Termite Inspection

Subterranean Termites

Are wood destroying (eating) insects that live in the soil. They typically nest approximately 4 ft. below the surface of the soil, but can nest as much as 12 ft. or more below the surface.

Termites live in colonies which can contain several thousand members and up to several hundred thousand members. These insects have a "caste" structure which means that each "caste" has a different function to perform, as well as, a different appearance.

Swarmers appear in the Northeast usually in April and May. It is not unusual to have swarmer sightings as early as February if there is an early thaw. After a swarm, the kings and queens mate and form a new colony. Swarmers loose their wings soon after their brief flight. The presence of these wings indicate that a swarm has occurred
within the home or structure.Winged termites (swarmers) which are usually black in appearance, are often confused with carpenter ants. It helps to know the difference.

They feed on wood or other materials that contain cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, fiberboard and some fabrics as well. A small organism lives in the digestive track of the insect. The protozoa helps to convert cellulose into nourishing food.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are important in the balance of nature because they burrow and nest in dead trees and enhance decay of the wood. They achieve pest status when a colony invades and damages the integrity of the wood within a house.

Carpenter ants are generally jet black, but there may be some that are reddish in color. They are among the largest of ants; their size range from one-eighth to one-half inch in length. This variation in size depends on the species. Also, colony members include "major" and "minor" workers as well as the "queen", the reproductive member that produces all additional members of the colony. The "castes" are different in size and appearance.

 Licensed Professional Pest control services are recommended for the elimination of carpenter ants and termites within a structure.