Common Questions About Termites

What are termites?

A termite is best described as a wood-destroying insect. Termites feed on any cellulose-based material. This includes wood, paper, sheetrock, and so on.

Are there various types of termites?

There are three different types of termites—damp wood, dry wood, and subterranean. Damp wood termites generally live in areas that are heavily forested, whereas dry wood termites live in extremely dry wood and are rarely found in the United States. Subterranean are the most destructive type of termites, and they require a moist environment and are usually found living in the soil. Termites do an estimated five billion dollars in damage each year, but fortunately, termites can be controlled.

How do I prevent termites?

The most important thing you must do is remove the prime conditions in which termites love to find themselves living on Long Island or throughout the North East. The subterranean termites thrive on moisture, so try to avoid moisture build-up around your home. If you own an older home, make sure that any wood near the foundation of your home is replaced. There may have been previous infestations before you moved in, and if you have the most updated equipment, the less likely termites will be to come to find it. Another way to prevent termites is to have all tree stubs removed and to make certain your bushes and any shrubbery are kept a good few feet away from your house.

How will I know if I have a termite infestation?

Termites usually come out in early spring on Long Island or throughout the North East and at times can be seen as a swarm of what looks like flying ants. If you think your home may have become victim to a nest of termites, here are some telltale signs of an infestation.

• Soft wood is a good indication that you may have a termite problem.
• Another indication of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes around the exterior or interior of your house, most likely near the foundation.
• Dark or blistered wood structures may also be an indication of a termite problem.

What is the best way to get rid of termites?

Using a safeguarded and innovative method of getting rid of termites, A&C Pest Management's termite control will thoroughly inspect your property and place Sentricon stations in the soil at precise intervals around your property. Worker termites ingest the bait and share it with their colonies until each colony is eliminated. Termites are highly sensitive to rapid ecosystem changes, but this ingenious system is appetizing to the termites and works slowly enough to spread throughout the colony without alerting the termites that anything has changed.

Will my termite problem be over after using Sentricon?

The Sentricon* System with Always Active technology begins the termite colony elimination process without delay and offers continuous property protection from termites.

• Recruit HD termite bait is immediately available to termites when they enter the stations.
• Recruit HD termite bait remains available all the time to eliminate termite colonies and to protect against future invasions.
• Highly durable and dense Recruit HD termite bait will stand up to a tough environment for many years.
• Highly desirable Recruit HD termite bait is preferred by termites over wood, so they devour it faster than wood and find the bait even more desirable as it ages.
• Homeowners prefer the Sentricon System with Always Active technology over other treatment options