Archive for the ‘Termite’ Category

Flying Termites!?! | Virginia Beach | Chesapeake | Norfolk | Hampton Roads |

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

It’s that time of year when a normally silent and hidden termite colony decides to make itself  known, by sending 1000′s of colony members out and into our homes. This is usually the first indication a homeowner has that there is a termite problem. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that has been developing for possibly 5-10 years.

Flying termites, also known as swarmmers, are the reproductive class of the termite colony. They leave the colony in an attempt to create a new one. These swarmmers, fly out of the ground, find a mate within the same swarm, and then attempt to make it back into the ground at a new location. They will then begin the process of colony creation. These reproductive termites only leave a mature colony, which is a colony that is usually 5 years old or more.

If you see a swarm, collect a few in a sandwich bag. Then call HomePro at 757-499-1078, we will send someone out to determine if the insects are in fact termites and whether or not there are any termites damaging your property.

Also click this link to see pictures of flying termites:  Flying Termite Pictures

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Termite Infestations

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Here are some pictures of termite infestations that we’ve found. It’s amazing how quickly they can move in and damage a home. If you would like a free termite inspection in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or any other Hampton Roads city call 757-499-1078 or click the appropriate link below to get more information.

Free Termite Inspection Chesapeake, VA

Free Termite Inspection Virginia Beach, VA

Free Termite Inspection Norfolk, VA

Free Termite Inspection Hampton Roads

Here is a single termite tube in a crawlspace

This is the largest termite tube I have ever seen

 

This is damage to the subfloor of a home. It caused severe sagging inside the home.

 

Termite shelter tubes and damage to a floor joist

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Found Termites? Don’t Panic.

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

If you live in Hampton Road’s you are bound to have noticed that spring has started to show its face. The nice weather is a welcome sight after so much snow and cold this winter. Inevitably, when the weather warms termites will start to come out of the ground and swarm. This is their mating ritual and it’s an indication that there is a large and mature colony close to your home. However, this is not a time to panic.

Many times a homeowner will call the first company they can find in the phone book and get them out the same day. Sometimes these inspections turn into a high pressure sales situation with a salesperson preying on your fears.  You might be told you have to act immediately if you want to save your home. Or that the pricing is good for one day only. How many good decisions are made under such pressure? Not many.  A mature colony (capable of producing swarming termites) takes 2-4 years to form, so waiting a few days to think and get a second opinion is small amount of time overall.  A company that can’t accept this is a company to avoid.  Take your time and be happy with your decision.

If you would like a free termite inspection, call HomePro Pest Control at 757-499-1078. Our pledge is to never pressure or manipulate anyone to get their business.

HomePro Pest Control Website

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10 tips to reduce the possibility of termite problems.

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Although we make a business out of removing termites from homes and businesses, we believe that everyone should have information available to them that can limit termite activity around their home before they have to call us. Here are some tips that the LSU AgCenter put together for us.

•Situate gutters and slope your landscape beds so water drains away from your house.

•Keep mulch in beds adjacent to the house about 12 inches from the foundation.

•Do not add fill dirt or garden soil around the foundation or under porches or steps without contacting your termite company for retreatment.

•Do not disturb the chemical barrier at the base of the slab or around pilings by digging into it during bed preparation.

•Promptly remove all scrap wood and wooden debris from the landscape.

•Pine straw appears to be the mulch that is least attractive to termites. Avoid using wood chips to mulch beds adjacent to the house or other structures.

•Use metal edging, decorative bricks or border plants to edge your beds. Avoid landscape timbers, railroad ties or other wooden materials that may serve as food for termites.

•When watering, avoid spraying water against the foundation of your house.

•Leave at least 2 inches of space between your house and a deck or other wooden structure outside. Build decks and other structures on concrete pads and treat around the pads and posts.

•Do not allow clinging vines, such as English ivy or creeping fig, to grow on the wall of your house.

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news_archive/2009/december/news_you_can_use/Avoid-landscaping-practices-that-may-encourage-termites-.htm

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