Swarmer termites damage more homes than fires, earthquakes and storms combined. They attack in every state but Alaska, infesting five million homes every year. Yet termite damage is rarely covered by homeowners’ insurance. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not protect their homes from likely invasions. “In Smithtown, it’s not a question of if you have termites, it’s a matter of when,” said Lynn Frank BCE, Board Certified Entomologist and Technical Director for Suburban Exterminating.
Right now, it’s termite swarming season, a time of year when billions of reproductive subterranean termites take flight from their colonies in search of new homes to infest. “Swarmer termites are one of the most obvious signs that you have a termite problem, and that you need help,” added Frank.
In addition to large swarms of winged insects inside and/or around the home, other signs of termites include mud tubes on walls, hollow sounding wood, and dead termites or wings around windows, doors, heating vents or in bathtubs and sinks. If termites are discovered, homeowners should contact a licensed pest management professional; however, not all termite treatments may eliminate the problem.
For example, most liquid chemical treatments and some termite baiting systems only have the ability to suppress termite populations, but have not demonstrated any documented effectiveness at eliminating subterranean termite colonies. This means servicing and monitoring methods may vary greatly based on the type of treatment used.
“With liquid chemical treatments, most product labels only require pest management professionals to perform one annual inspection after injecting the chemical mixture into the soil,” continued Frank, “but, unfortunately, re-treatments can be common.”
“There are companies out there that perform a treatment that offers the kind of results that homeowners demand,” said Frank.
Frank recommends a termite bait system called the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. With ongoing monitoring by an authorized professional, the Sentricon System provides long-term protection through proven1 elimination of termite colonies. Once the colonies are gone, the system returns to a monitoring mode to intercept attacks by other colonies in the area. It’s also environmentally responsible, using only a few grams of active ingredient when and where needed.
Homeowners wishing to learn more about termites, the risk they pose to their homes and how to prevent them are encouraged to visit www.suburbanexterminating.com. In the meantime, homeowners should pay particular attention to areas where there is wood access, such as around decking, near landscape timbers, firewood piles, fences and any areas with direct wood-to-soil contact. High-moisture areas near the roof downspout, sprinkler heads or air conditioner drip lines are also conducive locations for termite activity. Long Island Homeowners can also contact Suburban Exterminating at (631) 864-6900 or (516) 864-6900
