AAA Brothers Exterminators, Inc.

Subterranean Termites: These are the most common termites attacking buildings and are found throughout the United States. From nests in the ground they invade where wood contacts the soil or by building earthen tubes to provide protected access to wood above ground. Winged reproductive’s are about 1/2 inch long and workers and soldiers about 1/4 inches long.
Damp wood Termites: These are the largest American termites, with the winged forms over 1 inch long. Most species occur along the Pacific coast, with some in Florida and the Southwest, infesting wet wood, such as poles, posts and pilings. They do not build tubes to reach structures. Feces are characteristic oval-shaped pellets.
Dry wood Termites: These are larger than subterranean termites but smaller than damp wood termites. They attack dry, sound wood which need not be in contact with the ground. They are the most common termite pest in the Southwest, infesting poles, lumber piles, buildings and trees. They spread by the flight of winged reproductives, which after mating enter through crevices in nearby wood, especially under the eaves. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not build earthen tubes and their tunnels in wood are smooth and clean-fecal material being dry pellets which are neatly stored or expelled in sawdust-like piles.
Powder post or Furniture Termites: These termites infest dry woodwork, floors and furniture in the Gulf states. Their presence is usually indicated by the constant dropping of fine, powdery fecal pellets. Most unusual, all castes are small. Like dry wood termites, there may be many small colonies in the same building.

What Can You Do Against Termites?
Termites avoid extremes of heat and cold as well as storms and predators by living what is known as a "crypto biotic" or hidden way of life. This makes them extremely difficult for untrained personnel to detect until the damage they cause becomes obvious. Termites can attack all types of wood. Even termite-resistant woods, such a tidewater red cypress and western red cedar, can ultimately be attacked, because they lose their natural resistance with aging. Keeping termites out is extremely difficult, because in seeking wood to eat they have been known to penetrate ordinary brickwork, tar and asphalt, roofing felt and cracks in concrete. Professionally installed metal termite shields can be effective, but they may subsequently fail because of corrosion, accidental disturbance, or building settlement. Likewise, previously-applied chemical barriers may have been later disrupted during landscaping or construction of home extensions. Re-application of chemicals to the soil against termites is not a do-it-yourself option because these products are not available to homeowners and, in any case, all pesticide treatments against termites require special equipment and know-how. However, here are 10 measures you can carry out that can help protect your property.
10 Things You Can Do
1. In new construction, specify the proper installation of termite shields on foundations, piers and other structural elements, and between wooden steps or porches and the main structure, to prevent termite access from the soil.

2. Eliminate wood contact with the ground (e.g. by replacing wooden posts and piers with concrete ones, and by supporting wooden steps on a concrete base at least 6 inches above the ground).

3. Regarded soil around the perimeter to ensure drainage away from the building and to maintain at least 6 inches clearance between wood siding or shingles and the ground.

4. Ensure there is at least 18 inches clearance in crawl spaces between all horizontal timbers and the ground.

5. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces by ensuring adequate cross-ventilation. Covering the ground with roofing paper will also reduce humidity under buildings by reducing evaporation from the soil.

6. Screen all vents, including vents in eaves, attics, walls and crawl spaces, with 20-mesh non-corroding metal screening to prevent termite reproductive’s entering.

7. Remove any wooden debris which might become a source of infestation beneath the building, including scrap wood, form boards, old tree roots, and even sawdust.

8. Fill any crevices or voids where they might help subterranean termites move from the ground to wood in buildings, including foundation cracks, hollow blocks, gaps between stucco and the wall and crevices around pipe work. Seal cracks.
9. Remove infested stumps and trees near buildings.
10. Dispose of inexpensive items of furniture infested with furniture termites and check any second-hand furniture prior to purchase.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Termites

Did You Know?
1. There are over 2,000 known species of termites, of which 55 different species live in the United States.

2. Termites are related to cockroaches and fossil evidence indicates termites are among the world's oldest group of insects-perhaps originating over 250 million years ago.

3. Termites are social insects and live in colonies which often contain thousands of individuals and in some species over 1 million.

4. Each colony contains a queen termite which produces the young and may live 15 years or more.

5. Queen termites are the only insects which grow after becoming adults. This growth relates to increasing egg production, which may exceed 1,000 eggs per day in some species.

6. Termites mostly eat wood or wood products such as paper, but they can also destroy clothing and leather. Some species cultivate and eat fungi.

7. Subterranean termites mostly invade buildings from nearby nests in the ground, but other types can enter by flying or by being introduced in infested firewood, lumber and furniture.

8. A colony of subterranean termites containing 300,000 workers can eat wood equivalent to 20 linear feet of two-by-four in one year.

9. In general it takes 3 to 8 years for subterranean termites to cause extensive structural damage, but the Formosan subterranean termite, which is now a pest in some states, can cause severe damage in only 3 months.

10. In the United States, termites are estimated to cause more than $1 billion in property damage each year.

Appearance and Habits of Termites
Termite colonies have a caste system in which different types of castes of termite perform different functions. Typically there are three castes: reproductive’s (the king and queen termites, which are initially winged but after swarming lose their wings, mate and produce offspring); workers (these small wingless, blind individuals are the most common type and are responsible for all the wood damage and for feeding the young and other castes); soldiers (these large-headed, wingless, blind termites protect the colony against predators, especially ants).

Warning
Dear Homeowner,
Each year we hear about horror stories from homeowners just like you. How they bought a termite system that didn’t work. And you ask yourself why?
Reason, Because a salesman told you his stand alone system is all you needed. We all Know there is no magic bullet that can kill all the termites immediately. Just like no one pill can cure all your illnesses immediately.
Therefore, there are many different kinds of termite treatments you can do. Bait Systems, Liquid Treatments, Wood Treatments, and Foam Treatments. Which one is right for you? It takes a Trained Licensed Certified Termite Technician to know which combination of treatments is best suited for your home. Just like a doctor might prescribe 2 or 3 pills for your illness. We will evaluate your home for termites and come up with a prescription plan just right for your home, not a generic plan because, every home is different. Therefore you can’t always count on one type of treatment. We will place layers of protection against termites to get them out and keep them out for good.