Termite control
Termites thrive in Central Florida due to the warm, humid climate. At Heartland Exterminating, Inc., we handle termite control quickly and effectively to protect your home from significant termite damage. Many homeowners have no idea of a termite infestation until it’s too late. Whether you’re a homeowner worried about termites in your house or a local business owner, you can rely on Heartland Exterminating, Inc. to get the job done. Termites cause over $5 billion per year in property damage, an expense not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance. Understanding the signs of termite damage is essential for homeowners looking to protect their homes. Signs of their activity can show up unexpectedly, while others are discovered by accident or they get noticed during an inspection.
PHOTO - Subterranean Termites from left: worker, soldier, winged reproductive and wing detail.
Here are some signs that you may have termites
SWARMING
Starting in early March, large swarms of subterranean termites swarm in Florida every year. Since Florida has the most termite species in the United States, large swarms of various types of termites continue through the summer months. While this is the most likely time of year to see flying termites, we've received calls for swarming termites year-round.
Finding termite wings on the floor or window sill lets you know a termite swarm has happened.
Mud Tubes
To protect themselves from drying out and predators, subterranean termites build mud tubes that consist of soil, saliva, and excrement. Mud tubes are pathways termites use to connect colonies in the soil to food sources above ground. These tubes work as a shelter to protect termites from predators. In addition, these tunnels lock in moisture needed for termites to survive. Termite mud tubes (also called termite mud tunnels) are small, pencil-sized tunnels made by worker termites made of small pieces of soil and wood, located around termite nests, wood structures and concrete or stone
foundations.
Termite Damage
Wood damaged by subterranean termites is often not noticed because the exterior surface must usually be removed to see the damage. However, galleries can be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver. Damaged wood sounds hollow, and the screwdriver may even break through into the galleries. Aside from wood damage, subterranean termites are able to damage building insulation. Although termites do not eat the insulation because it is of no nutritional value to them, termite damage to insulation can cause significant increase to energy bills because insulation properties are lost. It is important to prevent termite infestations, because termite-damaged insulation causes higher energy bills long after subterranean termites are eliminated.
PHOTO: Window sill wood damage from subterranean termites.
Treatment
Whether you have termites or want to protect your home from getting termites, we can help! Our product of choice to protect homes is Termidor, hands down. Termidor works in ways other chemicals can’t. We apply this liquid termiticide along the foundation walls or exterior perimeter of your home. It has no odor and this application will not disrupt your normal, everyday schedule. Once it has been applied, Termidor not only kills termites on contact, it has a transfer effect. Once a termite touches the product, it becomes a "carrier". These "carriers" transfer Termidor to other termites they come in contact with, spreading it like a virus throughout the colony. This Transfer Effect is what makes Termidor the leading termiticide product available! Each year after treatment, we will inspect your home for any evidence of termites. If there are any live signs of activity, we will re-treat at no cost to you as long as your contract is in-force.