I had a swarm of what I thought were flying ants in my home, and a friend told me that they might have been termites. How can I tell the difference?
Termites are often confused with ants; a few characteristics can help distinguish the two. Termites have a broad waist, straight antennae and both wings are the same size. Ants have a thin, pinched waist, elbowed antennae and their hind wings are smaller than their front wings.
When is the best time to treat for termites?
The best time to treat for termites is before they infest a structure. Termite control is an ongoing process rather than a one-time treatment. You should have a control plan to avoid costly infestation and damage.
How do termites get into my house?
Homes and other buildings provide termites with an ideal combination of warmth, moisture and food sources. Termites are small enough to enter basements and crawlspaces through openings as small as 1/32nd of an inch. A loose mortar joint, a small space around a drainpipe or a settlement crack is all they need to gain entry into your home.
What advice can you give to prevent a termite infestation?
Preventative action makes good sense. Consider having a Home Pest Control professional inspect your home and implement a termite control program.
There are also measures any homeowner can take to help prevent infestation:
- Remove wood debris from around and under your home.
- Grade the soil around your foundation so it carries water away from the house. Maintain gutters and downspouts.
- Create at least 18″ of clearance between the bottom of the wood floor joists and soil in the crawlspace.
- Prevent wood-to-ground contacts such as porch supports, stairs and decks. Set wood posts on concrete pads so they don’t have contact with the ground.
- Ventilate the crawlspace to reduce moisture.
- Use pressure treated wood wherever wood will contact the ground.
- Repair any plumbing leaks.
How do roaches get into my house?
Roaches can enter through cracks and crevices around windows, doors and plumbing. They often enter by way of shipped packages, groceries, soft-drink cases, used appliances, rugs and furniture, too.
Is it possible to get rid of roaches forever?
No. Roaches can be eliminated, but reinfestation can occur, depending on the species and where your home is located. The roaches common to the Carolinas continually try to enter structures, so it’s important that your home be treated with a regular preventative program.
How do I know if the products that a pest control company is using are safe?
First, verify that any company you hire is licensed and well trained in handling pesticides. Pesticides can be used responsibly with little or no impact on people, pets and plants if they are applied in accordance with the product label and state regulations. If you have specific health concerns, ask your pest control company for copies of the label, which contains information about the active ingredients, toxicity and other information to discuss with your doctor. Home Pest Control uses only environmentally sensitive, EPA registered products.
What is the best way to rid my home of ants?
Ant identification is the most important step in controlling an infestation around your home. Proper control and treatment techniques depend on which ant species you are having a problem with. Exterior liquid treatments with a residual pesticide are very effective for some ant infestations, where as interior bait applications are more effective for others. Our professional, trained technicians are able to properly identify the ant species and determine the suitable treatment technique to gain effective control.
Do rodents pose any danger to my family or home?
Yes. Rodents can damage structures, chew wiring and cause electrical fires. They also contaminate human food with their urine and feces and carry many diseases that are harmful to humans.