Ants or termites, Formosan
termites or Eastern Subterranean? |
Ant swarmers
(flying ants) are reddish brown to black, have a pinched waist with wings of unequal
length, and elbowed antennae.
Termite
swarmers (reproductives) are black or copper/tan in color depending on the
species. All species of termites have a straight waist, four wings of equal length, and
straight antennae.
|
When do they swarm and
what do they look like? |
Native
(Eastern or Southern) Subterranean termites swarm in the afternoon from February
through May in South Mississippi and South Louisiana. In 2001 we had termite swarms as
late as October. They have dark brown to black bodies and whitish translucent wings.
Formosan
termites swarm at night, typically after 8:00 p.m. from mid-May into June. They are tan or
copper colored, also with whitish translucent wings. Shortly after swarming they lose
their wings and can be seen crawling around, often in pairs following each other.
|
So what’s the big
deal about Formosan termites? |
Formosan termites are especially dangerous for two reasons. First is their colony size.
Experts have estimated large Formosan termite colonies to number up to 15 million. Ten to
one hundred times the number of their native cousins. Secondly, Formosan termites, unlike
any other species, have the ability to construct above ground nests, called cartons, to
store moisture. With carton nests in place, these home wreckers can live independent of
soil contact where traditional termiticides are applied, causing incredible damage before
they are discovered.
|
So how do I keep them (or get them) out?
|
Conventional Treatment |
There are many modern methods of protecting a structure against native or Formosan
invasion. One is by the traditional method of applying a soil termiticide in trenches
wherever soil meets the foundation supports (pier or slab) of the structure. This
treatment has been the standard of pest control industry for decades. Depending on the
product used, the thoroughness of the application, and the termite species involved,
conventional treatment can be effective.
The most revolutionary method of
termite control in fifty years is baiting. We recommend the Sentricon Colony Elimination
System*. Termites have been going after your home for years, now you can go after theirs!
|
The advantages of Sentricon*
baiting are many: |
- Effective against all subterranean
species including Formosans.
- Computer tracking ensures all
stations are checked.
- Maximum safety for children and pets.
- Effective for all types of
construction.
- Low environmental impact.
|
For
more information, visit the Sentricon*
web page.
*Trademark of Dow ArgoSciences LLC |
