Hello,
I was looking through your website and hope you can help me. I have an heirloom bow front cabinet that has termite damage on one of the legs. What product would you suggest for repair of this damage to ensure that I don’t bring any pests into my house. The cabinet is still at my mother’s house.
Thanks for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.
If you take some time to read through our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE, you'll see mention of a product called BORACARE. This product is ideally suited for treating free standing pieces of furniture. It soaks into the grain of the wood and once embedded, wood destroying insects like termites and beetles won't stand a chance at surviving. If they attempt to feed on the wood, they'll quickly die. Treatments can last many years and it's both odorless and safe.
Alternatively, you can opt to use the JECTA GEL. It's essentially Boracare but as a gel you are able to apply it quite differently. For some treatments this alternative form is better suited.
Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:
Termite Control Article: http://www.termites-swarming.com/termite-control
Boracare: http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page234.html
Jecta Gel: http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page156.html
Filed under how to treat by on Aug 25th, 2010. Comment. 
Hi,
Hoping for some advise. We had a termite swarm two days ago and, not knowing what they were, sprayed them with bug spray and moved on. The building is 1800 sq. feet and made of all metal beams and concrete. Once we realized they were termites we figured they would just move on having found nothing to eat. However, it looks like we found their entry point inside the building and we were told they are eating the dry wall. Could that be true? We had small piles of sand at the base of a toilet with the same insects last summer but they went away after being cleaned once or twice. Please advise!
Thanks.
At this point I advise you to get a treatment done ASAP! Clearly you have active termites and if the structure hasn't been treated yet, it needs a full residual applied to keep these guys out. For starters, I suggest you read through our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE. In the article you'll learn the various treatment options and from the reading you should be able to decide if you will attempt to do the job yourself or hire a service company to do the work.
First and foremost, it's important to understand the termite swarmers you are seeing is indicative of a live and very active infestation. As our article explains, the swarmers will only leave from where workers have been before. You didn't mention where the swarm was seen but in all liklihood it's one of the entry points into the structure. Whether this is on the outside of the building or the inside: it's a live and very active problem that needs to be treated.
As for the dry wall; they aren't actually eating the chalk inside the dry wall but rather the paper outer shell. It's cellulose (wood by product) and they most definitely will eat paper and cardboard. Usually what you'll find will be the paper missing and the paint will begin to peel or chip off the wall. There will also be some dirt or sand in tiny grooves where the paper used to be which is what worker termites bring in when tunneling and eating. This is most likely what you saw at the base of the toilet last year too which just confirms a live infestation.
Lastly, though you don't mention the kind of structure where this is happening, it sounds like it could be a slab home. If so, you'll need a good application with something like the TERMIDOR over everything else we have listed in our article. If applied where they're active you could solve the problem once and for all but at this point it's important you refrain from random spraying anything else. Spooking the termites away will effectively only push them to other parts of the home which in the end will make solving the problem that much more difficult. This is what will happen with most sprays like the "bug spray" you mentioned above. As you'll learn, Termidor doesn't act this way and because of the way it does work it's really the only spray you should consider if the home is a slab. If you still have questions regarding this problem, give us a call Mon-Sat at 1-800-877-7290 as I'm sure one of our techs can further assist.
Here are direct links to the information and products mentioned above:
http://www.termites-swarming.com/termite-control
http://www.bugspray.com/item/termidor_sc.html
jonathan
Filed under termite activity by on Apr 23rd, 2010. Comment.
Do you know what the average number of termite queens are in a termite nest? They're swarming at my house and I've been killing them everyday but they just keep coming. How long do they come out?
In fact most termite colonies will generate male and female swarmers most springs which are sometimes called kings and queens. But the females aren't real queens; at least not yet. They will have to pair off successfully and start a new colony for this to happen and it's not that easy to do.
More importantly, if you are seeing that many at your house and it hasn't been treated recently, you need to have the problem addressed. Termites swarming in or around the home is a sure sign of a problem that needs attention. I suggest you read through our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE and decide if want to treat this problem yourself or hire a service company. Failure to do anything would be a mistake – especially if you're seeing them inside the home.
Here is a direct link to the article cited above:
http://www.termites-swarming.com/termite-control
jonathan
Filed under termite queen by on Mar 29th, 2010. Comment.
Is it possible that they have not infested the house; that they are swarming just like bees looking for a place to nest? I'm only seeing the winged termites in my kitchen and no workers (white ones).
In all likelihood you have a problem. As explained in our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE, termites will release swarmers or reproductives from their most active locations. These termites are essentially males and females leaving an existing colony or active location with the sole purpose to be forming a new colony. Swarmers aren't equipped to prepare escape tunnels and pathways out and away from their nest and instead rely on workers to build such pathways. This means if you're seeing them in the home, workers have been or are still there. In other words: you have termites.
At this time I suggest you review our article. If you decide this might be a treatment you'll be willing to attempt, give us a call with any questions and I'm sure we can assist.
http://www.termites-swarming.com/termite-control
jonathan www.bugspray.comFiled under termite swarms by on Mar 26th, 2010. Comment.
I saw something on the outside wall. Looks like mud tracks and it goes from the ground to the siding. I want to know if its mud tunnels or not. How can I upload the photo to let you see and tell me the answer. Can termites fly or jump ? How can I know my house has termites or not ? Thanks.
If you have a photo, just e-mail it to us and we should be able to tell if the quality is good enough. I also suggest you read through our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE which explains in great detail most anything you need to know if you want to find out more about this pest.
As you will learn, termites will many times build these tunnels through which they travel to access wood (food for termites). The tunnels protect them and can go unnoticed for long periods of time. And many times they will abandon tunnels so even if you aren't seeing any "live" termites, if the house hasn't been treated since the tunnels were first discovered, it's generally thought the activity is "new". At that point a thorough application is usually the best way to proceed.
For now, I suggest you read our article. After you learn more about them you can decide if you want to do some treating yourself or hire a professional. If you have further questions or concerns, you can always give us a call toll free too at 1-800-877-7290.
jonathan
Filed under mud tunnels by on Mar 18th, 2010. Comment.
How long does the Termidor application stay in the ground? It kills termites that are present but does it also prevent them or do I need to apply something else? Thanks.
Termidor is still being tested and monitored but when used at label rates, it has proven to be 100% effective 7+ years. In other words, when applied properly at labeled rates, you shouldn't have to do another application for many years to come. My guess is you can expect to get at least 10 years of residual in areas around the outside foundation perimeter of the home. Inside treatments that are protected could last longer. This would include locations like crawl spaces or under a slab. So to answer your question, a job done properly using Termidor as explained in our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE should yield excellent results and prove to be all that is needed to both control the current termite problem as well as protect the structure for several years after the application. If you have further questions or concerns, please give us a call on our toll free at 1-800-877-7290.
Filed under residual by on Jan 3rd, 2010. Comment.
We have a post-and-rail fence dividing our backyard garden from the lawn (total of 8 posts). Termites have invaded the posts and even the rails. What would be the most efficient way to kill these pests?
B.J.
Termites will readily attack wood or other cellulose material which is both vulnerable and readily available. Fence posts buried in the ground are generally prime targets and should always be treated prior to installation or else termites will surely find them at some point in time. It sounds like that time has arrived for your fence but that doesn't mean the fencing is all bad; just because you see termites it doesn't mean there is significant damage. A good treatment when termites are first detected can many times keep them away for good and save the targeted wood from being replaced.
Ideally the soil should be treated prior to the fence poles being installed. If they're already in the ground, you can usually treat them by removing some dirt around the base of the pole and loosening up the soil enough so a good liquid treatment will soak down to where the termites are gaining access. This means a good soil drenching will be required. Most labels like that on CYPER TC TERMITE CONCENTRATE will list 1.5 gallons of mixed product per foot of pole buried. So if the poles are 4 feet down, you'll need to use 6 gallons of mixed product to get a good treatment in place.
For more information on how to treat around the home or other structures, refer to our TERMITE CONTROL ARTICLE which covers most of what you'll need to know about this destructive pest. If you have more questions about termites, please give us a call on our toll free 1-800-877-7290 and one of our tech reps will be able to further assist.
Filed under infestation by on Nov 30th, 2009. Comment.
We get a lot of inquiries from customers who are wondering when they should change out the Inspection Cartridge located inside their Advance Termite Bait Station. As explained in our termite control article, you should inspect them every 45-60 days. Upon inspection, you should find them to be in one of three conditions: 1) No activity and in pretty good shape. 2) Damage and rot but no insects. 3) Live termite or other insect activity.
The following video walks you through the process of inspection and should help educate you as to when you should change one or leave it be.
Filed under live by on Oct 14th, 2009. Comment.
I have read your website but am not totally sure what I need to treat my house for drywood termites.
The areas of infestation are wood beams approximately 1 foot thick and 10 feet long, they're in the walls in a few places.
I'd like to speak with someone before I place my order to as this is first time I've tried to do it myself.
I think I'd need 1 jug of Termidor and some foamicide. I have an electric drill and awesome I will have to buy a long very narrow drill bit to drill holes in the wood beams to fill them up with foamicide.
Drywood termite treatment needs to be done at key locations. Typically this is where they are nesting. It sounds like you know at least one of these locations and with the right tools, you should be able to get the nest directly. Access holes will be needed and if you can flood the area with TERMIDOR by using our LIQUID FOAMER, you should be able to get the product where it most needs to be.
Please give us a call at 1.800.877.7290 this Monday and ask for Mike or Chad. I'm sure they'll be able to further assist and enable you to do this job yourself. Taking the the time to learn just what you need to use and where to apply it will enable you to do the job right. I'm sure we can assist you in accomplishing this goal.
Filed under drywood termites by on Jul 11th, 2009. Comment.
What do you have for termites that the average homeowner can use and do on their own?
We've got several options all listed on our main page. I suggest you start by checking out this article at:
http://www.termites-swarming.com/termite-control
In this termite control article you'll be able to link to all the products by clicking on them where they appear underlined in the text of the article. That link will show you more product information including how to use the item, it's cost and other packaging sizes available. Currently we offer the old traditional liquids, the baiting systems as well as the newest products like TERMIDOR. Most homeowners are able to do their own job effectively and by doing so are able to save a lot of money. I'm sure we can further assist if you still have questions. Just give us a call on our toll free at 1.800.877.7290 if you do.
Filed under homeowner by on Jun 28th, 2009. Comment.
I'm seeing winged ants or termites swarming around an old dead tree stump. This stump is around 20 feet from my house and I haven't seen any in the house but I'm worried. Do I need to treat the stump and what amout my house?
First, it is always best to know if they are ants or termites swarming from the tree stump. We have a lot of details on how you can tell the difference in our Termite Control Article.
Second, if the house hasn't been treated in the past 5 years, it's always wise to get it protected whether those are ants or termites swarming. A good treatment is the best way to keep them out and if you haven't had one done recently, either hire a service to do some work or get some of the Termidor and do the job yourself.
Lastly, leaving the termites or ants to feed on the old stump may be prudent. Some people believe that letting them eat something old and not important is Ok. This way they aren't looking for another food supply which could lead them to your home. We tend to agree with this philosophy but we also believe it's best to take a proactive stance and get the home treated too.
Filed under winged by on Apr 17th, 2009. Comment.
I've got termites in a live tree and I don't want them killing it. Is there anything I can do that won't hurt the tree but get rid of the termites safely?
You can safely treat around the tree and in the exposed galleries to knock out the termites and save the tree. In fact, you will be doing the tree a big favor. Termites will readily take advantage of trees which have been weakened or under stress and can live just under their bark causing damage. Some trees seem to be immune to this behavior and in some regions there are plenty of dead trees to keep local termites satisfied but in some areas, live trees are readily infested and die much sooner than normal.
The easiest thing to do is get some of the Termidor featured in our Termite Control article and spray it over all the exposed bark where you either see termite mud tubes, galleries or damage. You can also spray or pour some around the tree base and let it seep into the soil. This will stop the infestation as explained in the article.
Filed under in by on Apr 12th, 2009. Comment.
I heard you can use motor oil to treat for termites. If I place used motor oil around my house will it help keep termites away? Any idea what the rate might be and if this treatment will actually work?
Besides breaking the law (you're not allowed to pour waste oil into the ground) there is no evidence to suggest such a treatment would work. It's true that there have been some cases where wood has been treated with motor oil which proved to prevent termites from eating it once treated. But chemically treating the ground (dirt) is a lot different than treating wood. It would take a lot of oil to treat the ground and the consequences would be devasting to the environment around the house. I strongly suggest you do not attempt such a treatment. The good news is that the proper products designed for this application are now reasonably priced and quite effective. I suggest you review our Termite Treatment article for more details where you will learn what chemical options you now have that are effective.
Filed under termite by on Apr 12th, 2009. Comment.
I've had some termites swarming in my house and I want to know if I can do a treatment myself. I see your article covers a lot of stuff but will it work and can I actually do the work?
Our termite control article does cover a lot of information. But that's mostly because termite control can be tricky – especially to someone that hasn't done anything like this before. The good news is that with the products available today, you can do a good treatment with the right equipment and advice.
First, I suggest you review our article in close detail so you can determine if it's something you are willing to try. If you think you're willing to spend a few hours it will definitely save you a bunch of money. Most of our customers walk away very satisfied with the results once they learn how much getting it done professionally was going to cost compared to the amount of work they had to do. And if you have any questions along the way, we're just a phone call away at 1.800.877.7290. Our technical reps will be able to walk you through whatever is required for your home and between our telephone assistance and our web site, you should be able to tackle most any pest related problem including termites.
Filed under in by on Apr 5th, 2009. Comment.
I've been having termites swarming for the past few days and I'm wondering what the best way is to kill them?
How to kill termites swarming is easy. The first thing to do is identify where they're coming up. Next, keep a vacuum close by and just suck them up as they emerge from their tubes. If they're coming out of a wall or some piece of wood, use the Baygon Aerosol in these voids which will provide longer control. But even that won't be a complete job. To stop them properly, you'll need to have a termite job done as explained in our termite control article or else risk extensive damage to the home.
Filed under how by on Apr 5th, 2009. Comment.
