11. Will subterranean termite swarmers inside my home infest other areas of the house, furniture, closets, etc...?
Subterranean termite swarmers are looking for moist soil in close proximity to wood in order to start a new colony. The likelihood of these conditions exiting inside your home is very remote, so unless the swarmers get outdoors, they will not survive.
12. How quickly can termites infest a house? If a residence has been treated and there is no evidence remaining of termite infestation, how soon could they reappear?
Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase if they are present in the soil. Whether the home is occupied or not makes no difference to the termites. Conventional soil barrier treatments to control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony. They do create a treatment zone in the soil at potential entry points into the structure. This causes the termite colony to utilize their other available food sources such as tree roots, fallen limbs, fences, etc. Soil treatment zones are intended to control termites for extended periods of time, however they may be breached due to physical disturbance of the treatment zone (landscaping activities, construction, erosion, etc.), tree roots growing through the treatment zone, natural degradation of the termicide, etc.
13. When should a home be re-treated for termites?
Your home should be inspected annually, but annual re-treatment of the structure is prohibited. Re-treatment only takes place when there is clear evidence of re-infestation, treatment zone disruption and/or breakdown of the termiticide treatment zone in the soil. Distruption of the treatment zone is usually due to construction, excavation or landscaping. Normally a re-treatment is usually done after the warranty period given and only after our professional check through your house and give you an evaluation.
14. What should I look for in choosing a termite and pest control company?
There are a number of factors that may differentiate termite and pest control companies from one another. Following are general guidelines for choosing the best company for your needs:
15. I have recently moved, but my old house had a termite infestation. Can you offer any advice to prevent this from happening at my new house?
As a homeowner, you can take some action in making your home less attractive to termite infestation. Although this will not prevent or control potential entry by subterranean termites, these recommendations will reduce or eliminate some of the "conducive" conditions that make it easier for termites to gain entry.
Preventive action makes good sense in any termite-prone area, and you should also consider having a termite control professional implement a termite control program before you notice an infestation.
- Remove all wood debris from around your home, especially after new construction and remodeling. This includes wood from boards along foundations, tree stumps and roots, as well as firewood stacked near the house.
- Since termites need moisture to survive, grade the soil around your foundation so it carries water away from the house. Maintain gutters and downspouts in good repair.
16. I have noticed some termite or pest excrement that has fallen from the ceiling. How can I tell if it is from termites or other insects?
Drywood termites produce small bun-shaped pellets as excrement. This often accumulates on surfaces directly below infested areas. Evidence of activity can include small "pin holes" in the surface of the infested area, and the droppings accumulating below. Winged termites, called swarmers, might also be observed. The adult reproductives swarm to start new infestations in other areas of the structure.
17. When is the best time to treat for termites?
The best time to treat for termites is before they infest a structure. Termite control is an ongoing process; a control plan should be in place to avoid an infestation and damage repair costs.
18. Does Diamond Pest Control offer a guarantee?
No. To tell you the truth, no companies in the industry gives you a guarantee or money back. But we do give a warranty period where if there is a re-infestation within the waranteed period, Diamond Pest Control will be there to treat it without charging a cent.
19. What type of program or treatment do you recommend to insure we keep the house pest-free?
We believe that the most effective way to control pests is to prevent them from crawling inside in the first place. If they're already inside your home, we'll get them out and make sure they don't come back. Diamond Pest Control service professional will provide a three-step program:
- Your service professional will look for the sources of pest infestations and then apply pest control materials where they will be most effective. The appropriate control methods will be selected for the situation at hand.
- Because the exterior of the home is where most new infestations originate, likely pest harborages next to or near your home are inspected for pest activity and treated accordingly.
- Finally, your service professional will provide you with any recommendations that you can follow to minimize pests around your home and thus assist in preventing pests inside the home.
20. If it rains, will outside treatment materials wash away?
Once a liquid residual product has dried following application, the solvents and emulsifiers evaporate, leaving a durable residual that adheres to surfaces and is resistant to being washed away by rain. Insect baits, however, are placed in protected areas to keep excess moisture from possibly reducing their effectiveness.
21. Will I still see pests after treatment?
Following an initial service, it is likely you will see a few pests for two weeks or so but the number will greatly drop after the service. Of course, after your original infestation has been eliminated, pests living outdoors will continue to try to enter the home so an occasional pest may be seen. This factor is why regular exterior services are important -- to find and intercept pests outside before they have a chance to enter. If you have more than an occasional sighting of pests inside, please call us. We'll be happy to schedule a service call at no additional cost to you.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact or email us at info@diamondpestcontrol.com and we will be glad to answer your questions.
a member of THE PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA