From the category archives:

Termites

What is a termite swarm castle?

Ever think about the tiny tubes that termites use to travel back and forth? Over time some tunnels can get pretty big and thick but still if you think about swarms of termites which can be in the thousands of winged alates and the relatively small size of the tunnels they use, just how can [...]

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Thumbnail image for Why attached sheds attract termites

Why attached sheds attract termites

When you think about termites and why they would be attracted to your home you ultimately come up with a list of conducive conditions. Leaking water spigots, cracks in the foundation, stored wood piles right next to the house and the list goes on and on. While it’s great to realize these areas could be [...]

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Thumbnail image for Subterranean termites on the roof

Subterranean termites on the roof

When we think of the word subterranean our minds might take us to some deep very dark caves where you literally can’t see your hand in front of your face. You could never imagine living in utter darkness like this and if you stay too long, even in your imagination you’ll soon be looking for [...]

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Wdo inspections are not a sales lead

I realize that many pest control operators have a dim view on quick inspections. I read and hear their comments on forums, at continuing education meetings or in magazines. I agree that $25.00 inspections lead to problems but even if you’re charging $250.00 and all you’re treating the wdo as is a sales lead then [...]

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Thumbnail image for Making complex wdo inspections simple

Making complex wdo inspections simple

Recently I sent one of my techs out on a wdo (wood destroying organism) inspection and I was amazed that it took him well over 2 hours to perform. Normally I do all the inspections for my company because of the liability but this was a repo home so there were no issues of pesky [...]

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Thumbnail image for The definition of a termite infestation

The definition of a termite infestation

Sometimes there is confusion as to whether or not you have a termite infestation or not. On one hand the exterminator is telling you he sees evidence like a mud tunnel, some damage or even the wings left behind from a swarm but no live termites. Home owners often get frustrated with this and especially [...]

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Journey under the slab

Ever wonder how it is that termites can pop up in the middle of your home? I mean, they’re blind, shun light and can only feel their way along so how can they find any wood at all to eat in which to survive? It seems impossible but termites don’t know that. They do more [...]

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Thumbnail image for Drilling for termites and avoiding disaster

Drilling for termites and avoiding disaster

A couple years ago here in Florida a termite technician was badly injured while drilling a back porch slab for termites. It wasn’t that the drill bound up and clocked him a good one or a piece of concrete flying up and hitting him in the face. No, this poor guy just happened to drill [...]

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Thumbnail image for Bug Doctor Minute; Tubes in the slab

Bug Doctor Minute; Tubes in the slab

Along the lines of building a better mouse trap termite technicians have been waiting for a new approach to termite control for quite some time. With advent of Termidor and other non-repellants the way of the hammer drill and messy termite work has been going by the wayside at breakneck speed. In years gone by [...]

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Thumbnail image for The dreaded drywood termite and his evil twin

The dreaded drywood termite and his evil twin

The first thought that many people get when they’re told they have termites is one of a large tent going over their house and fumigation. For the most part this type of service is done not for the common subterranean termite but for the drywood variety and or wood borers that eat and live in [...]

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My job is to know what it isn’t, not what it is

What would you think of me if I told you I didn’t know every single wood infesting bug that is out there or that may be in your home? Would you think of me as unqualified to service your home or inspect for termites? I’m sure (well I hope anyway) you’d say “oh no one [...]

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Who will step up when termites tear it down?

84 year old Elizabeth Reid has spent all her life helping others and now she could use just a little help herself. Mrs. Reid lives in Charleston South Carolina in a modest home where she had just finished paying off the mortgage last year. Unfortunately for Mrs. Reid, the termite infestation in her home has [...]

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Thumbnail image for Being sued for termite damage, have you reached a verdict?

Being sued for termite damage, have you reached a verdict?

The sun was lowering in the sky and I could see it through the window but that meant looking just passed my accuser and I refused to let her think I was afraid to look her in the eyes. With my month long preparation I became more and more convinced she was running a con [...]

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Thumbnail image for Being sued for termite damage, the gavel drops

Being sued for termite damage, the gavel drops

Back in the over sized room and still feeling like I got rail roaded in mediation my accuser and I waited our turn to appear before the judge. While sitting there I took notice of all the different kinds of people in the courtroom and wondered about each one. Some were in suits and ties [...]

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Thumbnail image for Subterranean termite extreme

Subterranean termite extreme

Recently I’ve done a lot of termite work and I’ve come across some major damage. I actually found a crack that backs up the claim of the subterranean termite being able to fit through one only 1/64th of an inch wide. Tubes in attics, swarmers covering the entire surface of a pool and three bath [...]

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