TERMITE CONTROL- FAQ For Home Owners
Q. What are termites?
No structural pest has commanded more attention than termites, termites are rated as the worlds number 1 structural pest. The Romans referred to those insects as “Termes” which means “ woodworm”. Termites are the most ancient of all forms insects (200 million years).
Q. Are there different kinds of termites?
Yes, the three major kinds of termites in Sri Lanka it is dampwood, drywood and subterranean. Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood;. Subterranean termites require moist environments, live mainly in the soil and are the most destructive species. In Sri Lanka there are 61 species of termites which 9 species identified as structural pest.
Q. Termites biology?
Termites are wood-destroying insects. They were known as “ White Ants” they live in social communities, belongs to the order isoptera. The nymph of stage of termites develops into few different castes. The queen termites lays 2000 eggs per day and live for more than 25 years. The soldiers function is to protect the colony from intruders. The termite worker search for food for colony members and termite reproductive’s are the future kings and queens
Q. How much damage do termites cause?
Termites work 24 hours/7 days a week at damaging the wood in and around a structure. They have estimated to cause $5 billion in damage each year in USA only. Termites cause damage to structural timber such as timber flooring, skirtings, pantry cupboards, wall cupboards, window & door frames, furniture, roof and timber ceilings, furniture, carpets etc,.
Q. Our neighbors have termites in their house; will we get them in ours?
There is an old saying; there are two kinds of houses, those with termites and those that will get termites. Seriously, there is no guarantee that a house will or will not get termites. Termites are all around us in the soil. They convert thousands of pounds of dead trees and other forms of cellulose to organic matter each year. They are constantly foraging for food sources. They do not intentionally set out to destroy your house; they just see it as another food source. If your home has not been treated and they are in your neighbor's house, chances are they will eventually run into yours.
Q. My house is less than one year old, why do I have termites?
Many houses have remained termite free for years while some new houses get termites in just a few weeks or months. If your house was pretreated and you have a termite infestation in less than 1 year, it is possible that during construction your home did not get a continuous termiticide barrier around and under it. Also, the termiticide barrier may have been disturbed in some way such as planting shrubs around the foundation or adding sidewalks or patios after the final grade treatment.
Q. How do I know if I actually have termites in my house?
Swarming termites inside your house are a sure sign. Window sills and door frames should be checked for damage. Mud tubes on walls, along baseboards or in cracks and crevices indicate termites. It may be necessary to open small holes in sheetrock to see termite tubes on wall studs.
Q. I have termites in my home, what do I do?
First, do not panic. Although termites can do severe damage, they work very slowly. Your house will not collapse overnight. If your house has been treated in the past five years, call the company that did the treatment. If your house has never been treated, call some reputed pest control companies and get estimates for their termite control services. These companies can inspect your house and determine whether you actually have termites, and can provide proper treatments.
Q. About how much does it cost to treat for termites?
The cost varies according to factors such as pest control company, termiticide and treatment method. Value for money is good, very cheap is not! In pest control mainly termite control low prices often means cutting corners. Nature will fight back, compared the prices with services offered.
Q. Are the chemicals this company wants to use inside my house dangerous?
Most termiticides should be considered dangerous. Presently, all of the liquid termiticides carry a signal word of warning or caution on the label. Warning signals that the product is moderately toxic and caution indicates the product is slightly toxic. Termiticides, like most pesticides, when used correctly can be applied safely and without undue risk to the homeowner. Most termiticides are applied into the soil, under slabs and around the foundations of structures. It would be advisable for the occupants of the home to leave during a termiticide application and for a few hours afterward. It might be necessary to air out the house for a few hours upon return. If these precautions are taken, there should be little chance of exposure to the termiticide
Q. What termiticide is the best?
There are many products on the market today that are labeled for termite treatments. The newer non-repellent termiticides that are now on the market have had good reports. No matter what termiticide is used, the key to getting a good application is coverage and obtaining a continuous barrier. Ask the Pest Control Company the termiticide they will be using and to provide you with a copy of the label and MSDS. Do not hesitate to ask questions, the more you ask the more you will be confident with pest control firm. Also ask the quantity of termiticide and the dosage which will be used at your premises
Q. Can I treat my house on my own?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own. On the other hand, pest control professionals have the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.
Q. How can choose reliable pest control company?
Choose a termite control service with the same care and discrimination you would use in securing any other service for your property. Always be sure you deal with a reliable firm that is both licensed and certified to do the work and that has an established place of business. Here are some ways to investigate before you invest: Ask for the pest control operations license issued by the ROP- Dept of Agriculture Sri Lanka also ask for the proof of training & certificates related pest & termite control. If a firm offers references of previous work, take time to check them carefully. Check if the firm has an established place of business & try to visit the office. Get a proposal in writing. Ask for the termiticide they are using and including quantity and dosage also MSDS also ask for written guarantee in writing
Beware of firms that:
Quoting a price through the phone, Profess to have a secret formula or ingredient for termite control, doesn’t look professional,
Q. Why Exterminators?
Since 1998, Exterminators has been behind the doors of business in various types of industries, Exterminators been the main pest management company in Sri Lanka is affiliated pest management associations in USA, England and Singapore have also been in news in international magazines such as the Economist, PestWorld, PCT.
Exterminators is one of the few pest control companies in the island to be authorized by the ROP-Dept of Agriculture Sri Lanka and to be accredited by the AQIS Dept of Agriculture Australia and the only ISO 9001-2000 certified pest control company in the island. Exterminators provides its services throughout is the island with main office based in Battaramulla and branch offices in Kandy,Galle,Kurunegala, Ampara and the city branch at Hyde Park Corner.