Termites Pest Control
Termites are social insects known for their ability to build intricate and extensive nests. Their size differs from small or medium and they belong to the order Isoptera. Their colonies are highly organized with different castes who are held up with different responsibilities. The primary caste includes the reproductive individuals who are known as kings and queens, soldiers, and workers. Moreover, the nest also helps with humidity control and protection of the colony.
Termites exist in every place on the earth except Antarctica. They are detritivores and play the role of decomposers in the ecosystem who feed on dead plant materials like wood or cellulose. Their digestive system has specialized microbes to break down the cellulose which makes them easy to extract and digest the nutrients.
These creatures communicate via chemical signals called pheromones to coordinate tasks, alert the colony of any danger, and maintain social cohesion. You can find thousands of termite species but they are usually divided into three groups based on their feeding habits. They are namely subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood termites and play their individual role in ecological systems.
Please, feel free to contact Pratt Termite & Pest Control, Inc. at 402-691-2920 as the termite pest control service provider in Omaha, Nebraska.
What kinds of termites are found in Omaha?
Omaha, Nebraska consists of three common termite species under the subterranean category.
Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most widespread and destructive termite not only in Omaha but the whole of North America. They live underground and build extensive tunnel systems. You can notice that they usually feed on wood and cellulose materials which may sound harmless but they can cause serious damage to any structure if they are left unchecked. We also have Western Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes Hesperus) with similar behavior to the eastern subterranean in Omaha.
Likewise, there is an Asian-origin subterranean termite Formosan (Coptotermes formosanus) which has been reported in some isolated cases in Omaha but is rare. They are well known for their aggressive feeding habits and ability to construct large colonies, that can result in significant structural damage.
Why do we need termite pest control?
There are numerous reasons why you should ask for professional help in case of termite suspicions.
Termites cause intense structural damage to your property and weaken their integrity over time. Termite pest control intervenes in the damage beforehand and prevents further infestations. Regular termite inspection operations can detect the activity at the early stage and stop them from spreading. Termites are a serious headache for homeowners and property owners. If left untreated, it can impact the property value.
There is no direct threat to human health by termites but their presence alone can create indirect problems like mold and fungi which will later lead to respiratory issues or other diseases. Additionally, structural damage by termites can cause accidents and consequential health issues.
How do we work?
For termite control Omaha, we work on a combination of preventive measures, inspections, and treatment options. To note, the approach varies on the extent and severity of the infestation. But there are some general steps we always follow.
First, a professional and experienced technician from Pratt conducts a detailed inspection of the property where there have been signs of termite infestation. This lets us know the severity of the infestation.
Secondly, we identify the involved termite species so we can prepare the treatment plan accordingly. The main goal for this step is to see the type of termite – subterranean, dry wood, or damp wood.
Based on the report from the above steps, we choose one of the following treatment options:
- We can use liquid termiticides on the soil around the foundation of the building and the infested areas. This creates a barrier to repel and eliminate the termites.
- We place baits around the property with specific tactics. Termites are first lured in and then supplied with materials that have the potential to eliminate the whole colony.
- For the wooden structures, we localize the treatment by injecting the termiticides into the affected part and applying treatment that kills termites in contact.
Further, we execute some preventive measures to minimize the risk of future infestations. These measures include sealing the entry points, reducing moisture sources, implementing physical barriers, etc.
Finally, we provide ongoing monitoring provisions for regular inspections and monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and detect any signs of new termite activity. This helps in early intervention and also helps prevent re-infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I know if I have termite infestations in my house?
You can look for the presence of mud tubes along walls, discarded termite wings, hollow-sounding wood, sagging floor, etc. if there is any termite infestation in your house.
- Can I handle a termite infestation on my own?
We strongly recommend the use of professional and experienced termite control services in case of any infestations because of the challenges and lack of expertise.
- How long does the termite pest control process take?
There is no way to determine the exact time duration for the elimination process since it is highly dependent on the extent and severity of the infestation, the treatment approach, and the property size. In general, it can take from days to a few weeks.
- Is termite control safe for humans and pets?
If the control operations are conducted with care and expertise, there is no harm to any humans or pets. But you need to follow the instructions of the professional like vacating the premises for a few days, allowing proper ventilation for some period, etc.
- How much does it cost to termite pest control service?
Like for the duration, the cost of the termite pest control service also depends on various factors like the size of the property, severity of the infestation, treatment approach, etc. However, cost varies from 500.00 to 2500.00 depending on size and degree of work.
- How often should I conduct termite inspections?
You should conduct termite inspections every once in a while. A semi-annual basis might be the best option for early infestation’s preventions. But the frequency still depends on the region’s termite prevalence, construction ways, previous history, etc.
