Pest control vs. Termite Control: what’s the difference?

​Most termites are subterranean in nature, staying deep beneath the ground within mud-like tubes that they build. Subterranean termites travel via these “mud tubes” (built through their fecal matter) in order to find food. To efficiently remove these termites, expertise products have to be put around any of the termites’ structures foundations. Any termite control service can include drilling to treat beneath concrete slabs where termite colonies have to be completely removed. A professional termite and pest control will perform their duty perfectly, as they will guarantee the total removal of these potential very costly pests. 

​For the most part pest control treatments are modern, working efficiently to get rid of crawling pests such as desert roaches, ants, spiders, crickets, centipedes, earwigs and more. They can also be effective against flying pests whenever they land on any treated areas. Nevertheless, a general pest control approach will not show any results on any termites living within their protective mud tubes and underground colonies. Though different treatments are needed pest control technicians will look out for and identify signs during regular pest control services.

​Whenever you have termites you cannot just employ any pest control company to take care of the issue. You will require a company that is trained and dedicated in their training to Chandler termite pest control. You must employ a company that fully understands the distinct differences between regular pest control and termite control, they must possess the skills and materials to apply specialized treatments. Detailed below, to help you understand,  are the differences between pest control companies and those who solely specialize in termite control:

​The goal of this treatment is to completely eradicate all and any termites that dwell in or around your home. Termites will multiply rapidly, and they can do massive destruction in a very short space of time. They need to be totally destroyed, so whereas pest control may well target those insects in your home, termite control is an all out assault to kill every single one of them in or around your property.

​Technicians that work for a typical pest control company do not usually have specialized training; they do not require it. All they are required to know is what type of pest you have and where they have to target the pesticides. They quickly get trained up when a company employs them, and do not require specialized training. The treatment will be a standard chemical and all the technician has to do is to spray the correct pesticides into the exact location. 
Termites, however, need to be found via know-how, an understanding of their behavior and hard work! A termite pest control technician must know exactly how to reach the termites to annihilate them. This can include digging deep into the ground, positioning baits, drilling through various materials and more. 

The process can be cumbersome as you need to identify the type of termite, its location and how urgent the infestation is. This process requires training and a set of skills to get it right. If the treatment is applied incorrectly then it is worthless. It will not rid your home or property of every termite, and it will not prevent other termites from replacing those killed. In all honesty if you do not employ a specific termite pest control company, you may as well be throwing your money away.

When most people call on a pest control company it is because they have an infestation and want them removed. If you have ants in the kitchen you want them out, instantly. Yet, many people might just be looking for a short term solution to their pest and termite infestation.
Termite treatment concentrates on providing long term solutions; they target the elimination of the termites that are already in and around your home, so all you will have to do is to prevent these termites from getting back into your home. 
Sometimes a trench will be dug round your house so that the perimeter barrier can be developed to keep the termites out. Be sure to secure follow up  appointments in order to be sure the termites have been completely removed.

​Termites almost look the same as swarming ants and it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. Here are some things that will help you spot the difference:

Flying Ants

• Wings are sometimes not alike in shape and size.
• Antennae that are “elbowed” or bent.
• Bodies have a thin midsection.

Swarming Termites

• Wings are almost similar in shape and size.
• Antennae are straight, beadlike and curved
• Thicker midsections.

As the name implies, subterranean termites stay under the ground and dig their tunnels till they reach your home. A sign that you have subterranean termites can include what is called the “swarming period” during which some subterranean termites will fly out in order to develop a new colony. 
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These termites will look like ants; termites have wings that are either more or less equal in size, a thick waist, and straight antennae. Other signs might include shelter tunnels or tubes that are made up of mud that can sometimes be found  in walls, piers, chimneys, plumbing, joists and other features of your home. Subterranean termites can give themselves away by moving away from where they are presently infesting by leaving cracked soil, wood that is hollow inside, blistered wood, and general damage to wood due to being eaten.

​These termites make their homes within yours; easy to detect you can find them where wood has blistered, or where you can see shed wings or termite waste — that looks like sawdust. This ‘sawdust’ can sometimes be discovered on windowsills or floors.

​Termite control is an essential tool to protect your home. These insects are capable of eating every type of wood if it isn’t appropriately treated. Wood attacked by termites becomes useless, losing its strength, and this can see your home’s foundations, walls, and floors collapse. There are, thankfully, various methods that a homeowner can use to manage an infestation of termites:

Making use of a liquid to kill termites is one of the old ways of managing them. It is among the fastest; these liquid control methods introduce a barrier round the home using chemicals which stops termites from entering. An expert pest professional should be called upon to apply this method. The main issue with chemical treatment is that the chemicals stay in the ground around your house for an extended period. There are two types of pesticides, namely:

Repellent: This forms a barrier that prevents the termites from entering.
Non-repellent: This eradicates the pest. 

The liquid choice is cheaper and quicker than every other termite control method.

Unlike liquid termite control, bait traps are useful for termite control without affecting the environment in any way. They were developed to kill termites using several methods. Bait traps have to come into contact with the particular type of termite being targeted to kill it. This type of trap solely depends on the termite taking the bait back to its colony in order to kill all the other termites. 
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Bait traps can come in either liquid or food form. You place the bait trap inside the ground (sometimes in a plastic stake) at different locations on your property. Some of the traps, if a professional termite control company does it will be filled with wood. These traps are used as a way of showing them if termites are entering the traps. Once you get a positive response then the wood will be substituted with poison.

Borate is a chemical that is commonly used in killing termites, but it is not as effective when it is applied to the wood directly. Sadly, if you find termite damage around your home after it is built, then the treatment is ineffective. Borate is not a total waste of time though as you will be able to apply it to every other surface in your home where wood is exposed.

​You will not be able to use borate treatment to remove an entire colony. This chemical is effective since termites are not able to digest the wood they are consuming. Protozoa, which is in their digestive system, acts to break down the wood they eat into nutrients, butborate destroys the protozoa and thus essential starves them to death.

​This is a very effective approach against one particular type of species: the drywood termite. 

​Pests can be removed — or at least reduced in numbers — by simply following good cleaning practices. People need to throw trash in the bin, keep benches, lawns, cupboards, floors, and other household items clean and remove every single instance of stagnant water, wherever it be. Listed below are five different types of approaches that can assist you in your battle against unwanted pests:

Effective Knowledge
It is important to identify the kind of pest that you are dealing with and to understand their lifecycle. Only then you can develop strategies that can be used to manage them. Make no mistake when identifying a particular pest, this will save money and time on approaches that will not work.  

Organic Pest Control Method
When it comes to limiting the harm that is caused by insects and other small animals, more and more people are using natural methods that take aim solely at the pest, and not methods that destroy other plants or animals in the process. 

​Potent and effective predator traps and baits can be used to rid your life  of the pest. Sodium fluoroacetate (FCH2CO2Na) is one of many biodegradable poisons that is combined with bait to kill a wide range of pests. It is the most cost-effective means of pest control, especially in difficult terrain. Parasitic nematodes, insecticidal soap, oil spray, and others are also useful for pest control.

Biological Control
This technique is primarily used in greenhouses but can be done outdoors too. To manage pests biologically their natural enemies, such as parasites, predators and pathogens are introduced so as to interfere with a pests’ ability to grow, breed or live. 
Certain beneficial insects will eat the larvae of the pest thereby reducing their numbers. This means a safe environment for your family, your plants and natural wildlife,  compared to the potential risk of pesticides. Nevertheless, the success of the process solely depends on the specific use of suitable species under proper conditions. 

Chemical Pesticides
There are so many chemical pesticides presently used in homes, stores, offices, farms and many other places. Pesticides are dangerous, and they can contaminate the water, air, land, and food.
Pesticides are available in aerosol, solid and liquid form; they are grouped according to the kind of pest they are designed to kill.  Insecticide are used to kill insects, bactericides are used for bacteria and herbicides are used for unwanted plants.

Pests will die through ingesting pesticides, through either eating them or directly through their body’s surfaces. Before spraying always be sure you read the instructions on the label carefully, then read them again, and avoid contaminating water, drinks, food, plates and cooking utensils and other essential household items.

Hygienic Control
Very few pests will live, breed and spread in clean homes.. Manage pests in your home — or office — through good cleaning practices and hygiene. Always clean up immediately after your meals, carefully throw away any leftovers and residue. Wash and dry the dishes immediately after using them, keep every item such as stoves, ovens, cupboards, floors and other household surfaces and  items spotless. 

Always keep your food inside a lid fitted container, flush your toilet immediately after use, seal every septic tank, clean and cover drains and holes around pipes, be certain that people in your community are also disposing of their trash properly, burying it regularly and recycling it. Clear weeds and debris from gardens and use fresh mulch and natural fertilizer. 

If you desire a pest-free residence, sustaining a clean and healthy lifestyle will go a long way to achieving this, and in the long run may even save money, time and stress because the use of pesticides should be the very last option taken.