Termite Control, Extermination, Phoenix, Tucson, AZ
Termites are similar to cockroaches which are known to be one of the oldest and most successful insects on the earth. Perhaps this long legacy gives termites their astounding tenacity and adaptability. Unlike cockroaches, however, termites exhibit complex and rigid social interactions in a colony. Particular tasks are performed by individuals specialized for the purpose.Identification:
- Termites can be winged or wingless
- Vary in color by species from white to cream-colored and coal black to pale yellow-brown
- Have constant contact with the soil or other above-ground moisture sources
- Approximate size may vary from 1/4 to 3/8 inch long
Subterranean termites are social insects that live in colonies in the soil. These colonies contain three forms: reproductives, workers and soldiers. Subterranean termites derive their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Their primary moisture source is the soil. Any wood-to-soil contact is a potential site of entry into a home. Termites build long tubes out of mud and fecal material. These mud tubes are called exploratory tubes. Termite tubes are easy to see and are one of the best ways to identify a potential termite infestation. Once a source of wood has been located, termites build more permanent utility or working tubes. The utility tubes serve as a highway running from the underground termite gallery directly to the food source. These working tubes can cover long distances over the foundation of a building or along interior/exterior walls to reach the cellulose on their own.
Termite Treatment Options
Liquid Termiticide Applications:
- Non Repellent chemical/odorless and non toxic
- Last multiple years in the soil
- Trenches are dug around the external perimeter of the structure
Premise - It contains the active ingredient Imidoclopridis. It is unique because it not only kills termites on contact, but it also kills them at doses too small to cause immediate death. If a termite comes in contact with a very small amount of Imidocloprid it will become lethargic and forget to eat and feed other termites.
Termidor - The active ingredient is Fipronil. Fipronil is unique in that it can be transferred from one termite to another through contact and trophallaxis (communalfeeding). This allows it to affect more termites than those that contact the chemical directly.
Sentricon - consists of in-ground stations that contain 2 pieces of untreated wood ("monitors"). The stations are on a quarterly schedule to see if termites have invaded or hit the monitors. If so, the termites are collected from the monitors and placed inside a tube of bait. The bait then replaces the monitors in the station and the termites must then eat their way out of the bait tube.
The active ingredient in the Sentricon bait is noviflumuron. It is an insect growth regulator and interferes with the insects ability to molt. Baits are very environmentally friendly because there is considerably less active ingredients. Generally do not require any drilling of the porch, slab, or foundation walls, so there is not damage to the structure.
Contact us online or call us at (602) 971-4782 to inquire about our services.
