We have heard horror stories about termites in the Atlanta area. Are they really a problem, and what can be done to eliminate them?

 

Atlanta is ranked as the #2 city in the continental US for having problems with termites. In my opinion, the best product to use to eliminate them is Termidor. The following is information from their website:

 

Termites - a concern in 49 out of 50 states

There are about 2000 known species of termites throughout the world. In the U.S., Subterranean Termites, including Eastern, Western, Desert and Formosans, which build underground nests, are a concern in every state except Alaska. Subterranean termites are extremely destructive because they tunnel their way to wooden structures (like your home) into which they burrow to obtain food. Termites all share a virtually insatiable appetite for wood and other cellulose-containing materials. Given enough time, they will feed on the wood until nothing is left but a shell.

 

Look for signs

You're more likely to discover you have a termite problem by discovering the evidence they leave behind rather than the actual termites themselves. If you encounter any of these telltale signs, there's a good chance termites are busy snacking on your home:

·        Piles of small, delicate wings shed by reproductives

·        Small piles of sawdust

·        Mud tubes built by termites for aboveground travel

·        Damaged or hollow sounding wood

·        Pinholes in drywall or wallpaper

Of course, it's quite possible to have a hidden termite problem even if you never notice any of these signs. The best way to be sure is to contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct a complete inspection of your home.

 

#1 termite control product for a great number of reasons

No other termite control system of any type has ever achieved such a high level of effectiveness. Quite simply: Termidor is the most effective and fastest at completely eliminating termite populations. So it's not surprising that millions of homeowners like you have made Termidor the #1 termite defense product in America. When it comes to termite protection for your home, demand the product that’s #1 in termite pest control. Demand Termidor Termite Defense.

Completely eliminates termites in all tests, in all locations

Before Termidor was made available to American homeowners through Termidor Certified Professionals, it was put through some of the toughest efficacy and environmental tests in history. For 10+ years of testing, Termidor was proven to be effective against subterranean termites, including Formosans, in even the most challenging situations, climates and environments.

 

The fastest at eliminating termites

When it comes to getting rid of termites, nothing does the job quicker than Termidor. Period. Your termite problem will be completely eliminated. It's that simple.

 

Termidor's unique advantages:

·        America's #1 termite defense with over 2 million homes

treated since 2000.

·        Kills termites by ingestion, contact, and the "Transfer

Effect," meaning affected insects help spread Termidor

throughout the colony before dying themselves.

·        Manages colonies up to 6 times faster than bait systems.

·        Most effective termiticide — over 10 years of test data prove

most effective and fastest at eliminating termite populations.

·        Responsible, low-dose treatment, with no odor.

·        Only trained, Termidor Certified Professionals can apply

the product.

 

A Caste of Hundreds of Thousands

Termites are highly social insects that live in large colonies where populations can reach more than one million. A colony consists of several structurally differentiated forms living together as castes (including reproductives, soldiers, and workers) with different functions in community life.

In the spring, winged reproductives leave the parental nest in swarms to create a new colony. The swarming lasts less than an hour, so it's very likely you'll never even see it. The winged reproductives themselves look quite a bit like flying ants, for which they are often mistaken.

 

Both ants and termites have two pairs of wings, but ants' wings are different sizes while the termites' wings are all the same size. Also, ants have narrowed waists and elbowed antennae while termites have thick waists and short, straight antennae that resemble strings of beads. Don't be fooled by color or size. Ants can vary in size, and winged termites can be brown or black like ants.

Call Before Digging?

 

I saw a nationwide phone number to call before digging in your yard, but I can’t remember what it was. Can you help?

We’re planning to install a new fence.

 

The number is 811. Call it before you dig to have your underground utility lines marked - for free. We recommend calling before starting any project that requires digging, even small projects like planting shrubs. Hitting an underground utility line with your shovel can knock out power to your house or neighborhood, and it can cause serious bodily harm - even death - not to mention a rather large bill from the utility company.

When you call 811 from anywhere in the country, your call is routed to affected utility companies, which send out a professional locator to mark the underground lines, usually within a few days. For more information, visit call811.com.

 

The other one-call referral system number (888) 258-0808, can still be used to have your utilities marked.

 

If you have a question, comment or home tip, email us at

rodharrison at christianbuildinginspectors.com.