Since it is that time of the year again, I feel that I should use this column to share some information that many of our readers will find useful. I realize some have read this information before, but others might just need a refresher.

This is the time of the year for termites and fire ants to start swarming. Both of these are social insects, just like honeybees. Like honeybees, both fire ants and termites live in large groups called colonies. A queen, who mates only once, rules the colony and for the rest of its life does nothing but lay eggs.

When there gets to be too many in the colony, or something else upsets them, some will leave and start a new colony at a new location. This is called swarming. The process is fascinating unless the new location is your home for termites or your yard for fire ants.

Swarming usually takes place in early April and usually following a heavy rain. You will know swarming is taking place, because you will see new fire ant mounds in your yard and may see what looks like ants with wings around your property.

Winged ants and winged termites may look alike to the casual observer, but they are distinctly different. All four wings of a termite are the same length, but the front wings of an ant are much longer than the rear wings. The abdomen of a termite is attached directly to the thorax, but a narrow tube with a small protrusion on it separates the abdomen and thorax of an ant. The antennas of termites are straight, but the antennas of ants are bent like elbows. Once you know the difference, it is fairly easy to tell ants from termites even without the use of a magnifying glass or viewing scope.

The following information is related specifically to termites. I will provide additional information very soon about fire ants.

If termites are swarming outdoors, it is just nature's way of reminding us that termites are all around us. So if you find termites swarming in the yard, don't worry too much about it. But if you find them swarming in the house, it is time to have your house inspected. Just because termites are found, it does not mean your house needs to be treated.

The pesticides that are used to kill termites are called termiticides. State and federal regulations actually prohibit routine or annual termite treatments without any indication of an actual problem. Because of this a pest control company cannot tell a potential customer they should have their house treated if there is no evidence of termite activity. They might suggest a treatment if it has been 10 or more years since the last treatment. But without evidence of termites, it becomes a matter of how important the customer considers the investment in a treatment that will likely cost them $1,000 or more depending on the size and construction of their home.

There is lots of information available for homeowners that suspect termite activity or termite damage. Just remember that even if termites are present and a professional extermination company is recommending treatments, it will not hurt to wait a week or two before making a decision so you can get estimates from other companies or until you can get additional information.

In most cases, it is wise to have a termite contract on a home. If termites are found, then it's simply a matter of contacting the pest control service and asking them to come out and inspect the house. But please understand, there is a big difference between a termite contract and a pest control contract. Pest control treatments, such as spraying the foundation of the home and surrounding lawn and landscaped areas, will not deter termite activity very long.

A common question is whether termite baits or liquid soil treatments are the best. These treatment methods are very different. Liquid treatments provide a barrier in the soil around the home, so presumably, no termites should breach that barrier as long as it remains intact.

Bait treatments require termites to find the bait station. There is nothing to attract termites to the stations, so termites find them during their normal foraging activity. The material inside is considered an acceptable food source, so the termites begin more extensive feeding and other members of their colony join them.

The choice of baits or liquids is also a matter of the person's preference. Baits can be effective if they are installed and maintained properly by a pest control company, but an annual fee is required. If you decide later to discontinue your contract, then the company removes the stations or simply discontinues inspecting them.

Consumers can purchase over-the-counter baiting systems at most hardware or garden centers. The product information still recommends that an infestation in a house be addressed by a pest control professional. So while the consumer bait product may seem like a good choice to save money, consideration should be given to whether it's worth it to invest in these products when your first step should be to get professional assistance.

Do-it-yourself liquid treatments are not recommended. Very few individuals are willing to dig a dip trench around the foundation and then apply the required amount of chemical, which can be as much as 200 gallons of diluted spray. The most widely used and most effective termiticides are products called Termidor and Premise. Neither of these products is available to consumers. They must be applied by licensed structural applications.

If you have termite questions, please consult a professional. Your home is too valuable not to.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 06/08/09