In the News - May 2008
Tiny insects cause big damage, bigger bills
LITTLE ROCK - Late March through mid-May is the peak season for termite
swarming in Arkansas. Winged forms of the eastern subterranean termite will
leave established colonies in great numbers to mate and will then try to
establish new colonies.
Homeowners should be concerned if termite swarmers are exiting from
around their home's foundation or are present in the home. This is a sure signal that
termites are active within the structure.
"Termites are the most common and economically important wood-destroying pest
in the U.S.," said Dr. John Hopkins, extension urban entomologist with the
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Other signs of termite infestation, besides swarmers, include the presence
of mud or shelter tubes extending up foundation walls, support piers, sill
plates, floor joists, etc.," he said. "Termites build protective mud tubes about
the diameter of a pencil as paths between the underground colony and their food
source (your home)."
Arkansas' subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a substance found in wood
and wood products, such as boards, paneling and the paper backing of drywall.
Termite feeding in an infested home leaves structural wood hollowed out along
the grain with bits of dried mud or dirt inside the hollow areas. Walls can
develop rippled or sunken areas indicating hidden termite damage.
"Termite infestations can sometimes go undetected for years," said Hopkins.
"Termites have been known to leave intact the outer surface of exposed wood such
as baseboards while causing considerable hidden damage."
Over-the-counter insecticides labeled for use in the home to control flying
insects will kill swarmers but will do nothing to eliminate the underground
colony and the termite workers that may be causing structural damage to your
home. If you suspect a termite infestation, the first thing to realize is that
proper termite control is not a do-it-yourself job. Instead, Hopkins recommends
seeking the services of a reliable professional.
"If your home is under contract with a termite control company and you see a
termite swarm or evidence of active termites, alert the pest control company as
soon as possible," Hopkins said.
If your home is not under contract with a termite control company and you
notice a termite swarm or active termites associated with your home, don't
panic. Termites feed relatively slowly. The extra damage they will cause during
the day, week or even month that you take to pick a reliable termite control
company will be relatively insignificant. The consequences of making a mistake
when selecting a firm to correct your termite problem can cost you considerably
more in the long run, so take time to carefully consider your plan of action.
Hopkins offered these tips to consider when hiring a termite control
professional:
- Professionals have access to techniques, products and equipment
needed to adequately and safely rid a home of termites.
- Avoid firms that try to pressure you into signing a contract
immediately with "specials" or scare tactics.
- Arkansas law requires that all pest control firms be licensed
through the Arkansas State Plant Board, 1 Natural Resources Drive,
Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-225-1598.
- Membership in the Arkansas Pest Management Association (APMA)
and/or the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests that the
company is an established firm with access to the most up-to-date
technical information and training.
- As with any service company, references are invaluable. Consider
calling at least two or three companies. Request inspections and
estimates.
- Be sure you fully understand what a termite company's contract
covers and what it doesn't cover before you sign. Read the fine print.
- An annual termite inspection is a must. You should arrange your
annual inspection during the warmer part of the year when termites are
the most active.
"Termites are a fact of life for the Arkansas homeowner," Hopkins said. "All homes
should be inspected annually and treated when necessary."
For more information about termites or other insects, visit Extension's Web
site, www.uaex.edu, or contact your county extension agent.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
May 2, 2008
By Kelli Reep
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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