General Overview
Subterranean termites are a major concern for anyone who owns property which contains any amount of wood or cellulose material. Termites harbor one-celled organisms in their digestive tract which converts cellulose material into a substance that termites can digest. Termites actually do serve a major role in nature by converting dead wood and other organic materials containing cellulose into humus. Humus is basically feces which will revert back into soil. It is
only when termites begin to feed on our homes and buildings that they become a major concern.
Termites are known as social insects. This means there is as division of labor among different types of individuals, called castes. Termites have a reproductive and a soldier caste, however, most of the work (nest building, food gathering, and feeding of the reproductives and soldiers) are handled entirely by the nymphs which are simply an immature stage of the termite colony. The nymphs are the ones that do all the damage to a structure. The soldiers only duty is to defend the colony against enemies. They cannot eat wood. They, together with the reproductives, are fed by the nymphs.


Ants vs. Termites
The winged adults are known as the primary reproductives which are most often referred to as swarmers. They emerge from the colonies on colonizing flights during certain seasons of the year. This is when a male (king) and female (queen) will mate and begin to form a new colony. Many times swarmer termites are confused with flying ants. There are three ways to distinguish termites from ants. First, ants have a very thin waste between the thorax and the abdomen, while termites are broad waisted. Second, termite wings are all the same size and shape, whereas the forewings of the ant are larger, longer, and of a different shape than the hind wings. And third, termite antennae are straight, while the ants' antennae are elbowed.



Termite Control
The most common approach to termite control is to apply a chemical barrier in which termites must pass through before they can gain access to a structure. In order to create a solid chemical barrier, termiticide must be applied to the soil under and adjacent to the structure(s) being treated. In addition, it is also necessary at times to treat any voids that may be present in the foundation walls. The best type of chemical formulation to use is known as a non-repellent (e.g. Termidor, Premise). This is the latest in chemical technology and is becoming more popular with each passing year. This type of chemical is undetectable by termites, therefore, they do not know it is present and will continue to travel through the treated area. By doing so they will transfer the chemical back to the colony and eventually eliminate the entire colony over a short period of time. If you would like a free estimate, please fill out the Request Services Form and we will contact you promptly.
Termite
Entry Points
Termite Castes
Termite vs. Ant
Subrterranean termite colonies are located in the soil. When they emerge to find another food source, they create mud tubes which protect them from light, heat, and natural enemies such as ants. Termites enter a structure through the smallest of cracks to gain access to cellulose material.Termites develope through gradual metamorphosis. Once eggs are laid nymphs hatch and undergo several molts through which different individuals develop into one of the various castes such as workers, soldiers, winged reproductives, and supplimentary reproductives.Winged adults are called swarmers. There are three ways to distinguish termites from ants. First, ants are thin wasted while termites have a broad waist. Second, termite wings are all the same size, ants' wings are not. Third, termite antennae are straight, while the ants' are elbowed.
Click on an image to view more details
Serving: Brunswick, Saint Simons, Jekyll Island Kingsland, St. Marys, & Darien Georgia
Termites
got bugs?
We Offer:
  • Free Termite Inspections
  • Residential Pest Control
  • Commercial Pest Control
  • Termite Control
  • Powderpost Beetle Control
  • Moisture Control
  • Wood Destroying Fungi Control
  • Real Estate Clearance Letters