Termites
What Are These Flying Bugs?
Is It A Termite Or An Ant?
You will rarely see termites. But you might see hundreds or thousands of them flying during a reproductive swarm. Here’s how to distinguish them from their non-destructive look-alike: swarming ants.
A. Antennae: Ants’ are elbowed. Termites’ are straight.
B. Waists: Ants’ are narrow and pinched. Termites’ are thicker and less defined.
C. Wings: Ants’ front pair are longer than the back and don’t break off easily. Termites’ are equal in length and break off easily.
Treatment Options
Termite Baiting Program Featuring Sentricon
the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System with Always Active Technology
- Once the baiting system is installed around the perimeter of the home the process of colony elimination begins immediately.
- Each station is filled with Recruit HD termite bait which offers termite protection at all times. While chemicals can break down over time, the Sentricon System gives you year round protection.
- We inspect the property annually to service each station and replenish any termite bait as necessary.
Contact us to schedule your free termite inspection and estimate.
Termite Management Program Featuring Termidor
The OPC Termite Management Program (TMP) is a cost-effective alternative to a baiting program for those who prefer a more traditional method.
Termite Detection
OPC will inspect your home for any evidence of subterranean termites.
Partial Termite Treatment
OPC will apply a partial liquid treatment to selected areas around the perimeter of your home to target the termite infestation. The materials used during this treatment is “undetectable” and have both an ingestion and contact effect on subterranean termites. Termites will, in turn, transfer the product to other termites in the colony and they too will become infected.
Termite Monitoring Program (Optional)
If elected, termite monitoring stations will be installed in the soil around the perimeter of your home to serve as an early warning system for termite activity. These stations will be inspected every six months to monitor for foraging termites around the exterior of your home. The interior of your home will be inspected once per year. If termites are detected in any monitoring station a partial termite treatment will be performed along the exterior of the home in the location termite activity was identified.
Protect yourself today! Visit the Termidor product site to learn more.
Contact us to schedule your free inspection and estimate!
Characteristics of Termites
What Does a Termite Look Like?
Termite swarmers are similar to ants in appearance, except they have a straight waist, straight antennae, and are winged insects. Termite workers are yellow to brown in color and are found in mud tubes (tunnels) or in damaged wood.
Where Do Termites Live?
The termites we most commonly encounter in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana are subterranean termites. These termites live in the soil year round and feed upon cellulose. A termite colony consists of a queen, worker termites (feed the colony), soldier termites (protect the colony) and reproductives (swarmers). Even though termites live in the soil worker termites will create termite mud tubes to gain access into your home in search for cellulose (food).
Are Termites Dangerous?
Known as the “Silent Destroyers,” termites thrive in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. However, where there are termites, there is hidden damage. The main reason is that termites consume cellulose-based plant material, which all homes, including yours, is built out of. Worker termites continuously forage for food to feed the other members of the termite colony. A single termite colony can reach thousands and sometimes millions in size.
How do I get rid of termites?
Termites are common in our area and multiple termite colonies can live near your home. Most homes have experienced termites or will experience termites at some time. Once termites are identified in a home a professional must treat the home to eliminate the colony. Eliminating the termite swarmers does not eliminate the termite colony in the soil.
There are a few things you can do around the house to help reduce the conditions that termites look for. They are:
- Eliminate moisture problems
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units
- Divert water from foundation
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean
- Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
- Get rid of standing water on roof
- Keep all vents clear and open
- Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes
- Remove termite food sources
- Keep firewood, lumber, or paper away from your foundation or crawl space
- Get rid of stumps and debris near your house
- Check decks and wooden fences for damage
- Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil
Warning Signs of Termites
Warning Signs of Termite Infestation
Some indications that you may have a termite infestation are:
- A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home
- Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings)
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces
- Discarded wings from swarmers
Have you noticed any swarming during Spring?
Termites swarm during early Spring. Many homeowners may think they are seeing ants, but they are in fact termites. If you experience what appears to be swarming ants in early Spring, have it checked out by a professional. You may be able to catch termite issues early before they get a chance to create too much damage.
OPC is committed to providing our customers with the best possible termite protection programs available. As a privately owned business, we are able to react quickly to changing technology and incorporate those changes into our termite protection programs. Whether it is a termite baiting program or a liquid termite treatment, OPC will provide the best program to take care of your termite problem.
Termites cause more than $5 billion in damage to homeowners in the U.S. each year. A proactive approach is the best way to guard your most valuable investment against termite damage.
Termite Treatment Options
- Termite Baiting Program featuring Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System
- Liquid Termite Treatment featuring Termidor
