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  • Can I Get Rid of a Termite Problem on My Own?

Tag: Termite Control

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Termite Control

Can I Get Rid of a Termite Problem on My Own?

Can I Get Rid of a Termite Problem on My Own?

Discovering termites in your home can be alarming, and you might be tempted to tackle the problem yourself to save money. While DIY methods can sometimes provide temporary relief, effectively eliminating a termite infestation often requires professional intervention. Here’s what you need to know about trying to get rid of termites on your own versus hiring a professional:

Understanding Termite Behavior

Termites are highly organized insects that live in colonies, with each member playing a specific role in maintaining the colony. Their behavior and nesting habits make them difficult to eradicate without a comprehensive approach. Drywood termites, in particular, can live deep within wooden structures, making them hard to reach with surface treatments.

Common DIY Methods

There are several DIY methods that homeowners commonly try when faced with a termite infestation:

  • Boric Acid: One of the most popular DIY treatments is using boric acid. This substance can be applied to infested areas and is known to be toxic to termites. While boric acid can kill termites on contact, it often fails to reach the heart of the infestation, especially if the termites are hidden deep within walls or floors.
  • Essential Oils: Some homeowners turn to essential oils like orange oil or neem oil, which are believed to repel or kill termites. These oils can be effective in treating small, localized infestations but may not be sufficient for larger colonies.
  • Termite Baits: Termite bait stations can be placed around the home to attract and poison termites. While baits can reduce termite populations, they often take months to work and may not eliminate the entire colony.
  • Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled around infested areas. It works by dehydrating termites, but like other DIY methods, it may not penetrate deeply enough to reach all the termites in an infestation.

Limitations of DIY Termite Control

While DIY methods can sometimes help control termite populations, they have significant limitations:

  • Limited Reach: Most DIY treatments only affect termites that come into direct contact with the substance. They often fail to reach the colony’s core, allowing the infestation to persist.
  • Inconsistent Results: The effectiveness of DIY methods can vary widely depending on the severity of the infestation and the termites’ nesting locations.
  • Risk of Reinfestation: Without a comprehensive treatment plan, termites can quickly return, leading to recurring problems and additional costs.

When to Call a Professional

For effective termite control, professional intervention is often necessary. Here are some reasons to consider hiring a termite control specialist:

  • Accurate Identification: Professionals can accurately identify the type of termite and the extent of the infestation. This is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment method.
  • Advanced Treatments: Termite control specialists have access to advanced treatments, such as whole-structure fumigation, heat treatments, and specialized termiticides that are not available to the general public.
  • Comprehensive Approach: Professionals use a combination of treatments to ensure that the entire colony is eradicated, reducing the risk of reinfestation.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Many pest control companies offer ongoing monitoring services to detect new termite activity early and take preventative measures.
  • Safety Considerations: Handling chemicals and treatments can pose health risks. Professionals are trained to use these substances safely and effectively, minimizing any potential hazards to you and your family.

The Cost of Professional Termite Control

While the upfront cost of professional termite control can be higher than DIY methods, it often proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. Effective treatment reduces the risk of recurring infestations and the associated repair costs. Additionally, many pest control companies offer warranties and guarantees, providing peace of mind that the problem will be resolved.

Preventative Measures

Whether you choose to tackle a termite problem on your own or hire a professional, preventative measures are crucial to protecting your home from future infestations:

  • Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a termite control specialist to catch any signs of termite activity early.
  • Moisture Control: Termites are attracted to moisture. Fix any leaks and ensure proper ventilation in your home to reduce humidity levels.
  • Sealing Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, walls, and roof to prevent termites from entering.
  • Wood Treatment: Consider applying termiticides to exposed wood to create a protective barrier against termites.

While DIY termite control methods can offer temporary relief, they often fall short of completely eradicating an infestation. Professional termite control specialists have the expertise, tools, and treatments necessary to eliminate termites effectively and prevent future infestations. Investing in professional help not only saves you time and effort but also protects your home from extensive and costly damage.

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Termite Control

Termite Control Specialists in Southern California

Termite Control Specialists in Southern California

Southern California a prime target for drywood termites due to a number of factors, including a temperate climate and plenty of structures for termites to infest. These pests can cause extensive damage to homes if left untreated. Finding the right termite control specialists in Southern California is crucial for protecting your property. Here’s how to choose the best professionals to handle termite infestations effectively:

1. Why Professional Termite Control Is Essential

Drywood termites are a persistent threat in Southern California, and DIY methods often fall short in eradicating these pests. Professional termite control specialists have the knowledge, tools, and experience to address infestations comprehensively. Here’s why you should consider hiring experts:

  • Accurate Identification: Termite specialists can accurately identify the type and extent of infestation. This is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment method.
  • Effective Treatments: Professionals have access to advanced treatments and technologies that are more effective than over-the-counter products.
  • Preventative Measures: Termite control specialists not only treat current infestations but also implement preventative measures to protect your home from future invasions.

2. Choosing the Right Termite Control Specialist

When selecting a termite control specialist in Southern California, consider the following factors to ensure you’re choosing the best company for the job:

  • Experience and Expertise: Look for companies with extensive experience in termite control. Experienced specialists are more likely to identify and effectively treat infestations.
  • Certifications and Licenses: Ensure the company is licensed and certified by relevant authorities. This guarantees they adhere to industry standards and regulations.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references. A company with positive feedback from previous clients is more likely to provide satisfactory service.
  • Inspection and Quote: Choose a company that offers a thorough inspection and provides a detailed quote. Avoid companies that give estimates without inspecting your home.
  • Treatment Options: Inquire about the treatment methods the company uses. A reputable company will offer a range of options and tailor treatments to your specific needs.
  • Guarantee and Warranty: A good termite control company will stand behind their work with a guarantee or warranty. This provides peace of mind that they will address any recurring issues.

3. Common Termite Control Methods

Termite control specialists employ various methods to eradicate termites and protect your home. Here are some common treatments used by professionals in Southern California:

  • Fumigation: Whole-structure fumigation is often used for severe infestations. This method involves sealing your home and introducing a gas that penetrates all areas to eliminate termites.
  • Localized Treatments: For smaller infestations, localized treatments such as spot treatments or injections can be effective. These methods target specific areas of infestation.
  • Heat Treatments: Heat treatments involve raising the temperature in infested areas to levels that are lethal to termites. This is a chemical-free option but requires professional equipment and expertise.
  • Baiting Systems: Termite baiting systems use bait stations placed around your home to attract and eliminate termites. These systems are effective for long-term control and monitoring.
  • Wood Treatments: Applying termiticides directly to wood can protect against future infestations. This method is often used in conjunction with other treatments for comprehensive protection.

4. Preventative Measures by Professionals

In addition to treating current infestations, termite control specialists implement preventative measures to safeguard your home:

  • Barrier Treatments: Creating a chemical barrier around your home’s foundation can prevent termites from entering.
  • Wood Preservatives: Professionals may apply preservatives to wood structures to make them less attractive to termites.
  • Regular Inspections: Scheduling regular inspections with a termite control specialist ensures early detection of any new infestations.
  • Moisture Control: Termite control specialists can help identify and fix sources of excess moisture, which attract termites.

5. The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial in keeping your home termite-free. Here’s what you should do:

  • Annual Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a termite control specialist to catch any signs of infestation early.
  • DIY Checks: In between professional inspections, conduct your own checks for signs of termite activity, such as discarded wings, frass, and hollow-sounding wood.
  • Maintain Your Home: Keep your home in good repair by addressing leaks, replacing damaged wood, and ensuring proper ventilation.

6. Cost of Termite Control

The cost of termite control can vary depending on the extent of the infestation and the treatment method used. Here are some factors that influence the cost:

  • Size of Infestation: Larger infestations require more extensive treatments, which can increase costs.
  • Treatment Method: Whole-structure fumigation is generally more expensive than localized treatments or baiting systems.
  • Frequency of Treatments: Ongoing monitoring and preventative treatments can add to the overall cost but are essential for long-term protection.
  • Home Size: The size of your home affects the amount of materials and labor needed for treatment.

7. Finding a Reliable Termite Control Specialist

To find a reliable termite control specialist in Southern California, consider asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors. Additionally, check online directories and review websites for highly rated companies. Don’t hesitate to contact multiple companies to compare their services, pricing, and customer service.

Protecting your Southern California home from drywood termites requires the expertise of a professional termite control specialist. By choosing a reputable company and implementing regular maintenance, you can safeguard your property from these destructive pests. Reach out to the Bug Baron Exterminator today for help dealing with a termite infestation in your home.

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Termite Control

Protect Your Upland, CA Home from a Termite Problem

Protect Your Upland, CA Home from a Termite Problem

In Upland, California, homeowners face a significant risk from termites, pests known for causing extensive damage to wooden structures both silently and swiftly. The local climate, which is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, creates an ideal breeding ground for these destructive insects. Protecting your home from termites is crucial in maintaining its structural integrity and value. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safeguard your Upland home from termites, incorporating prevention strategies and recognizing early signs of infestation.

Preventive Measures to Deter Termite Infestations

1. Regular Inspections

The first step in preventing termite problems is to conduct regular inspections. Hire a professional pest control service to inspect your home annually. These experts can spot early signs of termite activity and take preventive actions before significant damage occurs.

2. Moisture Control

Termites thrive in moist environments. Ensure that your home’s foundation remains dry through proper drainage. Fix leaks promptly, use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces, and maintain gutters and downspouts to divert water away from your home.

3. Proper Ventilation

Ventilation plays a critical role in keeping damp areas of your home dry. Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity levels, which can attract termites.

4. Wood Treatments

Treat wood structures with termite-resistant finishes and coatings. If you are building or remodeling, consider using treated wood, especially near the foundation, windows, and door frames.

5. Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Keep the perimeter of your home clear of wood debris, such as fallen branches and tree stumps, which can attract termites. Use mulch sparingly, as it retains moisture and can serve as a food source for termites. Instead, opt for alternative ground covers like rock or rubber mulch.

Early Signs of Termite Infestation

Detecting a termite infestation early can significantly reduce the extent of damage and the cost of repairs. Be vigilant for these signs:

  • Mud Tubes: Look for pencil-sized dirt tunnels near the home’s foundation or on exterior walls, which termites build to travel safely between their colony and food sources.
  • Hollow Wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. Tap on your wood structures. If they sound hollow, it might be time to call an exterminator.
  • Frass: Drywood termites, common in California, leave behind wood-colored droppings as they eat through wood. Finding these tiny pellets near woodwork is a clear sign of infestation.
  • Swarmers: The appearance of winged termites or discarded wings inside your home can indicate an active termite colony. These swarmers emerge to start new colonies and are often mistaken for flying ants.

What to Do if You Detect Termites

If you suspect a termite problem:

  • Do not disturb the termites or the affected area. This can cause them to spread to other parts of your home.
  • Contact a licensed pest control professional. They can confirm the presence of termites and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include soil treatments, bait systems, or fumigation, depending on the severity of the infestation.
  • Follow-up on treatments. After initial treatment, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent reinfestation.

Living in Upland, CA, does not have to mean accepting termite damage as inevitable. By taking proactive steps to protect your home and staying alert to the signs of termite activity, you can prevent these pests from becoming a costly problem. Remember, the key to termite management is prevention, early detection, and prompt professional intervention. Protect your investment by ensuring your home remains a termite-free zone. – call Bug Baron Exterminator today.

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Termite Control

What Should I Do if I Find Out My Home Has Termites?

What Should I Do if I Find Out My Home Has Termites?

Discovering termites in your home can indeed be very distressing. These pests are notorious for causing significant structural damage that can be expensive to repair. If you find termites in your residence, it’s crucial to handle the situation promptly to minimize damage and eradicate the pests efficiently.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Avoid Disturbing the Termites

It’s natural to want to immediately start removing affected wood or spraying the area with insecticide, but disturbing the termites can cause them to scatter and establish new colonies elsewhere in your home. Instead, mark the areas where activity is noticed and keep them undisturbed until a professional can assess the situation.

2. Contact a Pest Control Professional

Termite treatment is not a DIY job. It requires professional skills, tools, and knowledge to effectively address the infestation. Pest control professionals can provide a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific type of termite and the extent of the infestation.

Understanding Professional Termite Treatments

Depending on the severity and type of termite infestation, different methods of eradication can be employed:

  • Liquid Pesticides: Professionals may use termiticides, which are liquid pesticides specifically formulated for termites, applied to the soil around and beneath the home. This creates a barrier that kills termites as they attempt to enter the structure or return to the soil.
  • Bait Systems: This involves installing bait stations around your property. These stations contain a bait material that termites feed on and carry back to their colony. The bait includes a slow-acting poison that disrupts the termites’ ability to grow and reproduce, eventually eliminating the colony.
  • Fumigation: For severe infestations, especially with drywood termites, fumigation might be necessary. This process involves sealing the home and introducing a fumigant that fills the space, penetrating all wood where termites live, and effectively killing all active termites.

Preventive Measures Post-Treatment

Once your home has been treated, it’s vital to implement measures to prevent future infestations:

  • Regular Monitoring: Installation of termite monitoring stations around your property can help detect termite activity early before a full-blown infestation develops. These stations should be checked regularly by a professional.
  • Reduce Moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture, so fixing leaky taps, ensuring good drainage around your home, and using dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements can help make your home less attractive to termites.
  • Remove Food Sources: Keep firewood, mulch, and other cellulose-based materials away from your home’s foundation. Trim any bushes or trees touching your home to reduce termite access.
  • Annual Inspections: Even after an initial treatment, annual inspections by a qualified pest control professional can ensure that your home remains termite-free and can help catch new activity early.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Addressing a termite infestation can vary in cost depending on the treatment type, the size of the infested area, and the severity of the infestation. It’s a worthwhile investment considering the potential damage termites can cause if not controlled.

Taking quick and effective action upon discovering termites can save you not only a lot of stress but also considerable amounts of money on home repairs. By understanding the treatment options available and implementing preventive measures, you can secure your home against one of nature’s most destructive pests. Regular professional evaluations and adopting preventive measures are key to keeping your home safe and maintaining its value over time. If your home has termites, do not delay, reach out to Bug Baron Exterminating.

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Termite Control

Are Termites a Problem in Southern California?

Are Termites a Problem in Southern California?

The Prevalence of Termites in Southern California

Termites are indeed a significant problem in Southern California. The region’s climate and environmental conditions make it an ideal habitat for these pests. It is an unfortunate reality that homeowners need to face in order to protect their property. Understanding the extent of the termite problem and the reasons behind their prevalence is crucial for homeowners in this area. A little bit of education about these pests can help homeowners understand where to focus their termite prevention efforts.

Why Termites Thrive in Southern California

  • Ideal Climate: The warm and moderately humid climate of Southern California provides perfect breeding grounds for termites. This climate facilitates their growth and spread throughout the year.
  • Variety of Termite Species: Southern California is home to several termite species, including drywood, subterranean, and dampwood termites. Each species has unique habits and infestation patterns, which contributes to the widespread termite activity in the region.
  • Wooden Structures: Many homes and buildings in Southern California are constructed using wood, which is a primary food source for termites. This makes residential and commercial properties more susceptible to termite attacks.

Identifying Termite Activity in Your Home

Knowing the signs of termite activity can help in early detection and control. Key indicators include:

  • Mud Tubes: Often built by subterranean termites, these tubes are a highway for termites to travel from their colony to their food source.
  • Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood is a common sign of termite infestation.
  • Swarmers and Discarded Wings: The presence of winged termites or their discarded wings around windows and doors can indicate an active colony.
  • Frass: Drywood termites leave behind wood-colored droppings known as frass, which can often be found near infested areas.

The Importance of Professional Termite Control

Due to the complexities of termite behavior and the potential damage they can cause, professional termite control is vital. Professionals offer comprehensive solutions, including:

  • Thorough Inspections: Experts can identify the species of termites and the extent of the infestation.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Based on the specific needs of your property, professionals can devise effective treatment strategies.
  • Preventive Measures: Alongside treating current infestations, professionals can also implement measures to prevent future infestations.

How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service

Selecting a competent pest control service is crucial. Look for a provider with experience in handling various termite species prevalent in Southern California. Choose a termite treatment and prevention company that has a proven track record in Southern California. Local experience and expertise can make a significant difference in the success of treatment and the overall experience of the homeowners.

Vigilance and Professional Intervention

Termites pose a significant threat to homes and buildings in Southern California. Homeowners should remain vigilant for signs of infestation and seek professional assistance promptly. Early detection and professional intervention are key to protecting your property from termite damage.

Concerned about termites? Find out more about professional termite control solutions from the experts at Bug Baron.

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Termite Control

How to Determine If You Have a Termite Infestation

How to Determine If You Have a Termite Infestation

Termites are often called “silent destroyers” because they can be hard to detect and may cause extensive damage before homeowners realize there’s a problem. In regions like Southern California, where termite activity is prevalent, it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to identify signs of an infestation. The good news is that you can detect a termite problem in your home if you learn a few of the signs that indicate an infestation.

Understanding Termites and Their Behavior

Termites are social insects living in colonies. In the U.S., the most common types are subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites build mud tubes for moisture while traveling between their colony and food source, whereas drywood termites live directly in the wood they consume.

Key Indicators of a Termite Infestation

  • Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites create mud tubes on walls, foundations, and other structures. These pencil-sized tubes are a highway for termites and help protect them from predators, and maintain a humid environment.
  • Wood Damage: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. If you tap an area of wood in your home and it sounds hollow, it may be a sign of termites.
  • Swarmers and Discarded Wings: Reproductive termites, or swarmers, leave the nest to start new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings. Finding discarded wings near windows, doors, or other home access points can be a sign of an infestation.
  • Frass: Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings called frass as they eat through infested wood. Finding these tiny pellet-like droppings can be an indicator of a drywood termite infestation.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Termites

  • Inspect Your Home Regularly: Regularly check for signs of termite activity, especially if you live in an area prone to termites.
  • Consult a Professional: If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection. Termite control requires specialized skills, knowledge, and tools that most homeowners don’t possess.
  • Consider Professional Treatment Options: If termites are found, a professional can provide effective treatment options. This may include soil treatment, bait systems, or direct wood treatments, depending on the type and severity of the infestation.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Termite Infestations

  • Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks, ensure proper drainage, and keep gutters clean to minimize moisture, which attracts termites.
  • Eliminate Wood Contact with the Ground: Keep wood, including firewood and lumber, away from the foundation of your home.
  • Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a termite control professional, especially if your area is known for termite problems.

Early Detection Is Key

Detecting a termite infestation early can save you significant time, money, and stress. By knowing what signs to look for and taking preventative steps, you can protect your home from these destructive pests.

Early detection is a good thing – but prevention is even better. A knowledgeable termite control expert can help you in both eradication and prevention efforts. If you do not see any signs of an infestation, that is amazing. You can keep it that way with a few proactive prevention steps. For more detailed information and professional assistance, visit Bug Baron’s comprehensive website to learn more.

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Termite Control

Does Southern California Have a Lot of Termites?

Does Southern California Have a Lot of Termites?

The Termite Scenario in Southern California

In Southern California, termite infestations are a common concern for homeowners. The region’s warm and inviting climate is not just appealing to its residents and tourists but also to termites. These pests find the local conditions ideal for thriving, leading to frequent infestations in homes and buildings.

Recognizing the Signs of a Termite Infestation

Identifying a termite infestation early is crucial to mitigating damage. Homeowners should look out for:

  • Hollow-sounding wood: This indicates that termites may have eaten away the inside of wooden structures.
  • Discarded wings: These are often found near windows or light sources and indicate a recent termite swarm.
  • Mud tubes on exterior walls: A sign of subterranean termites, these tubes protect the colony from predators and conserve moisture.
  • Visible damage: This includes blistered wood surfaces and damaged woodwork.

The Risks of Untreated Termite Infestations

Ignoring a termite infestation can lead to severe consequences, including:

  • Structural Damage: Termites can compromise the structural integrity of a building, leading to costly repairs.
  • Financial Burden: The cost of repairing termite damage can be substantial and is often not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance.
  • Decreased Property Value: Known termite issues can significantly reduce the value of a property.

Why Termites are a Problem in Southern California

Several factors contribute to the high incidence of termites in Southern California:

  • Easy Access to Food: The architectural trends in Southern California, which often favor wooden structures, provide an abundant food source for termites. This makes local homes more prone to termite attacks.
  • The Right Weather Conditions: The warm, often humid climate of Southern California is perfect for termites, particularly during spring and summer. This weather not only supports their survival but also aids in their reproduction and spread.
  • Diverse Termite Species: The region is home to multiple termite species, including drywood and subterranean termites. Each species has distinct behaviors and infestation patterns, complicating control measures.

Reasons You Should Bring in Professional Help

Dealing with termites requires expertise that goes beyond DIY methods. Professional termite control services offer:

  • Expert Inspections: Professionals can accurately identify the termite species and the extent of the infestation.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Based on the inspection, experts devise a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of your home.
  • Advanced Treatment Methods: Professionals use advanced and more effective termite control methods that are not available to the general public.
  • Preventative Strategies: Besides treating the current infestation, professionals also focus on preventing future infestations.

Choosing the Right Termite Control Service

Selecting the right termite control service is critical. It’s advisable to choose a service with:

  • Experience in dealing with local termite species.
  • Positive customer reviews and testimonials.
  • A comprehensive approach to termite control, including prevention.

A Proactive Approach to Termite Control

Southern California’s climate and construction trends make it a hotspot for termite activity. Homeowners should be proactive in identifying and addressing termite issues. By engaging in professional termite control services, you can protect your home from these destructive pests and ensure the long-term safety and value of your property.

Worried about termites in your home? Discover effective solutions and professional assistance from the pros at Bug Baron.

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Termite Control

Termite Elimination Experts in the Inland Empire

Termite Elimination Experts in the Inland Empire

Termites can destroy a home from the inside out if they go undetected for a period of time. Termites not only love to eat the cellulose out of wood, but they are also really good at multiplying. It does not take long before you have a serious termite infestation on your hands. With a majority of the US considered highly at risk areas for termite infestations, knowing prevention tips and what the best treatment is for eliminating termites is an absolute must.

Termites are not the sort of pest you want to treat yourself. Putting your home in the hands of professionals that know the ins and outs of treating termites will help guarantee that the termite infestation will be eliminated quickly and thoroughly.  Hiring a company that is experienced and passionate about eliminating every last termite from your property is the best way to make sure your home is not destroyed by these wood eating pests.

Termite treatment and prevention

When it comes to your home, the best treatment plan for termites goes hand and hand with prevention. You will want to set up a regular inspection and treatment appointment with a termite elimination expert now before you actually see evidence of termites. This can seem like overkill when it comes to trying to prevent a pest you don’t even know if you have. But the threat of termites causing significant damage in your home is real and likely, and can easily be prevented with a routine inspection by a termite control expert.

Tent fumigation

While many termite infestations can be treated with manually dispensed insecticides that can be put into the walls where the termite nest is located, other homes may be significantly infested or have termites in hard to treat areas of the home. In these cases, tent fumigation can be an excellent option that will eliminate every termite, egg, or any other kind of pest you may have in your home.

During a tent fumigation, you will need to vacate the premises for a few days. Once it is safe to return home, the substance used in the tent fumigation will be clear from the air and does not settle on your furniture or counter tops, making it a safe option for your family and even your pets.

Call in an expert

If you should discover any signs of termites, calling an expert termite control professional is the next step. Termites are serious business and could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. The faster you can get rid of them, the less damage they can do.

For Rancho Cucamonga, CA homeowners, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today.

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Termite Control

How Often Should I Have a Termite Inspection?

How Often Should I Have a Termite Inspection?

Termites can really do a number on your home if they are not eradicated soon after they infest your house. To stave off a termite infestation, the absolute best way to protect your home from the expensive damage caused by termites is to have a regular termite inspection. Learning the signs of termite infestation can help identify a termite problem in progress. But most of the signs to look for are after the termites have already caused significant damage. But having a professional termite exterminator inspecting your property at regular intervals of time will help guarantee that a termite infestation never gets started.

Quick treatment can greatly reduce the destruction to the structural integrity of your house, giving you peace of mind that you and your family are safe from extensive damage done to your house by termites.

Termite inspections

When you call an experienced professional pest control technician to inspect your home for termites, the termite control service will want to look in all the available places around your home that provide a window into what is behind the walls or up in the attic.

Preparing your home for termite inspection will help the technician to thoroughly check your home in a timely manner. Clearing out items from dark places like crawl spaces, high unused cabinets, or items outside around the perimeter of the home will greatly help the technicians get a good look at your home.

To make sure no termite colony has time to establish itself in your home, you will want to have a termite inspection at least once a year.

Signs of termites

Searching for signs of termites can be difficult because they stay out of sight. But if you  see any evidence that your home has a termite infestation, you need to get your trusted pest control professional on the phone right away. Signs of termites to look for are:

  •  Tube tunnels around the exterior foundation
  • The appearance of water damage on floors
  • Termite wings around exterior windows
  • Weak paneling and boards in certain spots around your home
  • Piles of sawdust looking excrement
  • Bubbled or peeling paint

Termite damage

Because the termites eat cellulose in boards causing structural damage to the home, the destruction can easily be extensive if not caught early. Light repels termites leaving them to cause damage out of sight with little evidence on the surface of walls, wooden furniture, or wood floors. When the infestation is discovered, the destruction can be so much that the home is now structurally compromised. In addition to at least a yearly inspection, be sure to have a professional inspect your home before you sell or before you buy to protect yourself from termite damage.

Give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today to set up a yearly termite inspection in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

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Fumigation Termite Control

How Do I Know If I Have Drywood Termites?

How Do I Know If I Have Drywood Termites?

Termites, in general, are not the type of pest you will see skittering across your floor. In fact, especially when dealing with drywood termites, you may not see much evidence at all. This can unfortunately lead to major repair bills if the drywood termite infestation goes a long period of time without being addressed. The average homeowner that has to deal with termite damage repairs will pay around $3,000 to restore their home back to normal. Because drywood termites infest the wooden structure of homes, these repair costs are not simply for aesthetics, but often to support beams and other important elements that affect the structural integrity of the home.

Signs of drywood termite infestations

While drywood termites often go undetected, there are still a few signs you can keep a lookout for to make sure you do not fall victim to paying for repairs to your home caused by termites. Signs of drywood termites are:

  • Hollow sounding wood: If you tap on a wall, trim or floor and it sounds hollow, it is possible that drywood termites have eaten away the cellulose in the wood.
  • Bubbling paint: This can also be an indication that termites are inside
  • Piles of frass: Termite excrement resembles sawdust. To clear the colony of droppings, the termites will make small holes in your walls and push out the frass, creating small piles of sawdust looking droppings.
  • Shed wings: New infestation can be caught early if you find shed termite wings on your window sills outside. Termites usually swarm and move to new locations in the summer and fall.

Tent fumigation treatment

Because drywood termites can be widespread through the structure of your home, sometimes it can be difficult to treat the colony with a localized insecticide. Tent fumigation is the better option in this case because the fumigant can get into every crevice and piece of wood in your home.

When hiring a termite exterminator to fumigate your home, there are a few things you need to be aware of in order to prepare for a home tent fumigation.

  • Time out of the house: Typically, the entire process will take about three days, so preparing a place for you and your family to stay is important
  • Pets and plants: Don’t leave anything living in the home during tent fumigation. Make arrangements for all pets, including the goldfish. It is possible that some plants will survive the fumigation. But if at all possible, move your plants outside during this process
  • Law requires all food and medications be put in special bags or removed from the premises

Returning after fumigation

Before you will be allowed to return home after a tent fumigation and aeration, the air in your home will be tested for gas levels to be sure it is safe to return. Surprisingly, the gas used in fumigation can not stick to surfaces so once the gas clears out, there should be no residue left in your home.

For drywood termite treatment in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today.