Termite Treatment Methods

Winged termites are known to swarm only during various specific times within a year and this is during their breeding period. Swarming termites only have a single body part with four wings and straight antennae. If these termites are seen outdoors it would not necessary be a cause of concern, however if they are found inside a home, it would be highly advisable for you to have a pest-control corporation come to your home in order to carry out an inspection. They are various methods of termite treatment.

1. It is important for you to note that whenever you come across any indication that would prove the existence of swarming termites within your surroundings, never clean it. It would be proper for you to call up a company that deals in pest-control so that they can inspect the evidence. This will enable them to know the type of termite, its location and the exact colony. All this information is highly important in finding the best way to handle these termites.

2. Fumigation

When a company that deals in pest control fumigates your home, they normally begin by covering the entire house with a tent then pump in sulfuryl fluoride which is type of gas. This gas will effectively work to destroy the termites. However, before the fumigation is done one is required to remove all animals and plants as well as any other living creature from the house. Since this method is done using a gas you will not be required to clean your interior surfaces once you occupy your house again.

3. Heat

Using heat originating from a propane heater that has a high output is another effective way of destroying swarming termites. The infested part is then covered up with a vinyl sheet before applying the heat. Objects found within this area should be removed for treatment as they will be damaged by high temperatures. Once extremely high levels of temperatures are achieved, the treated section is cooled off and ready to be occupied.

4. Use of insecticide

The insecticide is injected into the wood through tiny drilled holes. This is one of the oldest methods of treatment. The insecticide then gets to the colony through the openings. It is also known to be one of the easiest methods when it comes to termite treatment. The injected insecticide maintains its effectiveness as it continues to kill any other termite colonies that may attempt to invade the area.

5. Electrocution

Electrocute termites using a probe. A low current and high voltage gun is moved over an infested area. This works effectively by electrocuting the swarming termites found within that particular area.

6. Wood replacement

Immediately have the infested wood replaced. This method of getting rid of termites comes in quite handy if the affected area can easily be located and the wood effortlessly removed. As you replace the termite infested wood, it is also important to ensure that you remove any sections surrounding that area that may look infested.

The above mentioned methods will effectively help you get rid of swarming termites. However if you are not sure of how best to go about with the termination, it is advisable to seek the services of a pest-control company.

Video: National Geographic on Bed Bugs

Check out this informative video from National Geographic about bed bugs. This will tell you basic facts about the insects that you should know if you are treating a bed bug problem!

Guide to Termite Prevention

Termites have always been a common issue for home owners. Left unchecked, a termite infestation can do some very serious damage to a house’s structure. New homes built today are usually more likely to have been built with termite prevention in mind, but it doesn’t make the house entirely immune. Termites can come in at any time, and it’s important for all home owners to be prepared when it happens.

The first thing that all home owners should know when it comes to termite prevention is how to keep the house protected. There are some easy ways to help keep the termites at bay through yard work. Installing a moisture barrier and getting rid of any soil that is near any part of the house made of wood are some ideal examples of termite prevention. The best method of termite prevention is hiring a pest control company to send an exterminator. They can apply a termite repellent to your house to keep them at bay, but it might have to be applied on a regular basis.

It’s evident at this point that some of the methods available to you will be costly, especially when it comes to calling pest control. The cheapest way would be the D.I.Y. method where you go out and buy the additional equipment you need to protect your home. If you do decide to go with an exterminator, it’s good to browse around for one that is not only affordable but also offers high quality service.

The most important thing to consider when protecting your house from termites is to find out everything that you need to know. Despite all the precautions you might take, your house can still get a termite infestation. Knowing the signs of termite presence in your home is important in order to get rid of them faster to prevent even more termite damage being done to your home. Knowing the weak spots of your home is also crucial. They will receive the most damage if termites were to come into the house, most likely to the point that it will need costly repairs. In the end, it all comes down to being vigilant. Taking these precautions will not only protect your home from future termite infestation, it will help you effectively and easily resolve the problem without wasting time or money.

Bed Bug FAQs

As more and more people are finding out about the dangers of bed bugs, it is normal for them to have questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common questions that people ask:

1. What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on people and animals’ blood while they are sleeping. They are reddish-brown, have no wings, and can live several months without consuming blood.

2. What are the symptoms of a bed bug infestation?
One of the easiest ways to identify is by the bite marks on one’s neck, face, hands or any other exposed body parts while sleeping. These bite marks may not show up until 14 days later. Some other signs to look for include their exoskeletons, brownish colored blood spots, and musty odors.

3. Who is at risk for getting bed bugs?
Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs if an area is infected. Anybody that travels a lot is at a higher risk of contracting bed bugs. People who also share a living space with others also have a higher risk of getting bitten or spreading bed bug infestations.

4. How do you treat bed bugs?
These types of bug bites are not very serious. The best bed bugs treatment is to stop scratching the area and put antiseptic creams on the affected area. You also might want to consider taking an antihistamine if it is really itchy.

5. Are bed bugs a serious epidemic for homeowners in the US?
There are more and more cases of bed bugs cropping up in major cities in the US. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases but can cause a lot of discomfort and stress. The rise in bed bugs could be due to the increased number of international and domestic travelers. It could also be attributed to people not understanding how to spot and prevent bed bugs from appearing in their home.

6. What recommendations are there for homeowners to prevent bed bugs from appearing in their home?
There are many ways to prevent bed bugs from entering the home. The EPA has over 300 registered products that you can use to get rid of bed bugs. Be careful to follow the instructions provided when using any product. You can also consider consulting a bed bug professional if you have a huge problem with bed bugs. Some other ways to prevent bed bugs are using luggage racks to hold your luggage, washing your clothes and bed sheets in hot water, and carefully inspecting mattresses on occasion.

7. How do I know if I have been bitten?
Many people do not realize that they have been bitten until bite marks appear, which can happen anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. These bite marks can look like a mosquito bite or one from a flea. They may be random bites or appear in a straight line. Some other symptoms include sleeplessness and anxiety.

Hi there!

Hello there reader!

My name is Billie, and this is my blog!

You probably hate bugs. Well, maybe you don't HATE bugs, but you probably know that they don't belong in your home, in your kitchen, and in your bed. However, somehow they find their way in there anyway!

I started this blog because I've always had an interest in pest control. Maybe it's from watching my dad on Take Your Daughter to Work Day! I might go into it as a living, but I'm not sure yet. For now I'm content just to blog about it!

Thanks for visiting!