Termite FAQ’s
Top Ten Facts Homeowners Should Know About Termites
1. How do I know I have termites or ants ?
Termite swarmers and ant swarmers look similar from a distance but there are some key things to look for to help you decide. Termites are poor flyers and their wings break off shortly after leaving the colony. Termites have straight antennae and an ant’s are bent. Also termites have broad thick waists where an ant has a narrow waist.
2. Are termites seasonal or do I need to look out all year long?
Termites are active all year long in areas where it’s warm outside and in homes with central heating. They generally swarm in search of a partner and to start a new colony between February and June but this isn’t carved in stone either. As long as they have heat, moisture and food the colony will continue to expand.
3. What should I do to help prevent termites ?
There are many practices to termite prevention and temite control that include barrier, moisture control and anti-harboring measures for new buildings. In an older home or already existing structure it is typically recommended that you use a chemical barrier to prevent infestation after the structure is treated from any existing termite population. Your termite specialist will have recommendations specific to your particular needs.
4. How often should I get my home inspected for termites by a professional ?
You should check with your local Structural Pest Control Commission or Board about their recommendations for the frequency of termite inspections and follow their guidelines for your area. In some areas of North America yearly inspections are sufficient; but in many areas quarterly inspections are necessary.
5. What if my neighbor gets termites, does that mean I will get them too ?
Termites live in colonies that can have as many as 2 million members each and it is estimated that 13 to 14 colonies can exist per acre of land. The average home could well have 3 or 4 colonies situated under and around it making the risk of infestation very high. If your neighbor’s home is infested with termites that doesn’t mean that yours will be too, but the chance is certainly greater.
6. What if I find termites in wood outside near the house (landscape, firewood, etc.) does that mean I have termites in my house ?
Your home may not necessarily be infested, but termites in the area means that your home is at high risk because each time the colony swarms, or grows your home may be a prime target for the swarmers to start a new colony in or around your home.
7. If termite company inspections are done correctly will they find all the termites that are there ?
It is’t possible for an inspection to yield definitive results unless termites are found. There will be areas of your home that the inspector will be unable to evaluate because it may be inaccessible for one reason or another. If you live in a high infestation area preventative treatment may be an important consideration even if no termites are found.
8. What is an average cost to expect for a common termite treatment ?
The average cost of an inspection is around $75 and the initial treatment for an infestation can range from $1000 or more depending on the size of your home, the magnitude of the infestation and the region of the country you live in. You can expect to pay about $300 or more for yearly malignances services too.
9. Do I have to leave my house when the inspection or treatment is being done ? Or do I have to leave afterwards ?
Most people stay for the inspection of their homes and it isn’t necessary for you to leave during the treatment phase in most cases. The kind of treatment your home requires though will be the best indication and your service provider will advise you if leaving is necessary and any associated health risks.
10. Do the chemicals used in treating for termites by professionals hurt the environment, pets or children ?
Termiticides go through a stringent series of study and evaluation before they are approved for use. According to the University of Kentucky’s web site Based on the current body of knowledge, registered termiticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or the environment when applied according to label directions.