Why be consistent with termite treatment?

If you have ever owned a home in Georgia – or just about anywhere else in the United States, bar a few isolated spots – you are probably aware of termites and that you don’t want them anywhere near your house. Are you also aware of the best termite treatment for your home?

Each year termites attack approximately 600,000 homes a year, doing an estimated $30 billion in damage to both crops and man-made structures in the U.S. in the process.

That’s a lot of carnage for an insect that ranges anywhere from just one-eighth to one inch in length. But – as the numbers show – when they get together in swarms, termites will absolutely rip through the wood in any structure they come across.

So, how do you keep them away? And how do you ensure that they will stay away for good?

Main factors for Termite Treatment:

You need to employ some sort of termite treatment with regularity. Otherwise, you risk joining the long, sad line of those paying for termite damage.

And it is not just a case of dealing with it should an infestation occur. The best termite control is one that keeps them away before they can get embedded and do any damage. But note that termite control is a continuous process, not a one-and-done treatment.

Why be consistent with termite treatment?

First off, termites are everywhere in north Georgia, and they are constantly looking for new food sources.

There are three termite species common to our state, but the most common is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. A native to our state, it also flourishes throughout the entire eastern half of the United States. And each spring, young queen and king termites will spread out in search of new colonies, flying in large groups or “swarms” before settling on a site, dropping their wings and settling in to raise a brood. A termite swarm is an unforgettable sight and is a sure sign of an infestation. Meanwhile, workers (bred by the queen and king) will also spread out in search of food (wood). In fact, eastern subterranean termites will travel up to 100 yards looking for fresh food. But, with the exception of swarmers, they must always have access to moisture, as their body structure requires constant moisture to survive.

That’s why you must stay vigilant, especially during the spring and summer when new colonies form and swarmers go in search of a new home.

(Also, do not mistake a swarmer for a flying ant. It is an easy mistake to make, but a close inspection of the two insects reveals differences:

• Termites have straight antenna; similar sized, paired wings; and a thick, straight waist.
• Flying ants have bent antenna; front wings that are longer than their back wings; and a distinct, bent waist.)

The good news is that, if you, employ termite treatments, you can rest easy and not spend every spring evening on lookout for a swarm.

Two types of treatment: liquids and baits.

Liquid termiticide may act as a long-lasting barrier, soaking into the soil around your house. This function also helps kill off established colonies, as it keeps termites from going back to the soil for the moisture they require to survive.

Baits, meanwhile, consist of a cellulose-based substance that you place in plastic, cylinder-shaped tubes at intervals around your home. The bait contains a pesticide that the termite brings back to the colony, where all termites feast on it and die.

Both styles of termite prevention and control have pros and cons, but both must be replenished every so often in order to maintain their effectiveness.

Bait placements will kill termites and prevent infestation for one year before requiring replenishment. Liquid treatments, meanwhile, can last for up to eight years.

Let those treatments lapse, however, and you risk immediate infestation and damage.

The good news is that these treatments are readily available. The question is which you choose to implement. There are pros and cons with each, including the fact that liquid termiticides may not work for the land around your home. It is also not recommended for use if you have a source of groundwater nearby.

These types of considerations are why so many homeowners work with a professional pest control company to ensure their house remains termite free. Professionals will conduct surveys of your property and make experienced and educated determinations as to what will work best for your situation.Zone has been providing quality pest control solutions for north Georgia for over 25 years. Our technicians recognize and know how to handle all types of termites, including the eastern subterranean termite.

If your home is not protected from termites, do something about it today. Contact us now at 770-904-5432 and keep those destructive pests shut out for good.