Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF TERMITES?

It can be difficult to know if you have a termite problem because termites live within the inner walls of a structure and that’s where they cause damage first. However, these are top three signs of termite activity—blisters in wood flooring which can make your wood flooring appear as if it has water damage, hollowed or damaged wood, and evidence of swarms.

HOW MUCH DAMAGE CAN TERMITES REALLY DO?

Termites cause an estimated AU$1.5 billion in property damages and repair costs annually affecting almost 200,000 homes.

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A TERMITE?

Termite workers are light, soft-bodied insects about one-quarter of an inch or less in size. They seem to have a head and body because their thorax is broadly linked to their abdomen. Their antennae are straight.

Termites are mistakenly called white ants but are not ant-like in appearance. Ants are usually darker and have three distinct body regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. Ants also have a very slim or pinched “waist,” and their antennae look bent.

Winged termites, also known as swarmers, have pigmented bodies with broad waists and two pair of wings that are equal in size and shape. Subterranean termite swarmers have bodies about one-quarter of an inch in length. The swarmers rapidly shed their wings after a brief flight. Winged ants, on the other hand, have pinched waists and two pair of wings that vary in size and shape.

HOW CAN I TELL IF PEST EXCREMENT IS FROM TERMITES OR OTHER INSECTS?

Drywood termites produce small bun-shaped excrement. This often collects on surfaces directly underneath infested areas. Indication of activity can comprise small “pinholes” in the surface of the infested area and the droppings collecting below. Swarmers might also be observed. Adults swarm to start new infestations in other areas of the structure. This usually occurs between early summer and late fall depending on where you live.

DO TERMITES REALLY EAT WOOD?

Yes, termites really eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa, and microbes that live inside their stomachs, termites are able to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.

HOW LONG DO TERMITES LIVE?

A worker termite may live from one to two years. A queen termite may live for decades.

HOW DO TERMITES GET INSIDE MY PROPERTY?

Termites don’t need much room to squeeze inside your home or business. In fact, they can enter a structure through a space as small as 1/32^nd of an inch.

Subterranean termites usually enter a building from the soil along its foundation or through cracks in the slab, expansion joints, weep holes, voids in brick or block and around the plumbing. Decks, porches and other wood structures in direct contact with the ground are also easy to access ramps for termites.

WILL SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE SWARMERS INFEST MY HOUSE, FURNITURE, CLOSETS, ETC.?

Subterranean termite swarmers are looking for moist soil close wood in order to start a new colony. The likelihood of these conditions existing inside your home is very low, so unless the swarmers get outdoors, they will not survive.

THERE ARE HOMES WITH TERMITES IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. HOW CAN I PROTECT MY HOUSE?

Termites feed year-round and they spread most commonly underground. If your home is currently termite-free, it could become infested by termites that are active nearby. A preventative termite control program will help avoid termite infestation.

HOW DO I GET RID OF DRYWOOD TERMITES?

A home infested with drywood termites will more than likely require tent fumigation. This involves covering your home with tarps and introducing a fumigant gas to penetrate all infested wood. It is the most effective technique of controlling drywood termite infestations.

MY HOUSE DOES NOT HAVE TERMITES – SHOULD I STILL GET A TERMITE TREATMENT?

Yes. Without an effective prevention program, your home is vulnerable to termite damage, which could remain unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem. Keep in mind that just because you don’t see termites does not mean your property is safe from infestation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ELIMINATE OR CONTROL A TERMITE COLONY WITH BAIT?

Individual termites can be affected within a few days after consuming the bait, but it may take several months before an entire colony is eradicated. This varies on several factors:  geography, the time of year, the species of termite, the number of termites in the colony, and the population of colonies infesting the structure

HOW DO I CONTROL TERMITES AND AVOID FUTURE INFESTATIONS?

There are many effective options based on the type of termites found at your home. We recommend a termite inspection in order to determine the best method and treatment plan.

WHAT DOES THE TERMITE INSPECTION PROCESS INVOLVE?

A termite inspection involves a thorough, top-to-bottom examination of your home for signs of termite activity by one of the experienced and trained Pro Termite Technicians. Following the inspection, customers will be given a written report letting you know if we found evidence of termites and outlining any recommended treatment options.

WHAT TREATMENTS DO YOU HAVE FOR TERMITES?

There are various treatment options available for termites including liquid pesticide applications, perimeter bait stations, liquid and foam injections, liquid borate applications, and fumigation.