Termites get into your home by either tunneling up from the ground beneath or by swarming.  Swarming typically happens once a year for most large termite colonies.  The colony produces special termites with wings called swarmers (also known as alates or reproductive).  These swarmers are males and females.  They fly out of the colony and look for a place to start a new colony.  Most will die and not be successful.  However, if they successfully pair up and find a suitable place for a new colony in your home then you may have a problem.

No termites do not affect people.  However, sometimes termites are a sign of hidden moisture issues that can also be conducive to health issues such as mold.

Termites can be positively identified from samples of live/dead termites, termite frass (termite poop), or by damage to the wood itself.  A professional inspection is the best way to identify which type of termites (if any) that you have and they best treatment method.

Most termites are ¼” to ½” long.

This varies by species, but common termite species are black, brown, tan, or reddish-brown.

Tent fumigation prices are based on the cubic feet of volume under the tent.  Prices typically range from $1000 for a small home to well over $10,000 for a larger structure such as a condominium or commercial building.  This is much more expensive to other termite control methods such as termite baiting or “No-Tent” treatments.  The key is to have a professional inspection to properly identify the type of termite and the extent of the infestation.

Subterranean termites typically live in the ground, tunnel up into your home to feed, and then return to the ground.  The most common treatments are liquid treatments or termite bait station outside along the perimeter of your home.  Active areas inside your home may also be spot-treated to speed up control.

Drywood termites workers do not leave the wood they are eating and often travel no more than a foot or so.  The key for drywood termite control is to get a treatment to them because they will not move to the soil to contact a treatment like subterranean termites do.  Our preferred treatments for drywood termites are foam injection directly into the termite tunnels or fumigation.  We suggest having a professional inspection to properly identify which kind of termites you have in your walls.

Flying termites (also called swarmers or alates) are the life stage of termites that fly out of a colony once a year to establish a new colony elsewhere.  Most will die before this happens leaving you with gross piles of dead termites on window sills and around lights. Any bug spray, or even a vacuum, will kill these flying termites, but this is a sign of a bigger problem . . . . . a large colony hiding in the walls.  A professional inspection and treatment is needed to ensure the entire termite colony eliminated and not just the flying termites.

First, this depends on the type of termite. There are two types of termites (subterranean and drywood).  Subterranean termites are highly mobile and typically move in and out of your home.  Baits or liquid treatments around the exterior of your home often eliminate all the subterranean termites inside the home also.  However, we prefer to also treat all active areas just to be safe.  For drywood termites, it is a little more difficult.  Drywood termites workers do not leave the wood they are eating and often travel no more than a foot or so.  The key for drywood termite control is to get a treatment to them because they will not move to the soil to contact a treatment like subterranean termites do.  Our preferred treatments for drywood termites are foam injection into the termite tunnels or fumigation.  We suggest having a professional inspection to properly identify which kind of termites you have in your walls.

There are numerous treatment options for treating termites.  There are both natural and chemical options.  Natural options may be limited depending on what kind of termites you have (drywood or subterranean) and where the termites are located (easily accessible vs hidden in a wall).  We do recommend a professional inspection to identify the type of termites you have and help choose the best option for your home.  Here is an overview of some natural options.

• • • Remove & Replace Wood – Up until modern insecticides were invented about 100 years ago this was the most common termite treatment.  For very small infestations, such as drywood termites in a single piece of wood, this may be the best option.
      
    • Heat or Cold – Extreme heat or cold can kill termites.  Placing small items in the freezer for at least four days can kill termites but be careful because the condensation when it comes out may damage wood finishes.  Heating wood to 145° F will kill all termites.  This can be difficult because wood is a very good insulator.  Entire homes can be heated, but it may cost several thousands of dollars for the propane alone (not very environmentally friendly) and the heat treatment can damage other items in your home if not properly done.
      
    • Orange Oil Insecticides – This can be an option for localized drywood termite infestations.  It will not effectively treat subterranean termites.  Orange oil does have a very strong “citrus” scent.  I have had some customers who love the scent and others that move out for several days.
      
    • Termite Baits – Technically not “natural”, but termite baits are definitely a “green” option for subterranean termite control.  Instead of treating the soil with hundreds of gallons of liquid insecticides a professional technician places about 20 bait stations around your home.  The active ingredient is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) commonly uses in pet flea medications and only affects insects.  Plus, the cellulose bait is designed so only termites will eat it so it will not affect beneficial insects in your yard.  The stations also work as monitors so you know when termites return in the future before they are consuming your home.
      
    • Start with a Professional Inspection – The key to knowing which treatment you need is to properly identify the type of termites you have.  From there you can narrow down which is the best treatment for you and your home.