It dispels any question of what the problem is and what approach to use. It is especially important with swarmers because they can disappear as quickly as they came and there may be no other evidence of the infestation, also ants swarming at the same time can be mistaken for termites.

Termites are beneficial insects in nature. They are nature’s recyclers, breaking down cellulose and returning nutrients to the soil but, when they infest structures, they cause more damage than fires, storms and earthquakes combined. The most common termite, the subterranean, builds its nest in the ground.

These termites construct mud tubes which are used to explore for food and connect their underground nest to that food source. They also use these tubes to enter a building where there is no direct soil/wood contact. Termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints, hollow bricks or concrete blocks and around plumbing. They can find their way into a structure through an opening 1/32 of an inch wide. Any building, whether built with slab, basement or crawl space foundation, can be targets for termite infestation.

Wood destroying insects of all kinds are not to be taken lightly, although in most cases extensive damage will not occur in a short period of time don’t delay action indefinitely because damage may have already started and will continue if left untreated.

Note:

You do not have to see swarms to have termites they are only one sign. “Mud Tubes” and other evidence can be hidden in unexposed areas. We recommend periodic inspections as a safeguard. Bug Runner residential customers are entitled to an annual, free visual inspection. Take advantage all your contract’s benefits!

Termite Inspections

One of our specialties is providing top quality termite pest control in Bergen County NJ and Rockland County NY. Usually the first time a person considers termites is when they buy a home.

Most mortgage companies and banks require various inspections including a wood destroying insect report from an inspector licensed in termites. That inspector can be a pest control operator, a structural engineer or other person as long as they are properly licensed. You may have heard it called; pest inspection, termite report, wood destroying insect report, FHA, VA or HUD report.

The correct name is: Wood Destroying Insect Infestation Inspection Report. This form was developed as the industry standard through a joint effort by the National Pest Control Association and the U.S. Dept. Housing And Urban Development (HUD), it is an official document and is used throughout the United States.

For a proper inspection we need access to the exterior foundation and the lowest interior level of the house, basement (finished or unfinished), crawl spaces and garage. We check for evidence of all types of wood destroying insects, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, carpenter bees and termites, these and any other wood damage (dry rot, water damage) must be noted on the report. We also must note if infestations are active and if treatment is needed. If no evidence is found you get a clean report and on you go to the next step in the real estate transaction.

Everyone hopes for a “clean” report, but the need for a treatment need not end the purchase, a properly documented treatment will modify the report. For more information about termite treatments click here.

You may also want a Radon Test.

Termite Treatments

Termite PEST Control

A thorough inspection by a termite pest control service in Bergen County NJ or Rockland County NY is the first and most important step in protecting your property. His “experienced” eyes can locate the specific areas in your home where termites are likely to be. Based on this inspection he will design a treatment plan to control any current infestation or take preventative measures to minimize potential future infestation.

Liquid Treatment

Liquid treatments apply chemical to the soil creating a barrier with chemical to cut off and repel termites. These specialized chemicals have bonding agents that bond to them to the soil, kill termites that attempt to travel through the treated soil and cause the colony to withdraw. The chemical is applied in areas prescribed during the initial inspection and is individual for each structure based not only on the areas of infestation but the structure of the building itself.

Exterior trenching and chemical application around the building’s foundation is generally the “foundation” of a successful treatment. In combination with this it may be necessary to treat the foundation itself. Areas are drilled on the exterior and/or interior with chemical applied through the drill holes to the hollow block voids or soil beneath the slab.

Sometimes there are physical limitations to getting an all-encompassing barrier. Any possible changes that will facilitate the best possible treatment will be recommended during the estimate stage of the service.

IE: Shrubs that need to be moved, carpet or tile to be lifted etc. Compliance with these requests is strongly recommended, failure to do so may compromise not only the effectiveness of the treatment but also the warranty on the job. Occasionally the obstruction cannot be circumvented, some of which cannot be known prior to the actual treatment (rock formations, major tree roots). Should this be the case, we treat as thoroughly as possible and definitely recommend annual re-inspection.

Warranty

The Bug Runner generally issues a One Year Warranty after a successful treatment.  Meaning, should termite activity recur within that year, the re-treat cost is no-charge and any damage caused by ACTIVE termites may be repaired at Bug Runner’s discretion. (warranties for partial treatments may apply to treated areas only) This warranty is renewable each year with a fee that is substantially lower than the cost of the original treatment or the cost of a non-covered re-treat. The warranty runs year to year from the original treatment date.

Treating With Baits

Bait systems differ from liquid methods in that they do not repel or kill termites immediately. Instead there are stations set up in or around the structure to attract and/or monitor the termites. Initially there is no termiticide used at all, the stations have a wood or paper insert, suitable for termite consumption, this is checked periodically by the pest control operator. If termites start to feed at a station a bait/toxicant combo is added. As termites feed they bring bait back to share and gradually kill the colony.

Some differences between conventional treatments and bait systems: 

1. No pesticides are applied in or around the home.
2. Baits can be used to solve structural or environmental issues that would normally negate or reduce the effectiveness of a conventional treatment.
3. Baits can be less intrusive – avoiding drilling, removing carpet, tiles, patio or decking to gain access.
4. Baiting requires multiple visits to monitor, add or replenish baits as needed. Diligent monitoring for new evidence of termites in the future is integral for ongoing protection, as with baits there is no residual pesticide left in the soil after the termites have been eliminated. Although annual inspections are recommended with conventional treatments, the effectiveness of the treatment itself does not hinge on continuous monitoring.
5. Results can take longer. Several months may pass before the termites find the monitoring stations and begin to feed on the bait. Consequently, it is not uncommon for the elimination procedure to take more than a full year to complete. Although usually minimal, some degree of termite feeding and damage may occur before the slow-acting bait takes effect.

There are many variables with any termite job; location of activity, type of structure and construction, locations of wells, drains or cisterns – these factors and more determine if a building is a good candidate for baiting, liquid or a combination of techniques. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the professional Pest Control operators opinion of what will give the most safe and effective service for the individual location. 

Choosing a Pest Exterminator 

Compare written proposals. Seek value but avoid making decisions based on price alone.
Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a firm that has given them satisfactory service.
Does the company offer a warranty?
Shop around, but don’t delay action indefinitely because damage may have already started and will continue if left untreated.

In closing, termite prevention and control is a very complex topic, new developments are always on the horizon and at The Bug Runner we take pride in our ongoing educational process. Conferring with some of the top professionals in the pest control industry we will make sure our clients benefit from the most current information available.

Expert Pest Control in Bergen County NJ and Rockland County NY

When it comes to termite pest control in Bergen County NJ and Rockland County NY you don’t want to take any chances. At the Bug Runner, we have the knowledge and experience needed to deal with termites and protect your home and business. If you suspect you’re having an issue with termites, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experts right away to make an appointment.