Combat the Pests Before Winter is Here

During the winter months are you proactive when sealing drafty areas and windows so that you stay warm all season long? That should not include keeping rodents and insects warm too. Just like winterizing your home to keep the heat in, you need to winterize your home to keep the pests out.

Outside winterization will make your home less ideal for your unwanted guests.

• Clean out your gutters and store your firewood away from your house. Rodents and insects will live in these spaces like a hotel until it's cold enough to move inside.
• Cut down dead plants and shrubs near your house; dead plants attract insects.
• Store your garbage cans away from your house. Garbage is a feast for all pests.
• Seal any cracks underneath your siding on your sidewalk, patio, driveway, and foundation with an outdoor sealant. The sealant will block the openings that mice and insects can get in.
• Check the screens on all of your windows. Use an adhesive tape to cover any holes.

Inside prevention will add an extra barrier of defense of keeping pests out for good.

• Spiders love humidity. Dehumidify your basement and wipe away all cobwebs.
• Mice love food, store all of your dry goods shelves and sealed well. Keep pet food in metal or lock tight plastic containers.

• All boxes that are stored in the basement, garage or attic are off the ground on metal shelves.
• Install door sweeps to any door leading to the outside.
• Do you have a chimney? Make sure the flu is cleared out and repair any loose mortar.
• Check all of your pipes and any holes that lead to the outside for gaps. You can use expanding foam to create a tight barrier from pests.

Winterization and prevention are very important for your home. There may be times you will want a pest control professional. We have the equipment, and all of our treatments are safe and will not cause you, your family or pets any harm. You can count on Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions. Contact us immediately at 901-377-9915 or email us at tiffany@ridallbug.com.

Sources:

www.pestworld.org

www.twotwentyone.net

www.familyhandyman.com

The Silent and Stealthy Subterranean Termite

A stealthy and determined force of nature, termites are a cause of stress and worry for many homeowners throughout the United States, especially in the Gulf Coast region. Commonly referred to as “the silent destroyers,” termites will silently feed on the wood and other materials within homes 24 hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.1

If left untreated, termites are capable of causing costly damage to the structural wood of your most valuable possession – your home. The National Pest Management Association estimates that termites are responsible for $5 billion in property damage every year in the U.S.2

Termites are small, ant-like insects. However, they differ from ants in that they generally feed off the cellulose in wood. Working largely undetected under the surface, they can tunnel through the wooden structure of buildings and completely destroy them. Wood that comes in contact with the soil, such as the exterior trim on your home, provides a perfect point of entry for a termite colony.

There are many types of termites, with the most common and dangerous ones being subterranean termites. Some common physical characteristics of the subterranean termites include wings, six legs and an antenna. They are between 1/8” to 1” in size, and generally long, oval or narrow in shape. Perhaps their most distinctive trait is their creamy brown color.

Subterranean termites (variations include Eastern subterranean, Western subterranean, Formosan termites, Desert subterranean) originate in the soil as it provides optimal temperatures and moisture for their survival. They may live in areas above the ground or completely underground, and are known to build tunnels to transport food. They grow quickly and build new colonies yearly.

In the spring, large numbers of winged termites, known as “swarmers,” typically emerge inside homes. Spring typically is when large numbers of winged termites, known as "swarmers," emerge inside homes. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air, and then swarm to disperse and start new colonies. If Subterranean termites colonies get big enough (colonies as large as two million have been reported3), they will further disperse and create satellite colonies.

Unlike most termites that only feed on wood, these termites feed on almost everything including beams, sub-flooring, insulation, foundation and plastic plumbing pipes. Coupled with their non-stop eating habits and quick growth rate, the termite colonies can easily be blamed for destroying homes and commercial buildings. The subterranean termite destruction is not limited to structures; they damage to living shrubs and trees as they eat into them, eventually killing them.

Due to their dangerous and destructive nature, and the fact subterranean termites can  be found everywhere in your house, it is important to take precautionary measures so that you can keep your property safe. Homeowners should get their house inspected semi-annually, especially if there are signs of pests or if it has been previously infested.

If you think you might have a termite  infestation, it’s critical to seek help from a trusted exterminator. Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions specializes in the diagnosis and removal of termite infestations in Olive Branch, Mississippi and surrounding areas. If you think you might be experiencing termite or other pest issues, contact us at 901-377-9915.

Sources:

1,2 http://www.jcehrlich.com/blog/essential-guide-to-termites/

3 https://www.kykopestprevention.com/subterranean-termites-the-most-dangerous-termites-out-there

Tips to Diagnosis a Subterranean Termite Infestation

Termites are a subject that often leaves people feeling a little itchy and uncomfortable. There are three groups of termites which include dry wood, damp wood, and subterranean. Besides the obvious location of their colonies, there are several other factors that can help you identify a subterranean species.

 

• Swarmers – Also known as alates, these winged termites are dark-brown or black and are ½ to ¼ inch long.
• Workers – The subterranean worker termite does not have wings, is cream colored, and is generally ¼ inch or less in length.
• Soldiers – This category is also wingless and has a very large jaw structure. They defend the colony and are white or cream colored with a brown head.
• Damaged wood – Because the nests of the subterranean termite is underground, the area that is damaged often will have soil or mud within the wood. They also only eat the soft wood portions, so the rest of the wood can have a layered appearance. Additionally, the wood is eaten in a pattern that is with the grain.
• Nest location – While subterranean nests might be located above ground, this only happens when conditions above ground have ample amounts of moisture and the colony is well established.

 

Signs of Infestation

A subterranean termite infestation begins when an established colony sends out a swarm of winged termites because of an onset of warm temperatures and significant moisture. Winged reproductive males and females make up the swarm which can be mistaken for flying ants. Swarmers have four wings that are all the same size. After mating, they land and shed their wings. If there are piles of wings on window sills, you could have an infestation, especially if the wings are all the same size.

 

Subterranean termites build large colonies, which are composed of intricate tunnels and chambers. When the termites eat wood, they leave mud and soil in the place of the wood to keep the moisture level consistent. If these muddy tunnels are noticeable on the walls or foundation of your home there is a good probability you have a subterranean termite infestation.

 

At Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions, we specialize in the diagnosis and removal of termite infestations in Olive Branch, Mississippi and surrounding areas. If you think you might be experiencing termite or other pest issues, contact us today.