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Termites are considered to be a major source (11%) of atmospheric methane, one of the prime greenhouse gases, produced from the breakdown of cellulose. Termites rely primarily upon a symbiotic microbial community that includes bacteria, flagellate protists such as metamonads and hypermastigids. This community provides the enzymes that digests ...
Learn about termites, underground insects that feed on wood and cause billions of dollars in structural damage. Find out how to identify, prevent, and treat termite infestations with professional help.
- How Do I Know If I Have Termites?
- How Can I Prevent Termite Infestation?
- What Are The Different Types of Termite Treatments?
- Are Pesticides Used Against Termites Safe?
- How Do I Handle A Termite Infestation?
- What If Something Goes Wrong?
- What Is The Government's Role in Termite Control?
- Where Can I Get More Information?
The first step in prevention is to be on the alert for termites. Termites rarely emerge from soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm or come across damage during construction. Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below: 1. Examine,...
Make the Structure Less Attractive to Termites
During construction, use a concrete foundation and leave a ventilation space between the soil and wood. Cover exposed wood surfaces with a sealant or metal barrier.
Maintain the Termite Prevention Features
1. After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry through proper grading and drainage (including maintenance of gutters and downspouts). 2. Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (filling cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall with cement, grout, or caulk). 3. Fix leaks immediately. 4. Keep vents free from blockage, including plants. 5. Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do...
Non-Chemical Treatments
Some ways to keep termites out do not involve the application of insecticides. For example: 1. One such method is a physical barrier, typically incorporated during construction. 2. Steel mesh and sands of particular sizes have been shown to perform effectively as physical barriers. 3. Biological control agents (nematodes and fungi) have demonstrated some success, particularly in laboratory settings. Because these methods do not involve the application of an insecticide, EPA does not regulate...
Chemical Treatments
Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States, other than certain minimum risk pesticides, EPA must review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. Once we have made that determination, we will license or register that pesticide for use in strict accordance with label directions. The pesticides used for the prevention or treatment of termite infestations are called termiticides and must demo...
As the federal agency responsible for regulating all pesticides, including termiticides, sold, applied, or distributed in the United States, EPA must ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, meets current safety standards to protect human health and the environment. To make such determinations, we require more than 100 di...
Choose a pest control company carefully - Firms offering termite services must be licensed by your state. Ask to see the company’s license and, if you have any concerns, call your state pesticide r...Read the pesticide product label- The label tells you exactly how the product is to be used and provides information on potential risks. If the label does not include directions to control termites...Be aware of the how soon you can return to the treated residence- The time required before the residence can be reoccupied will vary by product and will be indicated on product labels. Make sure th...To register a complaint concerning a pesticide misapplication, contact your state pesticide regulatory agency . You may also want to call the National Pesticide Information Center’s (NPIC)toll-free hotline at 1-800-858-7378. NPIC provides experts who can answer a broad range of questions concerning pesticide-related issues, such as product use and ...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has several termite research and control programs.National Pesticide Information Center
Tel: 1-800-858-7378 E-mail NPIC's website Termite Resource Guide State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies State Cooperative Extension Service Offices
People also ask
How many types of termites are there?
Are termites causing damage to your property?
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What kind of termites live in dead wood?
Jan 31, 2023 · How do you know if your house has termites? Learn about the 10 warning signs of termites infestations and 4 causes of termites to protect your property from these wood-destroying pests.
- Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termite species are among the many different types of termites. Each variety of termite has unique traits, pref...
- As damp or decaying wood is more vulnerable to termite attack, it is crucial to keep wooden structures and other materials dry and well-maintained...
- Termite infestation treatment can be difficult and may call for expert pest control services. Depending on the extent and location of the infestati...
- Termites rarely cause direct harm to people, but they can seriously harm buildings and other property, which can be expensive to fix or replace. Ra...
- Termites are a worldwide problem that can infest both urban and rural households and other structures. Although they may thrive in colder climates,...
- Termite average lifespan varies with species and environmental factors, however the majority of species last for many years to several decades. Que...
Check how to kill and prevent termites. Discovering damage at home in never fitting. Termites can cause damage to the structural wood of your house as well as in areas around your windows and doors. Serious infestations can even lead to damage inside the walls of your home and to the wood furniture inside.
Aug 4, 2023 · Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat termites with expert advice. Find out the differences between termites and ants, the signs of infestation, and the best methods of liquid treatment and bait.
Learn about termites, their types, damage, and how to get rid of them. Find a licensed pest control professional near you using the Zip Code Locator.
