Termites, also known as a, “Silent Destroyer” are usually found hiding in your yard and home. There is not always an immediate sign of their presence or any of their damage. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide food for termites. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Therefore, it is important to have your home and property checked regularly. Regular pest control could save you thousands every year.

Termite control in Fort Lauderdale begins with prevention and knowing when to call in an expert. In the event you do have termites, here’s how to prepare for termite tenting as well as prevention tips.

Regular Visits

Termites are a constant threat to your home so it is important to have regular inspections. Sometimes you may have an issue between your routine prevention checks. Here are the most important warning signs you need to be aware of when it comes to determining if you have a possible termite problem. If you come across any of these signs it is important to consult a termite control professional as soon as possible.

• Wood that sounds hollow, or is falling apart
• Groups of winged insects inside or around your home
• Mud Tubes
• Termite droppings, also known as, Frass
• Termite noises

Treatment Types

There are two main types of termite treatment: baits and liquids. Soil-applied liquid pesticides have a long lasting chemical barrier. This will keep termites in the ground from entering your homes and other buildings such as sheds. In most cases when liquid is applied the termites in the structure die off as well. This exact type of treatment has been around for decades.

The other main termite treatment is baiting. This consists of cardboard, paper, or other palatable food. It is all put together to combine a slow-acting substance lethal to the termite colony. This method of controlling termites is more appealing to the general public. It does not require extensive home preparation such as, trenching, or extensive applications of pesticides. Most effective baits use Insect Growth Regulators (IGR), to suppress or destroy the entire colony.

Termite Tenting

Termite tenting, also known as fumigation, is the last resort for termite extermination. Tenting comes when the amount of termites is at an overwhelming rate and the damage is out of control. In this treatment process, a lethal gas is used within a closed space for extermination. There are two different methods in performing a fumigation.

The first one is to seal the structure with plastic, tape, and other sealing materials to hold in chemicals. The other option for fumigation is to “tent” the structure with a vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulins. Depending on the size of the structure, it can take up to 3 hours to set up the tent. Then the fumigation process takes approximately 3 days for the most effective treatment.

Good weather is a prerequisite for fumigation. Moisture or rain tends to wash away any chemical treatment. When the treatment process begins you will need to find an alternate place for your family and pets to stay. Plan to be away from your home for at least 3 to 4 days. There is a long list of ways to prepare for the termite tenting process. Here are a few ideas:

• Cover all furniture and mattresses
• Remove all food perishables
• Remove all pet items including toys, food, and beds
• Have your gas line shut off
• Remove all debris and gravel a foot around the entire structure
• Remove all household plants

Preparing for Termite Fumigation

Termite tenting treatment is recommended by pest control exterminators. During your initial consultation your pest control expert helps to provide a sound understanding as to the effect of your termites and why treatment is necessary. You will then need to follow any and all guidelines to prepare for each treatment or fumigation process.

In some cases you may have to ensure more than one treatment. The combined treatments may be required to help rid your structure of termites as well as prevent any other future infestations. Varying treatments ensures that your termite problem is quickly brought under control. If you home or structure requires more than one treatment speak to your pest control experts for information on how long you must plan to be away from your home.

What Next

Dealing with termites is never easy and can be overwhelming. Our termite control experts have extensive experience to help you identify any possible termite threats as well as deal with infected structures. Speak to one of our experts today to learn more information or to schedule a complimentary in-home inspection and consultation.

During the consultation our experienced pest control experts will answer any questions as well as provide insights into the recommended next steps whether prevention treatment or infestation treatment.