and confirmed that the infestation was limited to just this corner room (see photo).  The reason I bring this home up is because of the environment the previous homeowners had created for termites.

Outside against the front and corner of the room was an elevated (3 ft) planter.  The soil in the planter was against the house and very moist thanks to the automatic drip system.

Just around on the side corner (a foot away) was a wood pile stacked against the house. Much of the wood had been devoured by termites – there were mud tubes all throughout.  It was like subterranean termite heaven.

I had to shake my head because the homeowners had unknowingly created the perfect conditions for their home to be infested. They basically put a sign out inviting all roaming termites to come and stay.

 

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