Plano Termite Pest Control Mosquito Control Mosquito Misting Systems

Plano Pest Control Service

Buzz Kill Pest Control is a locally family owned and operated pest control company that offers pest control services in Plano, TX. With over 20 years of pest and termite control experience, we know and understand how pests are getting into your home or business, and we know how to make them stay out permanently. Our goal is to help our customers maintain their quality of life through providing quality Plano best pest control service at affordable prices.Buzz Kill Pest Control provides your home or businesses with Plano exterminator services by licensed professionals. We take pride in the quality of our service with our satisfaction guaranteed pest control. 

Buzz Kill Pest Control offers Plano residential pest control services, commercial pest control services and Industrial pest control services. Our services include conventional treatments, Plano best organic pest control treatments and green pest control treatments. For more details on our environmentally safe pest control service, ask us about our GREEN PEST CONTROL PROGRAM. All of our pest control services are available for a one-time pest control treatment or regular annual maintenance programs. Regular annual maintenance pest control treatments are offered on a monthly pest control, every other month pest control and quarterly pest control. Buzz Kill Pest Control provides Plano best pest control.

Buzz Kill Pest Control offers inside pest control and outside pest control services for all of our Plano pest control customers. Some of the more common interior Plano exterminator services we provide are bed bug control or removal, animal trapping, rodent control, Plano termite control, cockroach extermination and removal, spider control, Plano Carpenter ant and fire ant control or fire ant baiting. Some of the more common outside Plano pest control services we provide are Plano fly control, wasp and bee control, mosquito control, Plano mosquito misting systems, lawn pest control, animal removal and Plano flea and tick control. If for some reason you do not see the pest problem on our website then please give us a call to discuss your situation and obtain a Plano pest control estimate.

Termite Control Service in Plano, Texas

Buzz Kill Pest Control provides termite control and termite monitoring services for Plano commercial, residential and industrial structures in both pre-construction and post construction phases of building. We offer liquid or conventional treatments along with baiting systems that include products like Termidor SC, Talstar, Advance Termite Bait System and Firstline Termite Defense System. Buzz Kill Pest Control knows every Plano termite infestation is unique and requires us to perform a termite inspection prior to making any recommendation of treatment or giving an estimate. If you are in the pre-construction phase of building and looking to prevent termites or you are concerned that you might have an active infestation of termites, call Buzz Kill Pest Control for a free termite estimate or consultation.

Plano Mosquito Control Service

Buzz Kill Pest Control is a leader in providing best Plano mosquito control for our customers in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. We have a variety of mosquito control services to fit every customer's need and budget. Plano mosquitoes can be a real nuisance and can easily overtake your outdoors, making any beautiful evening unpleasant. Aside from the annoying, painful bites, mosquitoes are also known to carry diseases such as West Nile Virus. Buzz Kill Pest Control in Plano can provide mosquito control outdoors on a one-time basis or with a regular maintenance program to allow you to enjoy your outdoors. Some of our options include Plano one-time event spraying, monthly mosquito spray applications and even portable mosquito systems that can make camping trips and afternoons in the park more comfortable.
Buzz Kill Pest Control uses only the latest in technologies and products to provide the best Plano mosquito control servicefor our customers.

Plano Mosquito Misting Systems

Buzz Kill Pest Control is a leader in providing, installing and servicing Plano mosquito misting systems. We understand how disappointing it can be to not be able to go out and enjoy your outdoor space. We have experienced this too in the past. This is why we chose to become one of the premier companies in the Plano area to offer mosquito misting systems, and to help our customers get back to the outdoors they once enjoyed before mosquitoes took over.
Buzz Kill Pest Control does ALL the work so you don’t have to. There has never been a more effective and convenient method for preventing mosquito bites in your yard. You will never again have to spray your kids, your guest or yourself with messy sprays, repellents or remember to fog your yard before a cookout.
Buzz Kill Pest Control specializes in the Plano insect misting control system installation, ongoing service and refills of Planoautomated mosquito control mister systems, and we know every mosquito misting install is different based upon your property layout and families needs. This is why we will send one of our licensed professionals to your home or business for a free consultation for an automated mosquito misting system. The installation of the mosquito mister will consist of a variety of nozzles, tubing and a controller installed on the property. These components and controller will be installed in inconspicuous areas throughout your lawn to eliminate mosquitoes, flies, gnats and other insects while fitting right in with your family and lifestyle. The automated mosquito control mist system sprays a very fine mist of pyrethrin through nozzles installed around the perimeter of your yard. The mist settles on the grass and landscaping, killing any mosquito that comes in contact with it. The system is timed to mist 2 to3 times a day, early in the morning and early in the evening when mosquitoes are most active and while beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies are not. It also kills or repels other unwanted pest like flies and gnats. We offer both tanked and tankless systems which gives us and our customer’s better flexibility for any mosquito infestation or property layout.
 Already have a Plano mosquito misting system but need service, support or a chemical drum or tank refill?  Please give us a call because we can provide you and your system with the same topnotch service and support as we do our own systems and customers.  We can service any mosquito misting systems weather they are manufactured by MistAway, Mosquitonix, Automist, MosquitoMax, Mosquito-pro or XMOSQUITO, or installed by BugFree Back Yard, Texas Mosquito Control, Mosquitonix, DFW Pest, Mosquito Force, Mosquito Busters, Express Pest, Jackson’s Mosquito Control or any other Plano mosquito misting system provider, and we offer any labeled chemical for your system such as but not limited to Riptide, ECO Smart, Sector, ECO Exempt, Pyronyl, ULD Hydropy 300, and Pyranha.

Plano Rodent Control or Rodent Removal

Buzz Kill Pest Control is a leader in providing Plano rodent control to your home or business.  We know that one of the most common pests that invade your home during the winter is rats or mice.  That is why we provide best Plano rat or mouse removal. Rats and mice like warm temperatures therefore during the cooler weather they will forge indoors. Rodents can be destructive by chewing on materials plus they carry disease. The best way to avoid a Plano rodent invasion is to seal holes and cracks around the home or business plus provide as little harborage sites as possible on the interior and exterior. Buzz Kill Pest Control will first inspect your home or business thoroughly before any rodent service is rendered. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the infestation and the area or areas of entry.  Buzz Kill Pest Control uses only the latest in technologies and products to provide the best rodent control service for our Plano customers.
Call Buzz Kill Pest Control for the best price on all of your Plano pest, termite, rodent, mosquito control, or other pest related needs.

Allen Pest Control Service | Allen Rodent, Rat, Mouse Trapping Control | Allen Termite Pest Control Removal

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control services Allen pest control from their Dallas locations.  Buzz Kill Pest Control provides Allen pest control to residential, commercial and industrial accounts.  Not only do we offer Allen pest control but we also offer Allen rodent control, Allen termite pest control, Allen bed bug control, Allen mosquito control, Allen mosquito misting installs, Allen mosquito misting service and refills, and Allen animal rodent trapping.  Many pest control jobs require Allen rodent exclusion work to keep the critters out of the home or attic.

Please call Buzz Kill Pest Control today for your FREE Allen pest control quote or estimate.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/index.php

Buzz Kill Pest Control performs Dallas rodent control, Dallas rat removal, Fort Worth rat trapping, DFW rodent exclusion, Dallas opossum trapping, DFW wildlife trapping, Fort Worth mouse removal, Fort Worth mouse control, Irving rodent control, Arlington pest control, Dallas raccoon trapping, rodent control, Dallas pest control services, house mouse control, Norway rat control, getting rid of roof rats, facts about mice, Fort Worth rat problem, how to get rid of mice, mice extermination, rodent pest control, North Texas rodent control exterminator, rodent attic extermination, house rat control, mice control services, roof rats control, home rats & mice control, residential pest control, getting rid of rates rattus,professional pest control in Dallas / Fort Worth, Fort Worth raccoon removal and many other forms or rodent removal, trapping, control and exclusion services.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/rodentcontrol.html

Dallas-Fort Worth Buzz Kill Pest Control offers pest control, Dallas termite pest control, Dallas commercial pest control, Dallas pest control services, Fort Worth pest control, Fort Worth termite pest control, Fort Worth commercial pest control service, organic pest control exterminator, natural pest control, outdoor garden pest control, home pest control,DFW bug pest control, residential pest control, green pest control, natural ant pest control, indoor pest control, rodent pest control, insect pest control, lawn pest control, outdoor mosquito control, roaches control, in 76161,75228, Dallas - Fort Worth

Buzz Kill Pest Control provides services to the following Texas cities:

Addison – Aledo – Allen – Alvarado – Argyle – Arlington – Aubrey – Azle - Balch Springs – Bedford – Benbrook – Bridgeport – Burleson – Carrollton - Cedar Hill – Cleburne - Cockrell Hill – Colleyville - Collin County – Coppell – Corinth – Crowley – Dallas – Dallas County - Dalworthington Gardens – Decatur - Deep Ellum – Denton - Denton County – Desoto – Dfw – Duncanville - Ellis County – Ennis – Euless – Everman - Farmers Branch – Ferris - Flower Mound - Forest Hill – Frisco – Fort Worth – Gainesville – Garland – Granbury - Grand Prairie – Grapevine - Haltom City – Haslet - Highland Park – Hurst – Hutchins – Irving - Johnson County – Joshua – Keller – Kennedale - Lake Dallas - Lake Highlands – Lake Wood - Lake Worth - Las Colinas – Lewisville - Little Elm – Mansfield – Mckinney – Mesquite – Midlothian - North Richland Hills – Pantego - Parker County – Plano - Pleasant Grove – Prestonwood - Red Oak – Rhome – Richardson - Richland Hills - River Oaks – Roanoke – Rockwall – Rowlett – Sachse – Saginaw – Sanger – Seagoville – Southlake - Springtown - Tarrant County - The Colony - University Park – Venus – Watauga – Weatherford - Westover Hills - White Rock - White Settlement - Willow Park – Wilmer - Wise County - Worth Heights – Wylie

Addison Pest Control | Addison Rodent, Rat, Mouse Control | Addison Termite Pest Control

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control services Addison pest control from both their Fort Worth and Dallas locations.  Buzz Kill Pest Control provides Addison pest control to residential, commercial and industrial accounts.  Not only do we offer Addison pest control but we also offer Addison rodent control, Addison termite pest control, Addison bed bug control, Addison mosquito control, Addison mosquito misting installs, Addison mosquito misting service and refills, and Addison animal trapping.  Many pest control jobs require Addison rodent exclusion work to keep the critters out of the home or attic.

Please call Buzz Kill Pest Control today for your FREE Addison pest control quote or estimate.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/index.php

Buzz Kill Pest Control performs Dallas rodent control, Dallas rat removal, Fort Worth rat trapping, DFW rodent exclusion, Dallas opossum trapping, DFW wildlife trapping, Fort Worth mouse removal, Fort Worth mouse control, Irving rodent control, Arlington pest control, Dallas raccoon trapping, rodent control, Dallas pest control services, house mouse control, Norway rat control, getting rid of roof rats, facts about mice, Fort Worth rat problem, how to get rid of mice, mice extermination, rodent pest control, North Texas rodent control exterminator, rodent attic extermination, house rat control, mice control services, roof rats control, home rats & mice control, residential pest control, getting rid of rates rattus,professional pest control in Dallas / Fort Worth, Fort Worth raccoon removal and many other forms or rodent removal, trapping, control and exclusion services.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/rodentcontrol.html

Dallas-Fort Worth Buzz Kill Pest Control offers pest control, Dallas termite pest control, Dallas commercial pest control, Dallas pest control services, Fort Worth pest control, Fort Worth termite pest control, Fort Worth commercial pest control service, organic pest control exterminator, natural pest control, outdoor garden pest control, home pest control,DFW bug pest control, residential pest control, green pest control, natural ant pest control, indoor pest control, rodent pest control, insect pest control, lawn pest control, outdoor mosquito control, roaches control, in 76161,75228, Dallas - Fort Worth

Buzz Kill Pest Control provides services to the following Texas cities:

Addison – Aledo – Allen – Alvarado – Argyle – Arlington – Aubrey – Azle - Balch Springs – Bedford – Benbrook – Bridgeport – Burleson – Carrollton - Cedar Hill – Cleburne - Cockrell Hill – Colleyville - Collin County – Coppell – Corinth – Crowley – Dallas – Dallas County - Dalworthington Gardens – Decatur - Deep Ellum – Denton - Denton County – Desoto – Dfw – Duncanville - Ellis County – Ennis – Euless – Everman - Farmers Branch – Ferris - Flower Mound - Forest Hill – Frisco – Fort Worth – Gainesville – Garland – Granbury - Grand Prairie – Grapevine - Haltom City – Haslet - Highland Park – Hurst – Hutchins – Irving - Johnson County – Joshua – Keller – Kennedale - Lake Dallas - Lake Highlands – Lake Wood - Lake Worth - Las Colinas – Lewisville - Little Elm – Mansfield – Mckinney – Mesquite – Midlothian - North Richland Hills – Pantego - Parker County – Plano - Pleasant Grove – Prestonwood - Red Oak – Rhome – Richardson - Richland Hills - River Oaks – Roanoke – Rockwall – Rowlett – Sachse – Saginaw – Sanger – Seagoville – Southlake - Springtown - Tarrant County - The Colony - University Park – Venus – Watauga – Weatherford - Westover Hills - White Rock - White Settlement - Willow Park – Wilmer - Wise County - Worth Heights – Wylie

Irving Pest Control | Irving Rodent Control | Irving Termite Pest Control

Buzz Kill Pest Control services Irving pest control from both their Fort Worth and Dallas locations.  Buzz Kill Pest Control provides Irving pest control to residential, commercial and industrial accounts.  Not only do we offer pest control but we also offer Irving rodent control, Irving termite pest control, Irving bed bug control and Irving animal trapping.  Many pest control jobs require Irving rodent exclusion work to keep the critters out of the home or attic.

Please call Buzz Kill Pest Control today for your FREE Irving pest control quote or estimate.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/index.php

Arlington Rodent Control | Arlington Rat Trapping | Arlington Mouse Removal

Buzz Kill Pest Control performs Dallas rodent control, Dallas rat removal, Fort Worth rat trapping, DFW rodent exclusion, Dallas opossum trapping, DFW wildlife trapping, Fort Worth mouse removal, Fort Worth mouse control, Irving rodent control, Arlington pest control, Dallas raccoon trapping, Fort Worth raccoon removal and many other forms or rodent removal, trapping, control and exclusion.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/rodentcontrol.html

Ants come in to get out of heat

Ants come in to get out of heat: wthitv.com

• Gina Glaros

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - You may have noticed some unwanted visitors inside your home during these hot temperatures.
Exterminators say more ants are coming in to get out of the heat.

Experts say it's because they're dry, looking for food, moisture, and water.
"We're having a lot of those show up on the inside because they need moist just like we do. And so a lot of the time, they'll be trailing from the outside. They might be coming from a tree, or a stump, or something outside but coming inside to try and find moisture," Bug Man Pest Control Owner John Vermillion said.
Experts say you can help control them coming into your home by making sure your sinks are not dripping and cleaning the counters at night, so there's no food for them.

 

Story provided by WTHITV 10 click link to see entire story - http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/ants-come-in-to-get-out-of-heat

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control knows that ants can be a nuisance to your home, yard or business year round. There are many kinds of ants that can invade your residence or business. Identifying the type of ant is very important in the treatment that is provided for you.

Buzz Kill Pest Control performs a thorough inspection to identify what kind of ant is causing your problem in order to treat and eliminate these bothersome pests.

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/antcontrol.html

Types of ants:

Carpenter Ants, Camponotus sp. (Mayr)

Often a common sight around Texas homes throughout the year. There are 25 species of Camponotus in the United States and most are native species. Although their natural nesting sites are in trees, Carpenter Ants can also invade and live indoors.

Description and Habits:

• Adults vary in length (polymorphic): Minor worker: 1/4 inch; Major worker: 1/2 inch; Winged Reproductives: up to 7/16 inch; Functional wingless queen: 9/16 inch
• Coloration varies from solid dull black or yellowish-red to a combination of black and dull red or reddish-orange
• Have only one segment or node between their thorax and abdomen
• Have a circle of hairs at the tip of their abdomen
• Have evenly rounded thorax when viewed from the side
• Generally nest outdoors- indoor nests my be satellite colonies

Carpenter Ants are highly adaptable and capable of establishing nests in diverse environments. They most commonly occur in wooded areas preferring to nest in a moist, humid environment. They nest in live or dead trees and stumps, dead tree limbs, buried wood, in firewood, fence posts, landscape timbers, tree holes, hollow wooden doors, ceiling beams, under roofing boards and attic insulation, voids above windows and porches, under rocks, logs and other objects on the ground.
In structures, timbers damaged by water leaks attract these ants, and they select damp, soft, decaying areas for nesting sites. These ants prefer to nest in wood, but are capable of nesting in preformed cavities, or natural cavities, termite galleries, or even in exposed sites in boxes, cabinets or attics. Carpenter Ants do not eat wood, but remove quantities of it to enlarge the nest for a growing colony. This activity may cause structural damage. When searching for food, Carpenter Ants feed mainly on honeydew produced by homopterous insects (aphids, mealy bugs, and scales) that feed on sap from plant tissues.
Little Black Ants, Monomorium minimum (Buckley)
Little is known of the life history of this ant.
Description and Habits:

• Body 1/16 inch in length (monomorphic)
• Antennae have 12 segments with a 3-segmented club
• Shiny black
• Workers prey on insects and feed on honeydew produced by plant sucking insects such as aphids

Little Black Ant colonies are moderately sized to large, containing up to 2,000 workers and many queens. Colonies consist almost exclusively of workers and brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae) during most of the year, but winged males and females are produced during the summer. Nuptial flights have not been observed but probably occur. It is presumed that most nests are established by one or two queens. In the laboratory, queens may live approximately one year; workers may live about four months.
Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis geminata
Fire Ants build mounds of soft soil. When disturbed, they emerge aggressively and sting. The sting usually leaves a white pustule on the skin.
Description and Habits:

• Vary in size (1/16 to almost 1/4 inch long), with the largest workers 2 or 3 times larger than the smallest
• Single queen (monogyne form): only one queen per colony or mound; slightly larger workers; members of colonies are territorial; mound densities usually 2,080 mounds per acre; fewer ants per acre
• Multiple queen (polygyne form): dozens of queens per colony; smaller average worker ants; colonies are interconnected; mound densities 100 to 1,000+ per acre; more ants per acre

Solenopsis geminata is the most common native Fire Ant species encountered. To the unaided eye, they are almost identical to Red Imported Fire ants. However, S. geminata will have a few larger workers with large, square-shaped heads. These ants specialize in collecting and milling seeds.
Pharaoh Ants, Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus)
Pharaoh Ants have a stinger, but it is not always visible. They do not sting humans.
Description and Habits:

• More commonly know as the "Sugar Ant"
• Body length 1/12 to 1/16 inch long (monomorphic)
• Body coloration varies from golden yellow to reddish-brown
• Have 12-segmented antennae that ends with a 3-segmented club
• Feeds on sweets (jelly, sugar, honey, etc.), cakes and breads, and greasy or fatty foods

Pharaoh ants form large colonies consisting of many nests, which colony members move freely between, without any antagonism. Colonies vary greatly in size. Some colonies may have only a single queen with a few hundred workers, whereas other colonies may have hundreds of queens with several thousand workers. Queens may live for a year and lay up to 35 eggs per day. Workers develop from egg to adult in 36 days. Winged males and females require about 44 days to develop. The life span of workers is about 70 days.

-Information provided by http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/urban_pests/index.cfm-

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control offers Fort Worth ants control,Dallas carpenter ants control,fire ants treatment,how to get rid of ants,natural ant control,flying ants control,,natural ant killer,get rid of carpenter ants,facts about ants,get rid of ants in kitchen,organic ant control,how to get rid of flying ants,residential ants Pest Control,Commercial ants Control,ants extermination in Irving,Duncanville,Plano,Frisco,Highland Park,Allen,Keller,Bedford,Grapevine,Mansfield, Watauga,Hurst,Las Colinas,Mesquite, Lakewood / Fort Worth

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control services the following Texas cities:

Addison Mosquito Control – Aledo – Allen – Alvarado – Argyle – Arlington Mosquito Misting – Aubrey – Azle - Balch Springs – Bedford – Benbrook – Bridgeport – Burleson – Carrollton Mosquito Control - Cedar Hill – Cleburne - Cockrell Hill – Colleyville - Collin County – Coppell – Corinth – Crowley – Dallas Mosquito Misting – Dallas County - Dalworthington Gardens – Decatur - Deep Ellum – Denton - Denton County – Desoto – Dfw Pest Control – Duncanville - Ellis County – Ennis – Euless – Everman - Farmers Branch – Ferris - Flower Mound - Forest Hill – Frisco Mosquito Misting – Fort Worth Pest Control – Gainesville – Garland Mosquito Control – Granbury - Grand Prairie – Grapevine - Haltom City – Haslet - Highland Park – Hurst – Hutchins – Irving - Johnson County – Joshua – Keller – Kennedale - Lake Dallas - Lake Highlands – Lake Wood - Lake Worth - Las Colinas – Lewisville - Little Elm – Mansfield – Mckinney – Mesquite – Midlothian - North Richland Hills Pest Control – Pantego - Parker County – Plano Mosquito Misting - Pleasant Grove – Prestonwood - Red Oak – Rhome – Richardson Mosquito Control - Richland Hills - River Oaks – Roanoke – Rockwall – Rowlett – Sachse – Saginaw – Sanger – Seagoville – Southlake - Springtown - Tarrant County - The Colony - University Park – Venus – Watauga – Weatherford - Westover Hills - White Rock - White Settlement - Willow Park – Wilmer - Wise County - Worth Heights - Wylie

 

Termite Control Extermination Dallas - Fort Worth - DFW

http://www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com/termitecontrol.html

Fort Worth - Arlington - Benbrook - Keller - Hurst - Bedford - Euless Termite Control Service

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/termitecontrol.html

Buzz Kill Pest Control
Fort Worth 817-812-2899 
Dallas 214-233-6824
info@buzzkillpestcontrol.com
www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com




Buzz Kill Pest Control has 20 years of experience in treating termites in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. We provide termite control and termite services for commercial, residential and industrial structures in both pre-construction and post construction phases of building. We offer liquid or conventional treatments along with baiting systems that include products like Termidor, Talstar, Advance Termite Bait System and Firstline Termite Defense System.

Buzz Kill Pest Control knows every infestation is unique and requires us to perform an inspection prior to making any recommendation of treatment or giving an estimate. If you are in the pre-construction phase of building and looking to prevent termites or you are concerned that you might have an active infestation of termites, call Buzz Kill Pest Control for a free termite estimate or consultation.
Visit our Specials page for a money saving offer that could be applied to your termite treatment.

Native Subterranean Termites, Reticulitermes sp.

Subterranean Termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause billions of dollars in damage each year and have a negative impact on a family's most valuable possession - the home.

In nature, Subterranean Termites are beneficial because they break down cellulose into usable nutrients. The biomass resulting from this process is recycled to the soil as humus. Subterranean Termites are, therefore, considered important to our ecosystem.

Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of homes, businesses and warehouses built by humans. The presence of termites is often not readily noticed because their activity is hidden behind wallboards, siding or wood trim. Homeowners in all areas of Texas should watch for Subterranean Termites and take precautions against infestations. To minimize damage from termites, it is helpful to know the description, life cycle and signs of infestation of termites as well as preventive and control measures.

 

Identification

Subterranean Termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil. They contain three forms or castes: reproductives, workers (pseudergates) and soldiers. Individuals of each caste have several stages: the egg; the larva that develops into a pseudergate and eventually into a brachypterous nymph or soldier; and the adult. There are three forms of adult reproductive termites including primary, secondary and tertiary.

Reproductive males and females can be winged (primary) or wingless (secondary or tertiary). Females of each can lay eggs and produce offspring. The bodies of winged primary reproductives, also called swarmers or alates, vary by species from coal black to pale yellow-brown. Wings may be pale or smoky gray to brown and have distinct vein patterns used in identification. Reticulitermes swarmer termites are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.

Secondary and tertiary reproductives live within the colony and are white to cream-colored. These termites form a backup for the primary queen and may replace her if she is injured or dies. These termites mate within the colony and lay viable eggs. If supplementary reproductives and worker termites become isolated from the main colony, they can establish a new sub-colony.

Termite workers (psuedergates) make up the largest number of individuals within a colony and do all the work. They are wingless, white to creamy white and 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They forage for food, feed the other castes, groom the queen and maintain and build tunnels and shelter tubes. Their mouthparts are very hard and adapted for chewing through wood or other cellulose materials. The worker caste is responsible for the damage that makes termites an economically important problem.

Soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance, except they have well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles or jaws. Soldiers defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants and other termites. They cannot forage for food or feed themselves, and they depend on the workers to care for them.

Ants and termites often swarm at about the same time of year but control measures for each differ greatly. It is therefore, important to be able to distinguish between swarming termites and ants.

 

Biology and habits

After 2 to 4 years, a Subterranean termite colony is mature and produces "swarmers" (winged primary reproductives). Termite swarmers leave the colony in large numbers during the spring and early summer. Swarming begins in South Texas in January and February; in the Panhandle region of Texas, swarms do not occur until April and May. Environmental factors such as heat, light, and moisture trigger the emergence of swarmers, with each species having its own set of requirements. The number of swarmers produced is proportional to the age and size of the colony.

During the swarming process, males (kings) and females (queens) pair off using pheromones. Successful reproductive pairs land, lose their wings and seek cover under rocks or other moist materials. A pair will make a very small nest before mating. Initially, the new queen termites lays only a few eggs. The male remains with the female and helps care for developing eggs and the larva that hatch.

The maximum size of a termite colony depends on location, food availability and environmental conditions, especially temperature and moisture. Some colonies remain small; others contain up to several thousand individuals. New colonies form when groups of termites become isolated from the main colony and establish sub-colonies. This is called "colony splitting" or "budding." These sub-colonies may exist independently or reunite with the main colony.

Subterranean Termites get their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, burlap or other plant products often are actively consumed by termites. Sometimes termites will even tunnel into the dead heartwood or pith of living plants. Most species of Subterranean Termites cannot digest cellulose directly and depend on single celled protozoans and bacteria living in their hindguts to help digest the cellulose. Digested cellulose is then shared with the developing larvae, other workers, soldiers and reproductives.

Termites are attracted to certain odors of wood-decaying fungi that make the wood more palatable and easier to penetrate. In some instances, the fungi provide a source of nitrogen in the termite diet.

Moisture is important to Subterranean Termites as they have very little resistance to dehydration. To survive, termites must maintain contact with the soil (their primary source of moisture) or other above-ground moisture sources, such as defective plumbing, leaky roofs, leaks from air conditioning condensers or poorly maintained gutters.

 

Damage

Dead trees and brush provide a natural food source for foraging Subterranean Termites. When natural vegetation is cleared and houses are built, termites often switch to feeding on wooden structures. Termites enter buildings through wood that is in direct contact with the soil and by building shelter tubes over or through cracks in foundations. Any cellulose material in direct contact with the soil, such as trees, vines or plumbing fixtures, can serve as an avenue of infestation.

 

Signs of infestation

Active termite infestations can be difficult to detect. To find out if a home is infested, the structure should be checked for evidence of swarmers (including wings or dead termites in windows), mud tubes or damaged wood inside or around a structure.

Swarmers: Generally, the first sign of infestation homeowners notice is swarming reproductives on windowsills or near indoor lights. Swarming termites inside the house usually indicate an active infestation in the structure. Termite wings may be found on windowsills or stuck to cobwebs indoors. Though swarmers outdoors are a natural phenomenon, they indicate that termites are present and may be attacking nearby structures.

Mud tubes: Mud shelter tubes on crawl space piers, utility penetrations or on foundation walls and slabs are a sign of termite infestation. Termite shelter tubes can blend in well with the soil or concrete, making them difficult to see. To make inspecting the home for termites easier, prune vegetation away from the house walls. The soil line should be several inches below the top of slabs or foundation walls. An inspector should look for mud tubes carefully along cracks, in corners or where the top of the foundation is close to the ground. A screwdriver is useful to break open suspected termite tubes and detect live termites.

Wood damage often is not found initially, but is positive indication of a current or past termite infestation. Wherever wood comes in contact with the soil there is a high risk for termite entry. Carefully examine any wood that thuds or sounds dull when struck by a screwdriver or hammer. Probing suspected areas with sharp instrument such as a screwdriver or an ice pick will often disclose termite galleries or damage.

 

Characteristics of damaged wood

Subterranean Termite damage is usually confined to the soft, spring-growth of wood. Termite tunnels and galleries tend to follow the wood grain and are lined with mud or may have a pale, spotted appearance resulting from soft fecal material plastered on tunnel surfaces. Moisture sources may cause wood decay and can encourage Subterranean termite infestation. Deterioration caused by wood-destroying fungi can be confused with termite damage.

 

Distribution

Several species of Subterranean Termites are found in the United States; they live in every state except Alaska. Two major types of Subterranean Termites are commonly found in Texas. They are the Native Subterranean termite and Formosan Subterranean termite, and both are serious threats to wooden structures.

Native Subterranean Termite species in the Genus Reticulitermes are found throughout the United States. Because they are so broadly distributed they are considered the most economically important.

-Information provided by http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/urban_pests/index.cfm-

If you feel you have a pest, termite, mosquito or other type of insect or varmit problem or want a free inspection, then contact Buzz Kill Pest Control today.

Fort Worth 817-812-2899 / Dallas 214-233-6824 / E-mail: info@buzzkillpestcontrol.com / Web: http://www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com/

Termite Prevention Tips for pre and post construction - http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/tips.php

Buzz Kill Pest Control, LLC is dedicated to providing our customers excellent service with honesty and integrity. Buzz Kill Pest Control maintains the highest standard in care for your home or business. We believe in conducting business in a professional and truthful manner with your best interest in mind. We look forward to doing business with you and building a foundation of trust for years to come. The Buzz Kill Pest Control family welcomes you and looks forward to a long and happy relationship. When you think Pest Control we want you to think Buzz Kill Pest Control!

 Buzz Kill Pest Control provides residential, commercial and industrial pest services to Dallas Fort Worth Texas and surrounding areas.  Some of the services offered by Buzz Kill Pest Control are termite conventional and baiting treatments, flea and tick treatments, rodent mouse and rat control, mosquito control, mosquito misting systems, animal trapping, bee and wasp service, green or organic pest control, ant sprays and many other services. 

Buzz Kill Pest Control Pest Control provides cockroach extermination, rodent control services, termite treatments and many other forms of pest control to the following cities:

Addison  |  Aledo  |  Allen  |  Alvarado  |  Argyle  |  Arlington  |  Aubrey  |  Azle  |  Balch Springs  |  Bedford  |  Benbrook  |  Bridgeport  |  Burleson  |  Carrollton - North  |  Carrollton - South  |  Carter Park  |  Casa View  |  Cedar Crest  |  Cedar Hill  |  Cityview  |  Cleburne  |  Cockrell Hill  |  Colleyville  |  Collin County  |  Coppell  |  Corinth  |  Crowley  |  Dallas - Downtown  |  Dalworthington Gardens  |  Decatur  |  Deep Ellum  |  Denton  |  Denton County  |  Desoto  |  Dfw  |  Duncanville  |  Eastchase  |  Edgecliff  |  Ellis County  |  Ennis  |  Euless  |  Everman  |  Fair Park  |  Fairview  |  Farmers Branch  |  Farmersville  |  Ferris  |  Flower Mound  |  Forest Hill  |  Frisco  |  Ft. Worth - Downtown  |  Gainesville  |  Garland  |  Granbury  |  Grand Prairie  |  Grapevine  |  Greenway  |  Haltom City  |  Handley-Meadowbrook  |  Haslet  |  Highland Hills  |  Highland Park  |  Hurst  |  Hutchins  |  Irving  |  Johnson County  |  Joshua  |  Keller  |  Kennedale  |  Kiest Forest  |  Kleberg  |  Lake Dallas  |  Lake Highlands  |  Lake Worth  |  Lakeside  |  Lakewood  |  Lancaster  |  Las Colinas  |  Lewisville  |  Little Elm  |  Love Field  |  Mansfield  |  Mckinney  |  Mesquite  |  Midlothian  |  Morningside  |  Mt. Tabor  |  Newark  |  North Dallas  |  North Richland Hills  |  Oak Cliff  |  Oak Lawn  |  Pantego  |  Paradise  |  Parker County  |  Plano  |  Pleasant Grove  |  Preston Royal  |  Prestonwood  |  Princeton  |  Red Oak  |  Rhome  |  Richardson  |  Richland Hills  |  Ridglea  |  River Oaks  |  Roanoke  |  Rockwall  |  Rowlett  |  Sachse  |  Saginaw  |  Sanger  |  Seagoville  |  Shady Shores  |  Smu  |  Southlake  |  Springtown  |  Stockyards  |  Tcu  |  The Colony  |  The M Streets  |  Town Creek  |  University Park  |  Urban Park  |  Valley View  |  Venus  |  Vickery Meadow  |  Walnut Hill  |  Watauga  |  Waxahachie  |  Weatherford  |  Wedgewood  |  West Dallas  |  Westover Hills  |  White Lake  |  White Rock  |  White Settlement  |  Willow Park  |  Wilmer  |  Wise County  |  Worth Heights  |  Wylie  |  Wynnewood

Dallas - Plano - Frisco - Allen - McKinney - Richardson - Lewisville Termite Control Service Treatment

http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/termitecontrol.html

Buzz Kill Pest Control
Fort Worth 817-812-2899 
Dallas 214-233-6824
info@buzzkillpestcontrol.com
www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com




Buzz Kill Pest Control has 20 years of experience in treating termites in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. We provide termite control and termite services for commercial, residential and industrial structures in both pre-construction and post construction phases of building. We offer liquid or conventional treatments along with baiting systems that include products like Termidor, Talstar, Advance Termite Bait System and Firstline Termite Defense System.

Buzz Kill Pest Control knows every infestation is unique and requires us to perform an inspection prior to making any recommendation of treatment or giving an estimate. If you are in the pre-construction phase of building and looking to prevent termites or you are concerned that you might have an active infestation of termites, call Buzz Kill Pest Control for a free termite estimate or consultation.
Visit our Specials page for a money saving offer that could be applied to your termite treatment.

Native Subterranean Termites, Reticulitermes sp.

Subterranean Termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause billions of dollars in damage each year and have a negative impact on a family's most valuable possession - the home.

In nature, Subterranean Termites are beneficial because they break down cellulose into usable nutrients. The biomass resulting from this process is recycled to the soil as humus. Subterranean Termites are, therefore, considered important to our ecosystem.

Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of homes, businesses and warehouses built by humans. The presence of termites is often not readily noticed because their activity is hidden behind wallboards, siding or wood trim. Homeowners in all areas of Texas should watch for Subterranean Termites and take precautions against infestations. To minimize damage from termites, it is helpful to know the description, life cycle and signs of infestation of termites as well as preventive and control measures.

 

Identification

Subterranean Termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil. They contain three forms or castes: reproductives, workers (pseudergates) and soldiers. Individuals of each caste have several stages: the egg; the larva that develops into a pseudergate and eventually into a brachypterous nymph or soldier; and the adult. There are three forms of adult reproductive termites including primary, secondary and tertiary.

Reproductive males and females can be winged (primary) or wingless (secondary or tertiary). Females of each can lay eggs and produce offspring. The bodies of winged primary reproductives, also called swarmers or alates, vary by species from coal black to pale yellow-brown. Wings may be pale or smoky gray to brown and have distinct vein patterns used in identification. Reticulitermes swarmer termites are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.

Secondary and tertiary reproductives live within the colony and are white to cream-colored. These termites form a backup for the primary queen and may replace her if she is injured or dies. These termites mate within the colony and lay viable eggs. If supplementary reproductives and worker termites become isolated from the main colony, they can establish a new sub-colony.

Termite workers (psuedergates) make up the largest number of individuals within a colony and do all the work. They are wingless, white to creamy white and 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They forage for food, feed the other castes, groom the queen and maintain and build tunnels and shelter tubes. Their mouthparts are very hard and adapted for chewing through wood or other cellulose materials. The worker caste is responsible for the damage that makes termites an economically important problem.

Soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance, except they have well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles or jaws. Soldiers defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants and other termites. They cannot forage for food or feed themselves, and they depend on the workers to care for them.

Ants and termites often swarm at about the same time of year but control measures for each differ greatly. It is therefore, important to be able to distinguish between swarming termites and ants.

 

Biology and habits

After 2 to 4 years, a Subterranean termite colony is mature and produces "swarmers" (winged primary reproductives). Termite swarmers leave the colony in large numbers during the spring and early summer. Swarming begins in South Texas in January and February; in the Panhandle region of Texas, swarms do not occur until April and May. Environmental factors such as heat, light, and moisture trigger the emergence of swarmers, with each species having its own set of requirements. The number of swarmers produced is proportional to the age and size of the colony.

During the swarming process, males (kings) and females (queens) pair off using pheromones. Successful reproductive pairs land, lose their wings and seek cover under rocks or other moist materials. A pair will make a very small nest before mating. Initially, the new queen termites lays only a few eggs. The male remains with the female and helps care for developing eggs and the larva that hatch.

The maximum size of a termite colony depends on location, food availability and environmental conditions, especially temperature and moisture. Some colonies remain small; others contain up to several thousand individuals. New colonies form when groups of termites become isolated from the main colony and establish sub-colonies. This is called "colony splitting" or "budding." These sub-colonies may exist independently or reunite with the main colony.

Subterranean Termites get their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, burlap or other plant products often are actively consumed by termites. Sometimes termites will even tunnel into the dead heartwood or pith of living plants. Most species of Subterranean Termites cannot digest cellulose directly and depend on single celled protozoans and bacteria living in their hindguts to help digest the cellulose. Digested cellulose is then shared with the developing larvae, other workers, soldiers and reproductives.

Termites are attracted to certain odors of wood-decaying fungi that make the wood more palatable and easier to penetrate. In some instances, the fungi provide a source of nitrogen in the termite diet.

Moisture is important to Subterranean Termites as they have very little resistance to dehydration. To survive, termites must maintain contact with the soil (their primary source of moisture) or other above-ground moisture sources, such as defective plumbing, leaky roofs, leaks from air conditioning condensers or poorly maintained gutters.

 

Damage

Dead trees and brush provide a natural food source for foraging Subterranean Termites. When natural vegetation is cleared and houses are built, termites often switch to feeding on wooden structures. Termites enter buildings through wood that is in direct contact with the soil and by building shelter tubes over or through cracks in foundations. Any cellulose material in direct contact with the soil, such as trees, vines or plumbing fixtures, can serve as an avenue of infestation.

 

Signs of infestation

Active termite infestations can be difficult to detect. To find out if a home is infested, the structure should be checked for evidence of swarmers (including wings or dead termites in windows), mud tubes or damaged wood inside or around a structure.

Swarmers: Generally, the first sign of infestation homeowners notice is swarming reproductives on windowsills or near indoor lights. Swarming termites inside the house usually indicate an active infestation in the structure. Termite wings may be found on windowsills or stuck to cobwebs indoors. Though swarmers outdoors are a natural phenomenon, they indicate that termites are present and may be attacking nearby structures.

Mud tubes: Mud shelter tubes on crawl space piers, utility penetrations or on foundation walls and slabs are a sign of termite infestation. Termite shelter tubes can blend in well with the soil or concrete, making them difficult to see. To make inspecting the home for termites easier, prune vegetation away from the house walls. The soil line should be several inches below the top of slabs or foundation walls. An inspector should look for mud tubes carefully along cracks, in corners or where the top of the foundation is close to the ground. A screwdriver is useful to break open suspected termite tubes and detect live termites.

Wood damage often is not found initially, but is positive indication of a current or past termite infestation. Wherever wood comes in contact with the soil there is a high risk for termite entry. Carefully examine any wood that thuds or sounds dull when struck by a screwdriver or hammer. Probing suspected areas with sharp instrument such as a screwdriver or an ice pick will often disclose termite galleries or damage.

 

Characteristics of damaged wood

Subterranean Termite damage is usually confined to the soft, spring-growth of wood. Termite tunnels and galleries tend to follow the wood grain and are lined with mud or may have a pale, spotted appearance resulting from soft fecal material plastered on tunnel surfaces. Moisture sources may cause wood decay and can encourage Subterranean termite infestation. Deterioration caused by wood-destroying fungi can be confused with termite damage.

 

Distribution

Several species of Subterranean Termites are found in the United States; they live in every state except Alaska. Two major types of Subterranean Termites are commonly found in Texas. They are the Native Subterranean termite and Formosan Subterranean termite, and both are serious threats to wooden structures.

Native Subterranean Termite species in the Genus Reticulitermes are found throughout the United States. Because they are so broadly distributed they are considered the most economically important.

-Information provided by http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/urban_pests/index.cfm-

 

If you feel you have a pest, termite, mosquito or other type of insect or varmit problem or want a free inspection, then contact Buzz Kill Pest Control today.

 

Fort Worth 817-812-2899 / Dallas 214-233-6824 / E-mail: info@buzzkillpestcontrol.com / Web: www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com

 

Termite Prevention Tips for pre and post construction - http://buzzkillpestcontrol.com/tips.php

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control, LLC is dedicated to providing our customers excellent service with honesty and integrity. Buzz Kill Pest Control maintains the highest standard in care for your home or business. We believe in conducting business in a professional and truthful manner with your best interest in mind. We look forward to doing business with you and building a foundation of trust for years to come. The Buzz Kill Pest Control family welcomes you and looks forward to a long and happy relationship. When you think Pest Control we want you to think Buzz Kill Pest Control!

 Buzz Kill Pest Control provides residential, commercial and industrial pest services to Dallas Fort Worth Texas and surrounding areas.  Some of the services offered by Buzz Kill Pest Control are termite conventional and baiting treatments, flea and tick treatments, rodent mouse and rat control, mosquito control, mosquito misting systems, animal trapping, bee and wasp service, green or organic pest control, ant sprays and many other services. 

Buzz Kill Pest Control Pest Control provides cockroach extermination, rodent control services, termite treatments and many other forms of pest control to the following cities:

Addison  |  Aledo  |  Allen  |  Alvarado  |  Argyle  |  Arlington  |  Aubrey  |  Azle  |  Balch Springs  |  Bedford  |  Benbrook  |  Bridgeport  |  Burleson  |  Carrollton - North  |  Carrollton - South  |  Carter Park  |  Casa View  |  Cedar Crest  |  Cedar Hill  |  Cityview  |  Cleburne  |  Cockrell Hill  |  Colleyville  |  Collin County  |  Coppell  |  Corinth  |  Crowley  |  Dallas - Downtown  |  Dalworthington Gardens  |  Decatur  |  Deep Ellum  |  Denton  |  Denton County  |  Desoto  |  Dfw  |  Duncanville  |  Eastchase  |  Edgecliff  |  Ellis County  |  Ennis  |  Euless  |  Everman  |  Fair Park  |  Fairview  |  Farmers Branch  |  Farmersville  |  Ferris  |  Flower Mound  |  Forest Hill  |  Frisco  |  Ft. Worth - Downtown  |  Gainesville  |  Garland  |  Granbury  |  Grand Prairie  |  Grapevine  |  Greenway  |  Haltom City  |  Handley-Meadowbrook  |  Haslet  |  Highland Hills  |  Highland Park  |  Hurst  |  Hutchins  |  Irving  |  Johnson County  |  Joshua  |  Keller  |  Kennedale  |  Kiest Forest  |  Kleberg  |  Lake Dallas  |  Lake Highlands  |  Lake Worth  |  Lakeside  |  Lakewood  |  Lancaster  |  Las Colinas  |  Lewisville  |  Little Elm  |  Love Field  |  Mansfield  |  Mckinney  |  Mesquite  |  Midlothian  |  Morningside  |  Mt. Tabor  |  Newark  |  North Dallas  |  North Richland Hills  |  Oak Cliff  |  Oak Lawn  |  Pantego  |  Paradise  |  Parker County  |  Plano  |  Pleasant Grove  |  Preston Royal  |  Prestonwood  |  Princeton  |  Red Oak  |  Rhome  |  Richardson  |  Richland Hills  |  Ridglea  |  River Oaks  |  Roanoke  |  Rockwall  |  Rowlett  |  Sachse  |  Saginaw  |  Sanger  |  Seagoville  |  Shady Shores  |  Smu  |  Southlake  |  Springtown  |  Stockyards  |  Tcu  |  The Colony  |  The M Streets  |  Town Creek  |  University Park  |  Urban Park  |  Valley View  |  Venus  |  Vickery Meadow  |  Walnut Hill  |  Watauga  |  Waxahachie  |  Weatherford  |  Wedgewood  |  West Dallas  |  Westover Hills  |  White Lake  |  White Rock  |  White Settlement  |  Willow Park  |  Wilmer  |  Wise County  |  Worth Heights  |  Wylie  |  Wynnewood

Dallas & Fort Worth Termite Control Service and Identification

If you feel like you have a pest or termite problem contact Buzz Kill Pest Control today for a free inspection.  Fort Worth 817-812-2899 / Dallas 214-233-6824 / E-mail: info@buzzkillpestcontrol.com / www.buzzkillpestcontrol.com

Native Subterranean Termites

Reticulitermes sp

• Identification: How do I spot them?
• Impact: What effects do they have?
• Biology: ID Characteristics & Behavior
• Distribution: Where are they found?
• Management: What can you do for them?

Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause billions of dollars in damage each year and have a negative impact on a family's most valuable possession - the home.
In nature, subterranean termites are beneficial because they break down cellulose into usable nutrients. The biomass resulting from this process is recycled to the soil as humus. Subterranean termites are, therefore, considered important to our ecosystem.
Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of homes, businesses and warehouses built by humans. The presence of termites is often not readily noticed because their activity is hidden behind wallboards, siding or wood trim. Homeowners in all areas of Texas should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions against infestations. To minimize damage from termites, it is helpful to know the description, life cycle and signs of infestation of termites as well as preventive and control measures.

Identification

Subterranean termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil. They contain three forms, or castes: reproductives, workers (pseudergates) and soldiers. Individuals of each caste have several stages: the egg; the larva that develops into a pseudergate and eventually into a brachypterous nymph or soldier; and the adult. There are three forms of adult reproductive termites including primary, secondary and tertiary.

Reproductive males and females can be winged (primary) or wingless (secondary or tertiary). Females of each can lay eggs and produce offspring. The bodies of winged primary reproductives, also called swarmers or alates, vary by species from coal black to pale yellow-brown. WIngs may be pale or smoky gray to brown and have distinct vein patterns used in identification. Reticulitermes swarmer termites are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.
Secondary and tertiary reproductives live within the colony and are white to cream-colored. These termites form a backup for the primary queen and may replace her if she is injured or dies. These termites mate within the colony and lay viable eggs. If supplementary reproductives and worker termites become isolated from the main colony, they can establish a new sub-colony.
Termite workers (psuedergates) make up the largest number of individuals within a colony and do all the work. They are wingless, white to creamy white and 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They forage for food, feed the other castes, groom the queen and maintain and build tunnels and shelter tubes. Their mouthparts are very hard and adapted for chewing through wood or other cellulose materials. The worker caste is responsible for the damage that makes termites an economically important problem.
Soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance, except they have well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles or jaws. Soldiers defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants and other termites. They cannot forage for food or feed themselves, and they depend on the workers to care for them.
Ants and termites often swarm at about the same time of year but control measures for each differ greatly. It is therefore, important to be able to distinguish between swarming termites and ants.

Biology and habits

After 2 to 4 years a subterranean termite colony is mature and produces "swarmers" (winged primary reproductives). Termite swarmers leave the colony in large numbers during the spring and early summer months. Swarming begins in South Texas in January and February; in the Panhandle region of Texas, swarms do not occur until April and May. Environmental factors such as heat, light, and moisture trigger the emergence of swarmers, with each species having its own set of requirements. The number of swarmers produced is proportional to the age and size of the colony.
Both male and female swarmers fly from the colony and travel short distances. Termites are weak fliers and must rely on wind currents to carry them to new habitats. Only a small percentage of swarmers survive to develop colonies; most fall prey to birds, toads, insects and other predators, and many die from dehydration or injury.
During the swarming process, males (kings) and females (queens) pair off using pheromones. Successful reproductive pairs land, lose their wings and seek cover under rocks or other moist materials. A pair will make a very small nest before mating. Initially, the new queen termites lays only a few eggs. The male remains with the female and helps care for developing eggs and the larva that hatch.
Eggs are not deposited continuously. In fact, only a few hundred are deposited during the first year. As the young queen grows larger, she lays more eggs. The king and queen care for the young larvae that hatch from the eggs because they cannot care for themselves. The larvae then molt into pseudergate workers, which in turn, can ,molt into pre soldiers or brachypterous nymphs (with wing pads). These nymphs will eventually molt to become primary reproductives. The colony stabilizes when the queen reaches her maximum egg production. If the queen dies, supplemental reproductives take over the queen's duties.
The maximum size of a termite colony depends on location, food availability and environmental conditions, especially temperature and moisture. Some colonies remain small; others contain up to several thousand individuals. New colonies form when groups of termites become isolated from the main colony and establish sub-colonies. This is called "colony splitting" or "budding." These sub-colonies may exist independently or reunite with the main colony.
Subterranean termites get their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, burlap or other plant products often are actively consumed by termites. Sometimes termites will even tunnel into the dead heartwood or pith of living plants. Most species of subterranean termites cannot digest cellulose directly and depend on single celled protozoans and bacteria living in their hindguts to help digest the cellulose. Digested cellulose is then shared with the developing larvae, other workers, soldiers and reproductives.
Termites are attracted to certain odors of wood-decaying fungi that make the wood more palatable and easier to penetrate. In some instances, the fungi provide a source of nitrogen in the termite diet.
Moisture is important to subterranean termites as they have very little resistance to dehydration. To survive, termites must maintain contact with the soil (their primary source of moisture) or other above-ground moisture sources, such as defective plumbing, leaky roofs, leaks from air conditioning condensers or poorly maintained gutters.
Subterranean termites also must protect themselves from temperature extremes and attack by ants and other insects. Termites that forage for food above ground protect themselves with shelter tubes or "mud tubes". Worker termites build shelter tubes from particles of soil or wood and bits of debris held together by salivary and fecal secretions. Mud tubes may be thinly constructed or can be large with thick walls to accommodate many termites moving vertically between the soil and their food source.
Subterranean termites also transport moist soil into the structures they infest. The presence of shelter tubes and mud within galleries is used to identify termite damaged wood. Shelter tubes are often used to bridge across masonry or other objects, allowing termites access to a food source (wood) above ground. Inspecting of structures for termite damage may identify these tubes which indicate an ongoing infestation.

Damage

Dead trees and brush provide a natural food source for foraging subterranean termites. When natural vegetation is cleared and houses are built, termites often switch to feeding on wooden structures. Termites enter buildings through wood that is in direct contact with the soil and by building shelter tubes over or through cracks in foundations. Any cellulose material in direct contact with the soil, such as trees, vines or plumbing fixtures, can serve as an avenue of infestation.

Signs of infestation

Active termite infestations can be difficult to detect. To find out if a home is infested, the structure should be checked for evidence of swarmers (including wings or dead termites in windows), mud tubes or damaged wood inside or around a structure
Swarmers: Generally, the first sign of infestation homeowners notice is swarming reproductives on windowsills or near indoor lights. Swarming termites inside the house usually indicate an active infestation in the structure. Termite wings may be found on window sills or stuck to cobwebs indoors. Though swarmers outdoors are a natural phenomenon, they indicate that termites are present and may be attacking nearby structures.
Mud tubes: Mud shelter tubes on crawl space piers, utility penetrations or on foundation walls and slabs are a sign of termite infestation. Termite shelter tubes can blend in well with the soil or concrete, making them difficult to see. To make inspecting the home for termites easier, prune vegetation away from the house walls. The soil line should be several inches below the top of slabs or foundation walls. An inspector should look for mud tubes carefully along cracks, in corners or where the top of the foundation is close to the ground. A screwdriver is useful to break open suspected termite tubes and detect live termites.
Wood damage often is not found initially, but is positive indication of a current or past termite infestation. Wherever wood comes in contact with the soil there is a high risk for termite entry. Carefully examine any wood that thuds or sounds dull when struck by a screwdriver or hammer. Probing suspected areas with sharp instrument such as a screwdriver or an ice pick will often disclose termite galleries or damage.

Characteristics of damaged wood

Subterranean termite damage is usually confined to the soft, spring-growth of wood. Termite tunnels and galleries tend to follow the wood grain and are lined with mud or may have a pale, spotted appearance resulting from soft fecal material plastered on tunnel surfaces. Moisture sources may cause wood decay and can encourage subterranean termite infestation. Deterioration caused by wood-destroying fungi can be confused with termite damage.

Distribution

Several species of subterranean termites are found in the United States; they live in every state except Alaska. Two major types of subterranean termites are commonly found in Texas. They are the native subterranean termite and Formosan subterranean termite, and both are serious threats to wooden structures.
Native subterranean termite species in the Genus Reticulitermes are found throughout the United States. Because they are so broadly distributed they are considered the most economically important.
The second and increasingly important termite is the introduced Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. The Formosan termite is easily transported from one infested area to another in landscape timbers, railroad cross-timbers, mulch and wooden pallets. Isolated infestations of Formosan termites have been reported in many areas of the state.

*Information Provided Texas A&M University Department of Entomology Center for Urban & Structural Entomology

Buzz Kill Pest Control, LLC is dedicated to providing our customers excellent service with honesty and integrity. Buzz Kill Pest Control maintains the highest standard in care for your home or business. We believe in conducting business in a professional and truthful manner with your best interest in mind. We look forward to doing business with you and building a foundation of trust for years to come. The Buzz Kill Pest Control family welcomes you and looks forward to a long and happy relationship. When you think Pest Control we want you to think Buzz Kill Pest Control!

 

Buzz Kill Pest Control Pest Control provides cockroach extermination, rodent control services, termite treatments and many other forms of pest control to the following cities:

Addison  |  Aledo  |  Allen  |  Alvarado  |  Argyle  |  Arlington  |  Aubrey  |  Azle  |  Balch Springs  |  Bedford  |  Benbrook  |  Bridgeport  |  Burleson  |  Carrollton - North  |  Carrollton - South  |  Carter Park  |  Casa View  |  Cedar Crest  |  Cedar Hill  |  Cityview  |  Cleburne  |  Cockrell Hill  |  Colleyville  |  Collin County  |  Coppell  |  Corinth  |  Crowley  |  Dallas - Downtown  |  Dalworthington Gardens  |  Decatur  |  Deep Ellum  |  Denton  |  Denton County  |  Desoto  |  Dfw  |  Duncanville  |  Eastchase  |  Edgecliff  |  Ellis County  |  Ennis  |  Euless  |  Everman  |  Fair Park  |  Fairview  |  Farmers Branch  |  Farmersville  |  Ferris  |  Flower Mound  |  Forest Hill  |  Frisco  |  Ft. Worth - Downtown  |  Gainesville  |  Garland  |  Granbury  |  Grand Prairie  |  Grapevine  |  Greenway  |  Haltom City  |  Handley-Meadowbrook  |  Haslet  |  Highland Hills  |  Highland Park  |  Hurst  |  Hutchins  |  Irving  |  Johnson County  |  Joshua  |  Keller  |  Kennedale  |  Kiest Forest  |  Kleberg  |  Lake Dallas  |  Lake Highlands  |  Lake Worth  |  Lakeside  |  Lakewood  |  Lancaster  |  Las Colinas  |  Lewisville  |  Little Elm  |  Love Field  |  Mansfield  |  Mckinney  |  Mesquite  |  Midlothian  |  Morningside  |  Mt. Tabor  |  Newark  |  North Dallas  |  North Richland Hills  |  Oak Cliff  |  Oak Lawn  |  Pantego  |  Paradise  |  Parker County  |  Plano  |  Pleasant Grove  |  Preston Royal  |  Prestonwood  |  Princeton  |  Red Oak  |  Rhome  |  Richardson  |  Richland Hills  |  Ridglea  |  River Oaks  |  Roanoke  |  Rockwall  |  Rowlett  |  Sachse  |  Saginaw  |  Sanger  |  Seagoville  |  Shady Shores  |  Smu  |  Southlake  |  Springtown  |  Stockyards  |  Tcu  |  The Colony  |  The M Streets  |  Town Creek  |  University Park  |  Urban Park  |  Valley View  |  Venus  |  Vickery Meadow  |  Walnut Hill  |  Watauga  |  Waxahachie  |  Weatherford  |  Wedgewood  |  West Dallas  |  Westover Hills  |  White Lake  |  White Rock  |  White Settlement  |  Willow Park  |  Wilmer  |  Wise County  |  Worth Heights  |  Wylie  |  Wynnewood