Q. How much damage can termites do?

A. Because termites nibble away slowly from inside, extensive damage can happen before activity is noticed. The queen can live and produce eggs up to fifty years. A termite can feast on a building throughout a life span of fifteen years. With time, they can destroy a home. New to this area is a species of termite called “Fermosan” and is many more times destructive than the typical Eastern Subterranean Termite.

Q. Are all termites alike?

A. Most soils in Texas have termites. That does not mean your home needs treatment. Native subterranean termites commonly swarm between February and May. The “swarmers” are reproductive termites looking to start new colonies. Finding termite swarmers indoors is a reliable signal of indoor infestation (sometimes just the lacy wings will be visible at windowsills or on countertops). Finding mud tubes around the foundation or anywhere in the home (usually around plumbing fixtures) is also a sign of infestation.

Q. I have dirt tunnels on my foundation, is it ants or termites?

A. Both ants and termites will build dirt tunnels up the side of a slab foundation and into your wall. There are a couple of indicators that reveal the differences between ants and termites. If you move the tunnel and it is loose dirt, it is more than likely ants. Termites use mud which will dry into a hard “tube” that will break into sections. Also, ants will typically scatter when disrupted, where termites will remain in single file. If you are not positive if the activity is ants or termites, a qualified Pest Control Professional should be consulted to identify the insect.

Q. What is the “termiticide”?

A. All products that are available and labeled “termite use” must meet specific and rigid standards and therefore are all effective. Ask a professional which one he prefers. His answer is usually directly related to the products that have the best result.

Q. What are “baiting systems” and are they effective?

A. Baiting systems have gained popularity, especially with the do-it-yourself homeowners. They are typically not as fast or effective as liquid termiticides injected into the soil. There are some situations that construction related complications make baiting the only logical treatment. Most experts agree the success of the baiting program is completely contingent upon a professional monitoring system. Without proper monitoring, baiting is not a reliable solution.

Q. What about the do-it-yourself bait systems found at retail stores?

A. Once again, they may be fine if you already have termites, but they are not fast acting and you cannot make the termites “hit” the bait stations. If you believe the experts, then you quickly realize that without a trained professional monitoring the system, you will much less success.

Q. Are there any “organic” control for termites?

A. Any that are recommended are done so in conjunction with traditional treatments.

Q. How much of my house should be treated?

A. There is only one time to completely treat a home. That is during construction. All treatments beyond that time are literally Band-Aid treatments. Obviously, the larger the “Band-Aid” the better.

Q. Why is a warranty important and what should it include?

A. Literally all homes will eventually have termite problems unless care is taken to inspect and treat when the first signs appear. Your warranty should include an annual, professional inspection and if necessary, a controlled-cost treatment.

Q. How can Bryan Inspections be a part of a solution for termite control?

A. Our TERMITE PROTECTION plan is unique in the industry because it includes the two most important features of an effective control/prevention program. They perform an annual, professional inspection, and if necessary, provide cost-controlled treatments.