FAQ
: TERMITES :
I have active termites, how much damage will they do in a month’s time?
Subterranean termites would not be expected to create significant damage in a few months time, but rather over an extended period of time if left untreated. Individual termites randomly visit the various feeding sites established by the colony, rather than returning to the same location day after day.
Do termites really eat wood?
Yes, termites actually eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomachs, they are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.
We recently noticed a small mud tunnel on the dry wall side of an exterior wall. After knocking it off we saw a pinhole in the dry wall. After a few days, the mud tunnel was back. What do you think?
Such mud tunnels are an indication of subterranean termite activity. Because the tube was rebuilt after being broken, the termites are active.
: ANTS :
How do I get rid of Fire Ants?
Fire ants can be difficult to eliminate totally because they can re-invade from neighboring properties. Individual fire ant mounds should be treated using a fire ant bait or a residual contact product labeled for fire ants. The yard can then be treated with fire ant bait to help control unseen mounds and colonies foraging from neighboring properties. Regular fire ant services are necessary to keep ants to a minimum.
How do I distinguish between swarming carpenter ants or swarming termites?
Colonies of ants and termites both produce winged reproductives that fly out to start new colonies. Carpenter ant swarmers are quite large – about 3/4-inch in length. Termites and other ant species are usually 1/2-inch in length or larger. The key way to distinguish winged ants and winged termites is by examining the wings. Termite swarmers have wings that are all the same size. If the hind wings are much smaller than the front wings, you have ants.
My kitchen and bathroom is inundated with small- and medium-sized ants. They seem to cluster in my sinks. I’ve used ant traps and boric acid and nothing works. What should I do?
It is important to identify the ant involved before trying to control it. Some ant species can be controlled using ant baits, while others cannot. The key to success is following the ants back to their colony and treating the colony directly (except when dealing with pharaoh ants).
: RODENTS :
Do you use rat poisons that will embalm the rat or make him go outside to die?
There has not or has there ever been a toxicant that would cause rodents to go outside or prevent decaying odor should they die inside. Traps are still the safest way to avoid odor problems when dealing with rodents.
How can I be sure all my mice are gone after all the trapping and baiting I’ve had done?
Place a small pile of sunflower seeds (raw unsalted) in an area frequented by mice. If there are no scattered seeds within a couple of days.. Mission accomplished!
Rats carry many diseases, and recently we have had a few die in inaccessible areas near our water heater. As the rat decomposes, will any of these diseased germs affect the health of our family?
I wouldn’t worry about the decomposing rat. The urine and feces are the biggest concern. Anytime you clean an area that has rodent droppings and or urine, use gloves and a mask to filter any dust.
