What to expect after application

Certainly, every home is different, so the specifics of your Termidor treatment and results will depend on your home's age, configuration, construction, and level of infestation. Your Termidor Certified Professional will explain the best procedure for your situation. The entire application program is typically complete in a day or less; however, you may see some evidence of termite activity for several days afterward. That's okay. Rest assured that Termidor is working, and its unique ingestion, contact, and "Transfer Effect" will eliminate termites from your home. Remember, responsible termite control demands periodic inspections by a licensed pest management professional

Whatever the species, Termidor® termiticide/insecticide is your answer

If Western Sub termites are your problem, there's no need to worry. We have the answer to these and all subterranean termites: It's Termidor, the world's most amazing termiticide.

Tests have shown Termidor to be 100% effective against subterranean termites in even the most challenging situations. It will completely eliminate your termites within 3 months of application. No exceptions. No excuses.

Termidor is a non-repellent

If a termiticide is non-repellent, that means the termites can't see it, smell it, or feel it. In fact, they don't know it's there at all. As a result, they'll continue to forage in treated areas. That might alarm you, but it's a good thing. Termites that are active in areas that have been treated with Termidor are helping to spread Termidor to more termites; they are helping the termiticide do its job. Rest assured that in a short time all the termites-those you see and those you don't-will be controlled.

Remember, Termidor kills in two ways

First, Termidor kills termites when they eat it (and since they don't know it's there, they readily ingest it along with the wood fiber and other material they typically eat). Second, Termidor kills termites that simply come into contact with it. So, even if your termites are not feeding, Termidor will kill them.

Termites that come into contact with Termidor will also carry it on their bodies. As a result, every other termite they contact, feed, or groom will also be exposed to Termidor. All these termites will in turn transfer the termiticide to still more termites. This will go on for several days, allowing Termidor to be spread throughout the entire colony. This unique mode of action is known as the "Transfer Effect™".

The active ingredient in Termidor, fipronil, is slow acting. That's a very good thing for you, and a very bad thing for the Western Sub termite colony. Why? Because Termidor remains active long enough for one termite to transfer the termiticide to a large number of other termites in the colony before dying itself. And although the Termidor effect on individual termites is intentionally slow, the overall colony impact is fast: it can be 2-6 times faster than bait systems.

Subterranean Termites

The three principal types of termites in Texas are subterranean (nest in the soil),
dampwood (infest dampwood), and drywood termites (infest dry wood). Subterranean
termites are the most destructive and frequently encountered kind of termite found
throughout the state. Although they nest in soil, subterranean termites can attack
structures by building tubes that connect their nest to wood in structures.

Biology

This termite is known to have major swarms occurring in April, but small flights can occur at any time of the year. Swarming is the primary way the termite naturally spreads after it has been transported to a new area. Three elements are needed for swarming to be effective: 1) Proper food resources (cellulose and wood), 2) moisture, and 3) a physical niche.
As the colony grows, specialized castes are produced for the different tasks required. The first caste produced is the workers. The second caste produced are the soldiers. The third caste to appear are the reproductives. Two types, primary and supplementary, are produced in a Formosan subterranean termite colony. The two types have different functions. Primary reproductives swarm and start new colonies. They are called alates or swarmers. Although thousands of primary reproductives are produced each year, they all leave the nest. Primaries cannot become reproductive if they remain in their colony of origin. In a Formosan colony, the only primaries that reproduce are the original king and queen that started the colony. Supplementary reproductives, on the other hand, can become reproductive only in the colonies in which they were born. They take over reproduction when the primary king or queen dies or becomes separated from the main colony.

Subterranean termites are ground-dwelling social insects living in colonies.  These termites have the ability to adjust the depth of their colony (nest) in soil depending on temperature and moisture requirements. The colony may be 18-20 feet deep in the ground. The ground  serves as a protection against extreme temperatures and provides a moisture reservoir. Termites reach wood or cellulose materials above ground by constructing and traveling through earthen (mud) tubes. The mature colony consists of three castes: a) reproductives (king and queen), b) soldiers, and c) workers. It takes about 4 to 5 years for a colony to reach its maximum size and it may consist of 60,000 to 200,000 workers. 
    

Subterranean termites feed on wood or other items that contain cellulose, such as
paper, fiberboard, and some fabrics derived from cotton or plant fibers. Termites have
protozoa in their digestive tracts that can convert cellulose into usable food.

Subterranean termites nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wood
that is often wet. They easily attack any wood in contact with the ground. If the wood
does not contact the soil, they can build mud tunnels or tubes to reach wood several
feet above the ground. These tunnels can extend for 50-60 feet to reach wood and
often enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities
enter the house.

Detection of Termites

Termites remain hidden within wood and are often difficult to detect. However,
subterranean termites may be detected by the presence of winged reproductives, mud
tubes, and wood damage.

Winged Reproductives 

Winged reproductives emerge from colonies in great numbers usually in the spring and
during the daylight hours. Usually termites are first noticed by the presence of winged
reproductives. Mating occurs during these flights, and males and females form new
colonies. Winged termites can be distinguished from flying ants by their thick-waist,
straight antennae and wings of equal size.

Winged termites in a house are an indication of probable infestation. Termite wings
break off shortly after their flight, and even though the actual swarming is not
observed, the presence of discarded wings indicate that a colony is nearby. Because
termites are attracted to light, their broken-off wings are often near doors or windows
where the termites have been attracted to the light.

Winged termites emerging from the ground out-of-doors near the house does not
necessarily mean the house is infested, but it is a good reason to check further.
Termites in the wood of homes or other buildings usually come from colonies already
established in the soil.

Peak swarming periods for subterranean termites are from January through May in
Texas. They may also swarm to a lesser extent during the other months.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build earthen, shelter tubes to protect them from low humidity
and predation. These tubes are usually 1/4 to 1 inch wide. Houses should be inspected
at least once a year for evidence of tubes. If the house has a crawl space, the inside
and outside of foundations should be inspected for tubes. If the house has a concrete
slab floor, cracks in concrete floors and places where pipes and utilities go through the
slab should be closely examined. Cracks in concrete foundations and open voids in
concrete block foundations are also hidden avenues of entry.

Wood Damage

Wood damaged by subterranean termites is often not noticed because the exterior
surface usually must be removed to see the damage. However, galleries can be
detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver.
Damaged wood sounds hollow, and the screwdriver may even break through into the
galleries.

Subterranean termite feeding follows the grain of the wood and only the soft
springwood is attacked. Unlike drywood termites or other wood-boring insects,
subterranean termites do not push wood particles or pellets (fecal material) to the
outside, but rather use it in the construction of their tunnels. This debris, along with
sand and soil particles, is used as a form of plaster.

Identification
                                                

Termite colonies consist of specialized forms, such as the reproductive queen
(top) and king (right), worker (left), and soldier (center). Although they are
superficially similar to ants, termites have a closer relationship to the cockroach
than to any other living insect.
Subterranean and drywood termites require completely different management
methods; therefore, the termites must be correctly identified. Soldiers, winged
specimens or wings can be identified at your county extension office. Workers and
immatures are virtually impossible to identify. If you decide that the services of an
experienced pest control operator are needed, contact at least two or three reputable
firms in your area for inspections and estimates for treatment.

Difference Between Termites and Ants

Flying ants and swarming termites are often difficult to tell apart. Termites have relatively straight, beadlike antennae while ants have elbowed antennae. Termites have two pair of wings (front and back) that are of almost equal length. Ants also have two pair of wings but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings. The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax while the abdomen and thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist called a petiole.

Feeding Habits

Subterranean termites feed exclusively on wood and wood products containing cellulose. Termites have protozoa (microorganisms) in their intestines that provide enzymes to digest cellulose. Although termites are soft-bodied insects, their hard, saw-toothed jaws work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, a piece at a time. Termites often infest buildings and damage lumber, wood panels, flooring, sheetrock, wallpaper, plastics, paper products and fabric made of plant fibers. The most serious damage is the loss of structural strength. Other costly losses include attacks on flooring, carpeting, art work, books, clothing, furniture and valuable papers. Subterranean termites do not attack live trees.

Communication in the Colony

Termites communicate primarily by secreting chemicals called pheromones. Each colony develops its own characteristic odor. An intruder is instantly recognized and an alarm pheromone is secreted that triggers the soldiers to attack. If a worker finds a new source of food, it lays a chemical trail for others to follow. The proportion of termites in each caste within the colony is also regulated chemically. Nymphs or immatures can develop into workers, soldiers or reproductive adults depending on colony needs.

Sound is another means of communication. Soldiers and workers may bang their heads against the tunnels creating vibrations perceived by others in the colony and serving to mobilize the colony to defend itself. Mutual exchange of foods enhances recognition of colony members.

Evidence of Termite Infestations

How Old is the Damage?

Based on normal feeding activity, it takes three to eight years to cause appreciable damage. There have been some predictions that, under ideal conditions, a termite colony of 60,000 workers may consume a one-foot length of 2" x 4" pine in 118 to 157 days. 

Useful Information If Termite Treatment is Necessary

Termite Control

The goal is to establish a continuous insecticide barrier between the termite colony (usually in the soil) and wood in a building. Sometimes there may be a secondary termite colony above the soil (in the roof or other areas with a con-stant moisture supply) that requires additional treatment. Insecticide barriers may be established during or after building construction. In an existing building, termite treatments may involve any of the following procedures: a) mechanical alterations and/or b) use of an insecticide to treat the soil, foundation and wood. In most cases, it is beyond the ability of an untrained person to attempt the termite treatment, unless it is a spot treatment or a person has work experience in this area.

Generally, termite treatment should be performed by professional pest control operators. Termite treatment requires special tools such as hammer drills, sub-slab injectors, rodding devices, engines equipped with pumps, protective equipment, etc. Several insecticides are registered in Texas for termite control. Several baits also are available for termite control. Some of these baits are available only through commercial pest control professionals. Over the counter bait products may not provide satisfactory termite control. Make sure to discuss and understand the contract and conditions involved in use of baits for termite control if you hire a pest control professional. 

Caution

1. Do not apply insecticides when soil is frozen or saturated with water. Frozen or saturated soil will not absorb insecticide uniformly.
2. Do not let humans and pets touch treated surfaces until surfaces are dry.
3. Before using insecticides for termite control, always READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW all label directions.
4. Keep all pesticides in original containers, out of reach of children and away from food, feed and water.
5. Do not plant food crops in treated soil.
6. Do not allow children and pets to play in treated soil.

    Email: ben@alleyspc.com                   02/17/08 11:35 AM