How A Termite Treatment Works and Why You Need the Protection
Reasons Termite Treatments Are Needed
There are many reasons why termite treatment is needed for your home or business. First and foremost, termites create considerable damage to the integrity of any structure they infest. Second, as a precautionary step, almost every home purchase or sale requires an inspection before most lenders allow the sale to go through. If termite damage is located, a termite treatment is scheduled and performed. We explain here how a termite treatment works, how long they last, and some images of what we have found in previous inspections.
Type of Termite Control In OKC
Chemical Barrier
Chemical termite treatments involve more time than one would imagine. The chemical barrier requires drilling through porches, patios, and interior garage slabs to apply the pressurized treatment. On the exterior, where soil butts up against the foundation, trenches are dug deep enough to ensure complete saturation. The best defense utilizes a combination of liquid barriers and bait stations. Bait stations work to destroy the nest, while the liquid treatment prevents new termites from reaching your home.
Termite Bait Stations
Bait stations are placed into the ground around the home or structure needing protection. Termite bait stations require annual monitoring. Bait stations should be placed two to four from the foundation and ten to fifteen feet apart. These are not considered traps but allow the termites to tunnel through and out of the tube. Worker termites consume the bait and carry it back to the colony, where it is shared. They also leave a colony-specific scent which leads other workers to the bait station, increasing the spread of the bait back to the other termites.
Termite Treatment Products – Liquid Termiticide
First, our termite treatment consists of a chemical barrier to mimic bait which attracts termites. Once they pass through the barrier, they carry the slow-acting poison from worker to worker. As a result, the nest gets infected just like a virus, and the queen dies. If the queen dies, the colony dies! Once applied, termites start dying off within 1 to 2 days of the application. However, Termidor, the product we use, takes about twenty-one days to transfer the molecules deep enough to eradicate the colony and the queen. Once we have completed your treatment, it lasts for several years before it would need another application. If you suspect you have termites or believe you have seen termites don’t hesitate to call us!
Termite Inspections
Once you have a termite treatment, schedule an inspection for about 12 months. Although our treatment and the products we use will last for years to come, annual inspections are highly recommended.
Every home or business in Oklahoma City should have regularly scheduled inspections. The goal is to reduce further damage should there be a new infestation. Spring is the best time to schedule your inspection. At this point in the season, termites have shed their wings and are looking for a new structure to establish their colony.
Termite Treatment OKC Information – Contact Us
Professional Termite Treatment Near Me
Termites can damage homes and outbuildings severely if not discovered in time. A Professional exterminator may need to inform you of work that will need to be performed in the home. Unfortunately, costing hundreds of dollars even after discovery and termite treatment. Termite control begins with calling your local professional pest control company to conduct a termite inspection. We cannot stress enough how important regular inspections should be a part of your home maintenance schedule.
Infestation of structures by termites is more prevalent than one would think, so do not waste time waiting to see these subterranean and dry wood pests before having a professional inspection. Depending on the species and type of termite, swarms vary throughout the US. Subterranean species begin in late winter and continue to swarm through late fall. Dry wood species swarm in the spring, summer, and fall, but it varies by location and climate.
Different Species an Exterminator Must Know
There are over 40 species alone in the United States, and more than 2,000 species are known to exist. It causes more than 5 billion dollars in property damage every year. Some of this damage, if gone unnoticed, can lead to a home becoming unlivable. With this in mind, having a regularly scheduled inspection every 1- 3 years is recommended. For a home needing treatment, it is a good idea to call your exterminator back in about 12 months to ensure it is safe. Occasionally, our team will need to conduct a follow-up application if a complete eradication of the termites is unsuccessful.
Termite Inspection OKC – Locating The Source
Termites remain hidden most of the time in walls and, under wood floors, behind door trim, and window trim. If you notice any bubbles in your paint or wallpaper, tiny holes, peeling paint, or cavities, chances are you have a problem. They can damage your drywall or sheetrock as well. Termite inspection professionals are meticulous in locating the source of the problem.
A subterranean termite colony builds and colonizes using mud tubes made from termite saliva, soil, and wood. These protect them from predators and dehydration. Like any colony, the mud tubes serve different functions. Like ants, they have scouts or exploration tubes, working tubes, swarm tubes, and drop tubes. A colony of termites can pile up tiny wings from dry wood and subterranean termites near doors and windows. Swarms can occur inside and outside the home, typically around windows and sliding glass doors.
Signs
Termites leave signs, tattle-telling on themselves, that they are present in the home. Also, look for small pinpoint holes in drywall, buckling wood floors, loose tile, termite trails in drywall, and stuck windows or doors. Conducting a sweep of your home periodically to look for the signs mentioned can go a long way in protecting your home in the long run. Unfortunately, these signs may only appear after months or even several years, leading to more damage and costs.
Your Next Step
Contacting us to help with termite inspections or treatments is the best option versus attempting to treat a swarm on your own. For one thing, a termite treatment using over-the-counter sprays or traps will do little to solve the problem and could make it worse by sending them to another, more obscure area in your home. Most reputable Oklahoma termite specialist companies will tell you to have your home inspected annually by a professional. We recommend doing that in states where termites are prevalent, like Oklahoma. However, we find that most homeowners fail to schedule an inspection that often. All Oklahoma City pest control companies will advise you on proper maintenance.
Out-of-sight and out-of-mind mentality seem to take over, or they forget. It’s best to schedule your next inspection during the current assessment, and most exterminators will call and remind you or send you an email. If we need to adjust your schedule in 12 months, this is not a problem; at least you can have the inspection performed close to that time for peace of mind. Moreover, many homeowners set reminders, like checking their HVAC system before spring or summer. Maintenance checklists for your home are easy to prepare and share on the family calendar. Yearly termite inspection cost ranges between $100 – $175.
What to Do If You Notice Possible Signs
In the event that termites are discovered in your home, contact an exterminator immediately. Damage that may need repairing will require someone experienced. For Instance, many exterminators deal with multiple contractors and try talking to them for a recommendation. Selecting any professional termite treatment specialist should begin with experience, price, and what type of guarantees to assist you in making the best decision. Bobbi Ray’s Termite & Pest Control OKC is your go-to termite specialist. We would love to help you in any way possible!
Do Your Own Research Before You Choose
As everyone knows, the internet is at your fingertips! Smartphones and tablets, not to mention computers, are able to search quickly for service professionals in your area. Just open a browser and type in “termite control near me” or ” termite treatment near me”. All the information you could want will show up. Look at the reviews for each company to help in making a decision. The list of Oklahoma termite specialists keeps growing in the Oklahoma City Metro. What other people post in termite company reviews is always a good place to start. Check to see if they are a local pest control in OKC, sometimes the ads will list a company that is not in your area. Call and ask for a quote, information may not always be updated on a website.
Let’s work together on your next Termite Treatment
After years of trial and error with different products and materials, we have settled on the best and safest available. Our Reliable service and quick action to respond have brought us success in serving Oklahoma citizens. Dedicated to bringing the best products for the best price and doing the job right the first time is Priority #1. For affordable and professional termite treatment in OKC, call Bobbi Ray’s Termite and Pest Control.