What is the Best Way of Getting Rid of a Termite Infestation?

/in /by

Termites cost approximately $5 billion in property damage every year. What is worse is that homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover these costs. Many homeowners try prevention tactics to deter termites from their home and avoid this extremely costly problem. Unfortunately, prevention tactics do not always work and sometimes, homeowners have to consider how to get rid of termites that have already invaded their home. When that is the case, it is best to enlist the help of a pest control company that can eliminate a termite infestation effectively, and make sure it does not return.

Soil Treatments

Soil treatments are particularly effective against subterranean termites that live in the soil. When applying these treatments, a pest control treatment will use a termiticide, a type of pesticide, directly in the soil. The first step in applying this treatment is digging a trench around the foundation of a home, the area in which termites first enter. These trenches are typically dug to an approximate depth of 50 millimeters from the top of the foundation.

Once the trench is dug, the soil is then treated with either repellant or non-repellent chemicals. Repellent chemicals are the more traditional form and they simply deter termites from entering the home. Due to the structure of the soil, this method is not always effective because termites may still find an area that is not treated and make their way through. On the other hand, repellent chemicals actually kill the termites and are much more effective.

After the soil is treated, the trench is then filled again with the treated soil, effectively creating a barrier that keeps termites out. Soil treatments are very effective and will usually keep termites out of the home for five years, on average.

Wood Treatments

Wood treatments are particularly interesting because these treatments affect the actual wood of the home and not the soil around it. These treatments are also not limited to just one type of treatment, but several. Wood treatments include spraying the surface of the wood, injecting sprays and foams, and using Borate treated wood.

Termites often enter a home when there is exterior wood that sits on the ground or close to the ground, making for easy access for termites. Borate is a chemical that penetrates the wood and creates a barrier that termites cannot pass. When the critters eat this wood, they are poisoned and die. The borate must also be treated afterwards to seal in the chemical and ensure its effectiveness. These applications should never be done by homeowners on themselves. Protective gear is crucial, as the poison that affects termites can also adversely affect people, so a pest control company is critical in applying these treatments.

Wood treatments can be applied prior to the construction of a home, but homeowners currently experiencing a termite problem can also benefit from these wood treatments.

Bait Systems

Bait systems are extremely effective at destroying termites and eliminating an infestation. Using this method, a pest control specialist will install bait stations around the perimeter of a home where termites are likely to reside and travel to get into the home. 

Sometimes these bait stations are called traps, but that is misleading. These systems do not actually trap the termites, but they contain bait, such as wood or cellulose, that is treated with a substance that is poisonous to termites. That bait also does not necessarily kill the termites instantly. The bait is slow-acting so that termites can return to their colony and spread the bait to others, effectively eliminating the entire problem.

Bait systems are one of the best ways to get rid of termites, particularly for homeowners that find that wood surface treatments do not work. Bait systems are often used in locations where wood surface treatments are not effective, such as close to foundation drains and areas covered by certain types of flooring that may require drilling.

Bait systems are available for purchase, but to gain the most effectiveness from these types of treatments, a professional pest specialist should always be called to set up these systems. A professional will know how to effectively set these bait stations so they eliminate the most amount of termites in the least amount of time. A professional will also continue to monitor the bait systems to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists are Here to Help

Although homeowners have many solutions that can help them kill termites that invade the home, it is always best to call a St. Charles pest control specialist for help. At Amco Ranger, we understand the best ways to kill termites in the home, and to keep them from coming back. If you are having a termite problem, call us today at (636) 224-6099 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.

What is Attracting Ants Inside of My Home?

/in /by

Ants are more commonly seen in the spring and summer months in Missouri, but they can become a household pest regardless of the season. Ants are extremely interesting creatures and live within a complex social structure that can include thousands of colony workers. When one ant is seen within the home, there is a good chance that the colony has already infested. To prevent this from happening, it is important to know what attracts ants inside a home, and to ensure your home does not have any of these temptations, so you can keep the ants outside where they belong.

Food

Food is by far the biggest draw to ants. Worker ants are always on the hunt for food. Although ants typically prefer sugary substances, they will eat just about anything. As they hunt for food, they also leave a scent or pheromone trail behind them. This trail allows them to easily find their way back to the colony, but it also provides a path for other ants to follow so they too can forage for food and bring it back to the queen. 

To deter ants from entering a home, it is important to keep the kitchen area particularly very clean. Refrigerate produce when possible, always quickly clean up spills, and ensure that countertops and the pantry is always clean of crumbs and other food spills.

Water

Like all animals, ants need water to live, but they do not always need a direct source. Many ants get all the water they need through the food they eat. The amount of water any ant will need will largely depend on the type of ant. Pharaoh ants, for example, must nest close to a reliable water source, while carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood. Of course, it is important to ensure there is no standing water outside, but also address any plumbing issues, such as a leaky faucet, that could also act as a draw for ants.

Climate

Ants, like all other insects, are cold-blooded and rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When the weather starts to turn colder in the fall months, ants may come inside where it is warm and where they can expand their colonies. Being inside during this time also allows ants to remain close to a food source, and find the moisture they need. Unfortunately, due to the fact that humans also need to live in a comfortable environment, there is little that can be done to prevent ants from coming into the home for this reason.

The best way to prevent ants from turning your home into theirs during the cooler months is to continue with ant prevention practices. Keep a clean home, ensure that fixtures are watertight and are not leaking, and ensure all garbage cans in your home, including a garage or shed, have tight-fitting lids. One of the best prevention tactics is to also inspect the outside and inside of your home, particularly the areas around doorways and windows. Ants can make their way in using the smallest of gaps or cracks. Sealing these off will block any entry points, so ants can remain outside all year long.

Reproduction and Propagation

Homeowners are most likely to encounter flying ants in the spring. Flying ants are reproductive ants and as the colony matures, its population grows. Flying ants develop within their colonies before they emerge and perpetuate the species. After the ants mate, the males die and the female becomes the queen that will search for places to build their new colonies. When these swarms are seen in the winter, it may mean that carpenter ants are nesting within the structure, which is a very serious problem and may require professional help. Without the help of a professional pest control company, the only real way to get rid of these ants is to vacuum the swarms and take the vacuum or the bag outside to release the ants.

Our Missouri Pest Control Company can Help with Your Ant Problem

Unlike other insects, ants do not generally pose a threat to humans, but they are annoying and can sometimes cause damage to a home. If you are dealing with an ant infestation in your home, our St. Charles pest control company can help. At Amco Ranger, we have the necessary experience to eliminate ants from your home, and keep them out. If you have a problem with ants or any other pest, call us at (636) 223-5703 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.