tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76828153831055702782024-03-05T01:37:18.455-08:00Truth About Termites & Other BugsThe insects that we deal with today are just a minute fraction of the millions that inhabit the world. Most insects do not harm human products or carry diseases harmful to humans; however many do carry diseases, feed on human food, clothing, housing and manufactured goods, and annoy or injure humans and other animals through painful bites. Knowledge of insects anatomy, development and behavior is one of the most powerful tools in pest control managment.Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-16747224448707951782008-08-28T11:25:00.000-07:002008-08-28T12:33:07.998-07:00Rats and Mice - General<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDahK0j1QyG-euyUnluXqylOnsTa8Mqo2Jx8SbZ3Y8CV8ZtL6J2sj6kfWFS27_APHYGTovauH_d90tOs8tgyOdexB7Cw2y8cTkv4mMHmuokFaOzXISYXYSKWCoBEJRWAtZ-HRW9cYAVQ/s1600-h/Roof%20Rat.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239636720143868658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDahK0j1QyG-euyUnluXqylOnsTa8Mqo2Jx8SbZ3Y8CV8ZtL6J2sj6kfWFS27_APHYGTovauH_d90tOs8tgyOdexB7Cw2y8cTkv4mMHmuokFaOzXISYXYSKWCoBEJRWAtZ-HRW9cYAVQ/s320/Roof%2520Rat.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>This thread concerns the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">commensal</span> rodents. The word <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">commensal</span> means "sharing ones table." This is the appropriate term as rats and mice have been "sharing" people's food and shelter for many years. And the word rodent means "to gnaw." Like all rodents, rats and mice possess a single pair of chisel-like incisor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teeth</span> that grow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">continuously</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">throughout</span> their lives. The incisors are kept filed and sharp primarily by the rodents grinding the incisors against on another, and secondarily by the rodents constant knowing on various objects.</p><p>The three species of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">commensal</span> rodent pests are:</p><p>a. The House Mouse<br />b. The Norway Rat<br />C The Roof Rat</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Occasionally</span>, the deer mouse and less frequently, the white footed mouse, harvest mouse, and pocket mouse invade buildings located near fields or wooded areas, and may be confused with the house house. Field mice are easily separated from house mice by certain specific characteristics. These native rodents, including meadow mice (voles) and pack rats and other small mammals (shrews) that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">occasionally</span> invade buildings.</p><p><strong>RODENTS AS HEALTH PESTS</strong></p><p>Rodents have been responsible for, or implicated in, the spread of many diseases to people and domestic animals - especially in years past. Today, however, because of sanitation, effective drugs the disease threat from rodents is not as significant as it once was. In fact, the spread of disease by rodents is often not the primary reason for their control. But because of the habits of rodents (travelling and dwelling in sewers, garbage, etc.), there are still cases of human and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">animal</span> diseases being transmitted by rodents, and there is also the potential of disease outbreaks that can be intensified and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">accelerated</span> by rodents in cities where rats and mice live in close proximity to people. The following is a brief overview regarding the rodent transmitted diseases of most concern today!</p><p>Mouse Allergens: Research in 1999 of children in inner-city areas of eight major cities demonstrated that the house mouse carries a protein within its urine that can trigger severe cases of asthma and allergic rhinitis in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">susceptible</span> people. Considering that mice typically urinate in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">micro droplets</span> in many, many spots as the forage about inside a room, literally thousands of micro areas on surfaces can be covered with mouse urine inside homes or schools. As a result of this finding, the ordinary house mouse is considered much more of a health pest than in the past.</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hanta</span> Virus: Because of the 1993-1995 outbreaks of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hanta</span> viruses in the southwestern United States, there is heightened awareness this virus. The deer mouse has identified as the primary reservoir <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">associated</span> with this virus, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">although</span> the cotton rat and the white-footed mouse have also been implicated with certain strains. </p><p>Plague: is the the "Black Death" that killed 25,000,000 people in Europe during the 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> century and millions of others bother earlier and later in history. Although plague does not now exist in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">commensal</span> rodents in the US, it is still found in some native rodents such as ground squirrels in the western US, as well as in several other parts of the world.</p><p>Murine Typhus: Is a disease transmitted from infected rats and some other rodents to people also my the oriental rat flea and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">occasionally</span> by the cat flea. The predominant reservoir for most areas where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">murine</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">thyphus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">occurs</span> are the Norway rat and the Roof rat. The organism enters the human blood stream via the bites of fleas or when infected feces are rubbed into the skin.</p><p>other diseases include <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">rickettsial</span> pox, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">salmonellosis</span>, rat bite fever, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">weils</span> diseases, rabies, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">lymphocytics</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">choriomeningitis</span>, trichinosis, typhoid and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">dysentery</span>.</p><p>Experts estimate that rats and mice destroy enough food each year to feed 200 million people. And some people want to let these guys go! Conservative annual estimates place the cost of rodent pest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">management</span> programs to be well over $120 million dollars a year in the United States. Worldwide, the cost of rodent control is probably in the billions.</p><p> </p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-26910689344632665972008-08-28T07:29:00.000-07:002008-08-28T10:29:30.593-07:00Ectoparasites - Bed Bugs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb-4aFhP_JhL3ghkFfiNKa_CS8QOZoBv-TLeZDU8zW_rDMSVDL66WKST8-YYELCw_Y3ZND_1x6TmNrADkvuM-Q2FUsomB0pk4m_48cixVe5Dp3YM9r9Upy9QNhs4FG26lTTYOeWEKGf4/s1600-h/bed+bug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239576879456213522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb-4aFhP_JhL3ghkFfiNKa_CS8QOZoBv-TLeZDU8zW_rDMSVDL66WKST8-YYELCw_Y3ZND_1x6TmNrADkvuM-Q2FUsomB0pk4m_48cixVe5Dp3YM9r9Upy9QNhs4FG26lTTYOeWEKGf4/s320/bed+bug.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The Bed bug is making a come back! Bed bugs and their close relatives (the true bugs) are universal pests of humans and domestic animals, as well as bats, birds and various other mammals. The sole food of the bed bug is the blood of warm-blooded animals. Common names used for the bed bug include mahogany flat, chinch and red coat. </div><div> </div><div>An adult bed bug is about is about 1/5-inch in length and 1/8 inch wide. It's reddish brown to mahogany in color and the body is greatly flattened and oval in shape. After feeding, the bug's body enlarges considerably, becoming longer and much less flattened. Bed bugs have piercing-sucking mouth parts that enable them to pierce the skin and suck blood from their hosts. </div><div> </div><div>Humans are the preferred host for the common bed bug, but it will feed readily on other animals such as poultry, mice, rates, canaries, dogs and cats when necessary. Normally the bug feeds at night but they will feed during daylight hours in places such as theaters, offices, and rest rooms that are not ordinarily used at night. There is no evidence that bed bugs can transmit diseases.</div><div> </div><div>Bed bugs generally hide in cracks and crevices during normal daylight hours. The enter such areas easily because of their extremely flattened bodies. Typical hiding places are in the folds and tufts of mattresses, coils of springs, cracks and hollow posts of bedsteads, and upholstery of chairs of sofas. However, they are not restricted to these places. In heavy infestations, bed bugs are frequently found in places such as behind loose wallpaper, behind pictures on the wall, under door and window casings, behinds baseboards, and even in light fixtures or medicine cabinets. </div><div> </div><div>Bed bugs give off a distinct odor from their thorax and a pest control operator becomes experienced in identifying this smell. Bed bug treatments should only be handled by a pest control company that is experienced and has the correct tools. Bed bug elimination is routinely expensive because of the hours and treatment required. An average treatment time for a single bedroom is 4 to 6 hours.</div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-62208449755790591622008-08-27T10:56:00.001-07:002008-08-28T10:45:23.193-07:00Ants - Carpenter Ant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB7jSkE_vLzIoHUdeDmGvF94dtonqdnpmUyY4DCSqgYvA6EtnJPgDVtomGacR55-qH4Qu74z_Ght4ljCDivDx3P_vOzLbAdJSOb67y9NlQQZDKnXtTUNJtPt7qJcYtwkgxwtiIKN_AHU/s1600-h/carpenter_ant_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239258044498621010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" height="174" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB7jSkE_vLzIoHUdeDmGvF94dtonqdnpmUyY4DCSqgYvA6EtnJPgDVtomGacR55-qH4Qu74z_Ght4ljCDivDx3P_vOzLbAdJSOb67y9NlQQZDKnXtTUNJtPt7qJcYtwkgxwtiIKN_AHU/s320/carpenter_ant_large.jpg" width="290" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>C</strong>arpenter ants are among the most conspicuous of ants found in and around homes, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">being</span> large and typically blackish or reddish depending on geographical location. Foraging workers have rather large mandibles with which they can bite or give a strong pinch. Workers vary greatly in size from 1/4 to about 3/4-inch long.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Carpenter ants will establish nests in a number of different <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">locations</span>. Outdoor sites include stumps, hollow logs, telephone poles, fence posts or other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">similar</span> large pieces of wood. Wood that is moist or partially decayed is preferred by many species, especially in the northeastern United States; however cracks, crevices and other cavities may be used to start a nest in sound wood. Ants may be carried into homes in firewood or enter and establish colonies via other routes. Often ants move into a building <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">solely</span> to feed.</div><div></div><div>Carpenter ants excavate nest galleries in wood. These galleries somewhat resemble the work of termites but can be distinguished by their entirely clean and almost sandpapered appearance. They are frequently hollowed in moist or sound wood. Carpenter ants do not use wood for food. Carpenter ants cut galleries with the wood but will cut across to create new galleries. The Carpenter ant diet includes a great variety of both animal and plant foods. These ants will feed on other insects, living or dead, and nearly anything people eat. Aphid honeydew is particularly attractive and they have been known to protect aphids from other insects.</div><div></div><div>Foraging ants will travel 100 yards or more from the nest for food. Carpenter ants are of economic importance because of the damage they do to structures, the food they contaminate .</div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-9485548567864227932008-08-27T08:29:00.000-07:002008-08-27T08:42:20.634-07:00Termite Damage Vs Carpenter Ant Damage<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdadeuaLRN3NS87TKQ5oflXg1DxYVmhqhtHjKw4bgzqTmF69TfLeybBFFQu8djBY3JVwPlcw06Jdo98gNx-AGDhX4HSnRzjl_A7rooH-DjVQ-k-iqs8KVNSh2F477I6TBYGGhRZUOB5dQ/s1600-h/CrossSectionOfWood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239221748009352530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdadeuaLRN3NS87TKQ5oflXg1DxYVmhqhtHjKw4bgzqTmF69TfLeybBFFQu8djBY3JVwPlcw06Jdo98gNx-AGDhX4HSnRzjl_A7rooH-DjVQ-k-iqs8KVNSh2F477I6TBYGGhRZUOB5dQ/s320/CrossSectionOfWood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><em>TERMITE DAMAGE<br /></em></strong><br /><div>This is a cross section of wood damaged by subterranean termites. As you can see the wood is eaten across the grain, there is mud or dirt, and feces packed in the hollowed out areas. They have eaten across the grain and have eaten only the springwood.<br /></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdCmLYOBu7un3aIn8-KyHtA8n3p3ZJ71tHPFuG30Mv8ABDalY4nFc5ZMCElmPLY4B2b-STr8LvL5JrWAwjtCO7R8el9la0P4mhMyHzkR3oF94ex_HbYzKtRtATIw0Cl7EsK54JIG2zIU/s1600-h/carpenter-ant-damage.jpg.w300h225"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239222402774190258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdCmLYOBu7un3aIn8-KyHtA8n3p3ZJ71tHPFuG30Mv8ABDalY4nFc5ZMCElmPLY4B2b-STr8LvL5JrWAwjtCO7R8el9la0P4mhMyHzkR3oF94ex_HbYzKtRtATIw0Cl7EsK54JIG2zIU/s320/carpenter-ant-damage.jpg.w300h225" border="0" /></a></div><div><strong><em>CARPENTER ANT DAMAGE</em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div>The damage caused by Carpenter ants is very different from that of a subterranean termite. The tunnels are smooth and have a sanded appearance. They chew along and across the grain. It is common to find other dead insect parts and they will also leave behind sawdust or chewed pieces of wood. The example show small windows showing where subterranean termites do not.</div></div></div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-6945110163731601912008-08-27T08:16:00.001-07:002008-08-27T08:18:18.553-07:00Questions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN00u7FeDuTcJbyjCteoy_ixEs8N9455yrSPS62x0TOVQGz0nU6JJeiIVIzeWYg_5FtPkVhqSkmTKGyUttBRXbul-dgrLHiah70AboCUXM4u4NzCNSgIcKO_fA6KtsrKu7RqawULOD7Q/s1600-h/22834012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239217081042199410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN00u7FeDuTcJbyjCteoy_ixEs8N9455yrSPS62x0TOVQGz0nU6JJeiIVIzeWYg_5FtPkVhqSkmTKGyUttBRXbul-dgrLHiah70AboCUXM4u4NzCNSgIcKO_fA6KtsrKu7RqawULOD7Q/s320/22834012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Please post any and all questions in this forum. Thanks</div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-79643978905933564632008-08-26T14:58:00.001-07:002008-08-26T15:05:33.346-07:00Solitary Wasps - Velvet Ant "Cow Killer"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQXjnmNO1ZbbMMAmjpIpevYFhZn8aXVfUz7LSiyKuRg6NzIv4LQInA4rhBQL1wBRsaTfZ7B9lpsdE1tjrEwuZQR24ux0IV2wucjDLxpebwb6zewK-Tn8lCAkjUfTG2Olyd8J2sH91Dxo/s1600-h/velvet-ant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238949342632473762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQXjnmNO1ZbbMMAmjpIpevYFhZn8aXVfUz7LSiyKuRg6NzIv4LQInA4rhBQL1wBRsaTfZ7B9lpsdE1tjrEwuZQR24ux0IV2wucjDLxpebwb6zewK-Tn8lCAkjUfTG2Olyd8J2sH91Dxo/s320/velvet-ant.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>WARNING: This solitary wasp has a powerful sting.</strong></div><div><br />An unusual insect that is seen running around open areas is the velvet ant. Velvet ants look like large hairy ants, but they are actually solitary wasps. They differ from ants in having only a slight constriction between the thorax and abdomen and having straight rather than elbowed antennae. They may be seen in lawns or pastures, or occasionally wandering into buildings. These solitary wasps, as the name implies, are densely covered with short hair.<br /><br />The males have two pairs of transparent black wings. The females are wingless, and are sometimes confused with ants. Ants, however, have elbowed antennae, and a "hump" in the constriction between the thorax and abdomen. Velvet ants are brightly colored. They are shades of yellow and brown or red and black. Velvet ants are not aggressive and will try to escape when encountered, but females have a very painful sting if handled. Females use a long, needle-like stinger concealed at the tip of the abdomen. Many of the velvet ants can produce a squeaking sound when disturbed.<br /><br />Adult velvet ants feed on nectar and water. The immature stages are external parasites of bees and wasps that nest in the ground. A few species <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">parasitize</span> some flies and beetles. Consequently, there are no identifiable nests to treat. Velvet ants prefer pastures and fields with sandy soil where their prey are most likely to be found. There is no effective control measure for them.<br />The female is mostly red with some black, the male is half red and half black with dark wings. Females seek out bumble bee nests and lay eggs inside the wax cups. After bees or wasps have formed cocoons, adult female velvet ants enter the host nest by digging through the soil or breaking through nest walls. The cow killer larvae feed on the bumble bee larvae and pupae and will pupate inside the bumble bee nest. This bumble bee is ultimately killed. </div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-51816278742468240012008-08-26T12:27:00.000-07:002008-08-26T13:08:38.774-07:00Ants - Pharaoh Ant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklVUTlCxRCBnq0NxHjqq2UpCNhe6K2vV0lJOGD0-5Vs99y7Jpd7eB1ksqmIdhb_4u0m6Z_HdRmzKYE35ter_tZP-v2WojikYVHreX97rbiqN_IStkFrazssx6BAib59LLTQn7SLwV1R8/s1600-h/pharaoh_ant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238910710579242562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" height="231" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklVUTlCxRCBnq0NxHjqq2UpCNhe6K2vV0lJOGD0-5Vs99y7Jpd7eB1ksqmIdhb_4u0m6Z_HdRmzKYE35ter_tZP-v2WojikYVHreX97rbiqN_IStkFrazssx6BAib59LLTQn7SLwV1R8/s320/pharaoh_ant.jpg" width="280" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Pharaoh ants are light yellowish to reddish brown in color, with workers measuring 1/15 to 1/12-inch long. They are found in localized regions throughout most of the United States and parts of southern Canada. They have become the most common pest in many areas. Pharaoh ants can be easily distinguished from thief ants by the presence of three segments in the antenna club. They are an important ant pest in the homes, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Their small sizes enables them to get into most anything, and their very wide food preferences combine to make pharaoh ants difficult to eliminate from structures in many cases.</div><div> </div><div>Nests are rarely found but occur between walls, under floors, above ceilings, behind baseboards and switch plates, in old trash, in folded bathroom linens, or outside in gardens along walks. Pharaoh ants nest on porous substrates in warm places near furnaces, heating ducts, and hot water pipes that are also near moist conditions or open water sources. Ants range widely from their nests, usually over established trails marked by pheromones. Workers are frequently seen trailing along windowsills, counter tops and baseboards. In the warmer climates of the southern United States pharaoh ants are frequently found foraging and nesting outside of buildings or adjacent landscaping.</div><div> </div><div>Pharaoh ants will feed on such a diverse array of materials that use of the term food preferences seems inappropriate. However, substances like syrups, fruit juices, honey, jelly, cakes, pies, greases, dead insects, or meats and blood are frequent fed on. In hospitals, they will often feed on blood or other bodily fluids, medical waste, or intravenous feeding fluids.</div><div> </div><div>Even though several very effective bait formulations are available for pharaoh ant control, this ant can be very persistent and difficult to control. It has a tendency to appear suddenly in various places within a structure. Attempts to control this species with spray or dust applications, or the occurrence of other forms of stress on the colony or colonies, will frequently cause the colonies to split into sub-colonies that scatter to other locations with the structure. This behavioral process is called budding and is commonly observed in this species.</div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-34767255763760150512008-08-26T11:31:00.000-07:002008-08-26T12:23:54.910-07:00Cockroaches - German Cockroach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1fugrgLP6dIdA5N8GCpAJFW15lyEJJdBJk8ytUpd4QyZZhgps5APEVND7FvarLa70c4x0cnwSkOpsVO81SjM5uEX5BfR3-mRW248N9EMsn85AkgcOzwPkN94UVu2MKkhmnoTmxcnqDg/s1600-h/GermanRoach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238896387478353362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1fugrgLP6dIdA5N8GCpAJFW15lyEJJdBJk8ytUpd4QyZZhgps5APEVND7FvarLa70c4x0cnwSkOpsVO81SjM5uEX5BfR3-mRW248N9EMsn85AkgcOzwPkN94UVu2MKkhmnoTmxcnqDg/s320/GermanRoach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>The German Cockroach is the most economically important urban pest. It is the most common cockroach species in houses, apartments, restaurants, hotels and other institutions throughout the United States. Adults are pale to medium brown and about 1/2 to 5/8-inch long. German cockroaches can be distinguished by the two dark stripes on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pronotum</span></span> (head). Adults of both sexes have well developed wings, but they never fly. German cockroach nymphs resemble the adults except that they are smaller, wingless, and darker in color, often being nearly black.Adult females carries the egg capsule (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ootheca</span></span>) protruding from the rear of the abdomen until the eggs are ready to hatch. The egg capsule carries 48 eggs. Gestation is 20 to 30 days. </p><p>As mentioned previously, the German cockroach is the most commonly encountered of the house infesting species in the United States. It is also generally the most persistent and difficult to manage. If you think setting off a few bombs will get rid of this guy, you better think twice about calling an exterminator. The reasons for this are somewhat complex. First the German cockroach has a larger number of eggs per capsule than the other species that infest structures. Second, it also has the shortest period to develop from hatching until sexual maturity, so the population of German cockroaches will build up faster than those of other species.</p><p>Third, German cockroach nymphs have a better chance of surviving than do those of other species, because the female carries the egg capsule during the entire time that the embryos are developing within the egg. This results in the nymphs avoiding many hazards of the environment that may affect eggs that remain detached and isolated prior to hatch. Fourth, German cockroach nymphs are smaller than those of most other cockroaches, so they are able to conceal themselves in many places in accessible to individuals of the larger species. Moreover, several additional factors have contributed to the success of the German cockroach. Insecticide resistance is extremely quick in German cockroaches, and coupled with the high reproductive rates the resistant cockroaches are able to pass on this resist <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trait</span> to their offspring.</p><p>The German cockroach is a general feeder but is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">particularly</span> attracted to fermented foods and beverage residue (beer spills). If water is present adults can live a month without food, but young <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nymphs</span> will die of starvation with 10 days. Without food or water the adult dies in less than two weeks. Infestations are sometimes found in areas not generally suspected of harboring German cockroaches, such as dresser drawers or in bedrooms. German cockroaches found scattered through non-food areas of a home or building is usually a sign of a very heavy infestation. </p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-85772714602126779122008-08-26T11:28:00.000-07:002008-08-26T11:29:19.255-07:00Subterranean Termites - Formosan Map<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9z9RUwsvjIf7pFzEoUitx7rR_cXhSgrGMeyS24dx2jqSvhjU6DAnN1NUG8EMb5oIvysgO_57nMB2ZrIQq0XNEymWHe7SkRjkXHoi3-mS-oquC_BDiRj429WsqWK4yobB1TYSwcTvtIE/s1600-h/formosan-termites-infestation-map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238895139868380578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9z9RUwsvjIf7pFzEoUitx7rR_cXhSgrGMeyS24dx2jqSvhjU6DAnN1NUG8EMb5oIvysgO_57nMB2ZrIQq0XNEymWHe7SkRjkXHoi3-mS-oquC_BDiRj429WsqWK4yobB1TYSwcTvtIE/s400/formosan-termites-infestation-map.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-738544043957711692008-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:002008-08-27T06:01:34.803-07:00Subterranean Termites - Formosan's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtSfcMTisEE4pwPgRCJM2UBUDn4XL7dMmH32rQDI7KNsqzyY7vcXzTiVVdQWi99iFXu72oK-I0rRp_3LouO5aXNq8iYr8UZKeC7T7IXs6pP94WmgqXL0yaRqjZEpLe1LkfKr5iQjjqrQ/s1600-h/formosan-termites-infestation-map.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJUn0sTSv8H6pAoZPgWVGVvH_RBlNvPyjUfdUxHOjyS5KSMi-TwtroLFvc7BMBPtsqApATUyTV-KsWVYcffjeAbOsScqna_nETQV-xbLnFKBJzUIgk0jrRKhj-pp9wULake37J4Q2NSE/s1600-h/formosan+termite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238891685794476770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJUn0sTSv8H6pAoZPgWVGVvH_RBlNvPyjUfdUxHOjyS5KSMi-TwtroLFvc7BMBPtsqApATUyTV-KsWVYcffjeAbOsScqna_nETQV-xbLnFKBJzUIgk0jrRKhj-pp9wULake37J4Q2NSE/s320/formosan+termite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>S</strong>ince 1965 the Formosan termite has been found in the continental United States as well as Hawaii and it is firmly established and is not going to leave. Although this termite is found mainly in tropical regions, it has moved into more temperate areas via the shipment of infested wood and products.</div></div><br /><p>The Formosan subterranean termite is one of the world's most aggressive and economically important species of termite, and it has been reported to cause more damage to structures in Hawaii than any other wood destroying insect. This termite represent an extreme economic hazard in all areas where it becomes established (see thread of states affected). Although subterranean in nature, this termite is quite active when free of soil contact. if enough moisture is present to support the colony. Control of this termite is often more difficult than control of other subterranean species.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtSfcMTisEE4pwPgRCJM2UBUDn4XL7dMmH32rQDI7KNsqzyY7vcXzTiVVdQWi99iFXu72oK-I0rRp_3LouO5aXNq8iYr8UZKeC7T7IXs6pP94WmgqXL0yaRqjZEpLe1LkfKr5iQjjqrQ/s1600-h/formosan-termites-infestation-map.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtSfcMTisEE4pwPgRCJM2UBUDn4XL7dMmH32rQDI7KNsqzyY7vcXzTiVVdQWi99iFXu72oK-I0rRp_3LouO5aXNq8iYr8UZKeC7T7IXs6pP94WmgqXL0yaRqjZEpLe1LkfKr5iQjjqrQ/s1600-h/formosan-termites-infestation-map.jpg"></a><br /><p></p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-11904220368952063642008-08-22T11:56:00.000-07:002008-08-22T12:15:43.675-07:00Termite Damage Repair Cost $35,000<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE0nhBwRLbLad0JaqH3dRbVht3ip7Sg9wQoG_ca6Z_4HXldYxGqP64FGPI66k7HUgcunsRct-WGCv9md55VAw6P0zzTiK4L5-7t1wVY0qX6PjaHxL6d4BXo1Mbhd4l3Orebn_nwsyLhg/s1600-h/DSC00455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237418461363000386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="237" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE0nhBwRLbLad0JaqH3dRbVht3ip7Sg9wQoG_ca6Z_4HXldYxGqP64FGPI66k7HUgcunsRct-WGCv9md55VAw6P0zzTiK4L5-7t1wVY0qX6PjaHxL6d4BXo1Mbhd4l3Orebn_nwsyLhg/s200/DSC00455.JPG" width="249" border="0" /></a> The damages on this home was approximately $35,000! Fortunately this homeowner had a damage guarantee with a termite control company and did not have to pay anything. These termites were approximately up these load bearing beams 8 foot and entered through the void of hollow cinder blocks.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKDKxBpetNfSxzUkwoNNHx3R4ZU6lrvuZzY2DMmOurg69XMM7OYIBSUCc56gr_zZknQncNaLLfl-AvMhyphenhyphenV0oq6lGQ9l-V5-DaXnmng-ECc77G3r_peojDYLuM3KR8W4bMA2k7cZ6C2Hw/s1600-h/DSC00495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237419479074260786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="156" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKDKxBpetNfSxzUkwoNNHx3R4ZU6lrvuZzY2DMmOurg69XMM7OYIBSUCc56gr_zZknQncNaLLfl-AvMhyphenhyphenV0oq6lGQ9l-V5-DaXnmng-ECc77G3r_peojDYLuM3KR8W4bMA2k7cZ6C2Hw/s200/DSC00495.JPG" width="249" border="0" /></a></p><p>Check out the live termites on the beam. This was a major infestation.</p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-71227770258486610902008-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:002008-08-26T14:46:03.350-07:00Ants - Argentine Ant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxa34_s-4eu1yov52rDzrRhWsNPMv_5esnioXW2M1KBg9SSThX5FORCw3wszHzS3XWlQu1myH-iZ6zIgeEfhvGmbc8hCDHnYJeH2-t8d5GDtya1wi5ImZBNqRRTyAVZNTGev53pCumjU/s1600-h/Argentine_ant.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237411731366874962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxa34_s-4eu1yov52rDzrRhWsNPMv_5esnioXW2M1KBg9SSThX5FORCw3wszHzS3XWlQu1myH-iZ6zIgeEfhvGmbc8hCDHnYJeH2-t8d5GDtya1wi5ImZBNqRRTyAVZNTGev53pCumjU/s200/Argentine_ant.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>The Argentine ant is a severe pest in the southern United States and in California (and in many parts of the world) In areas of heavy infestations it may be found in every home. Workers are 1/12 to 1/8 inch long and are light to dark brown in color. Nests are typically located in moist soil next to or under the buildings, along sidewalks or beneath boards and plantsh. They usually nest near their food source. Occassionaly these ants may nest within a structure or other locations not considered soil related. </p><p>Argentine ants prefer sweet foods, principally sugars, syrup, fruit juices secretions of plants and honeydew. Workers are very aggressive and often eliminate other ants in the area. Effective control is often difficult for professional pest control companies within the first 6 months to 1 year. If you suspect that you have this ant do not spray them! Argentine ants use a budding system and spraying workers will cause the colony to bud into satellite colonies. Eliminating the nests is the only effective way to control this ant.</p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-41358864219106359402008-08-22T10:44:00.001-07:002008-08-22T11:18:19.093-07:00Cockroaches - General<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIPk6KCa087YOiUTGxgZE94Drtg2WPMYWfBMiLzEEfZgDtSsFX2hTLGTnPlu_ZS87zbSmEXGgGEB8mf02IxT9A0lnAFOZp_MJF1KWkxKmwlwBomicTPBrpKXtV3wgDbOebyICYFQoz5s/s1600-h/gcocroach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237399486416433762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIPk6KCa087YOiUTGxgZE94Drtg2WPMYWfBMiLzEEfZgDtSsFX2hTLGTnPlu_ZS87zbSmEXGgGEB8mf02IxT9A0lnAFOZp_MJF1KWkxKmwlwBomicTPBrpKXtV3wgDbOebyICYFQoz5s/s200/gcocroach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>C</strong>ockroaches are among the most common insects. Based on fossil evidence, cockroaches are known to have been present on Earth for nearly 350 million years. There are approximately 3,350 species of cockroaches worldwide, with about 70 species found in the United States. The good news is that only a few of these coackroach species routinely infest or homes. The most commons of these are the German Cockroach (pictured), American Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach, Brownbanded Cockroach, Smoky Brown Cockroach, Australian Cockroach, Brown Cockroach, Woods Cockroach, Field Cockroach, and the Asian Cockroach. Of these species the first 5 represent 95 or more of all cockroach management concerns in and around buildings. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The presence of cockroaches is often detected by their damage or by the fecal matter, called frass that they deposit. Cockroaches may eat such things as glue, paste, starch as well as certain colors of dye. The most importan aspect of cockroach damage derives from their habit of feeding and harboring in damp and unsanitary places, such as sewers, garbage disposals and damp unsanitary ares of kitchens, bathrooms and storage areas. Filth and germs from these sources are spread by the cockroaches onto food supplies, food preparation surfaces, dishes, utensils and other surfaces. Cockroaches contaminate far more food than they eat. Diseases transmitted as a result of these habits include various forms of food poisioning or gastroenteritis. For others, the presence of cockroaches constitiutes an important source of health threatening allergens and can even trigger life threatening asthma attacks.</div><div></div><div></div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-52057463820981494252008-08-22T09:11:00.000-07:002008-08-22T11:16:09.369-07:00Ants - General<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcOI0rQrQRYhTvkHEZO1P_eHEksVts61tdEn9xJ7MGKmd_1kC4EibSO5uZ4sn07beGMpdAbnFd_hODFZC0g4XUW4lLETEQUmjjIvmvw0ls_TDLZCKpjrH9jawJjzCh3l_MlM5UjtH2Dg/s1600-h/fire_ant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237380634998618674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcOI0rQrQRYhTvkHEZO1P_eHEksVts61tdEn9xJ7MGKmd_1kC4EibSO5uZ4sn07beGMpdAbnFd_hODFZC0g4XUW4lLETEQUmjjIvmvw0ls_TDLZCKpjrH9jawJjzCh3l_MlM5UjtH2Dg/s200/fire_ant.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><strong>D</strong>o you know what type of ant this is? This is the Argentine Ant and if you spray it or the colony you have just doubled the number of colonies you had before. Ants are among the most successful of insects, and many pest control companies the most important household pest in terms of business <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opportunity</span> as well as challenge.</p><p>Like termites, they are social insects and live in colonies. However, ants evolved this social behavior separately. Many species prefers to nest in the ground; others prefer to next in wood such as dead logs, fence posts, hollow trees or wood within a structure. When ants next in wood, their damage will usually be much less than that caused by termites. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Because</span> ants will only hollow out a nest gallery. Unlike termites, ants do not eat wood and cannot digest cellulose. Adult male and female ants of many species are winged, as are adult termites. The front pair of wings are always longer and wider than the hind pair. Termites wings are of equal size and shape.</p><p>Ants have a complete metamorphosis comprised of four states; egg, larva, pupa and adult. Some ant species feed on a wide variety of food items while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">others</span> typically feed on a rather narrow range of foods. Food preferences may also change significantly during the course of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">season</span>, especially for outdoor species or depending on the specific needs of the colony. Proper procedures for ant control in and around homes or other buildings depend greatly on the species of ant involved, the extent and nature of the infestation, and location of the nest or nests used by the infesting species. Proper identification of the ant species in each situation must be the first step prior to treatment. Improper identification and treatment used could make the problem worse. As the days and months go by I will write a small article about the most common pest ants in the United States. If you are not sure about an ant send me an email I will try to help you identify that nasty pest.</p>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-71997857435758789022008-08-21T11:39:00.001-07:002008-08-21T12:14:56.628-07:00Subterranean Termites - Contracts & Guarantee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6_X9myaZbSjPgBgYu_tSbKLW84Dxo0568kd3JAwdDKhV_HfLFggC2MxVg4KAJZ1cHpHaxNfGmbGPxuhFnP1Tkq0EIROk4Sq9m-l07NcEtzGrhcQet-Fi_ELcqgS5NbvZJHVC0Ij8Vmk/s1600-h/contract-vehicles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237042875957065170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6_X9myaZbSjPgBgYu_tSbKLW84Dxo0568kd3JAwdDKhV_HfLFggC2MxVg4KAJZ1cHpHaxNfGmbGPxuhFnP1Tkq0EIROk4Sq9m-l07NcEtzGrhcQet-Fi_ELcqgS5NbvZJHVC0Ij8Vmk/s320/contract-vehicles.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Choosing a termite control provider in my mind should be based upon three things; Guarantee, Guarantee, and Guarantee. Now many of you will say there are other factors and yes I will agree that you are correct, but the contract and the guarantee it provides should be the most important since most termite control companies all roughly use the same products.<br /><br />Below are my recommendations when having your home treated.<br /><br />1. Contact at least 3 termite control companies. Ensure there is no cost for the estimate.<br /><br />2. Ensure that each company not only provides you with a copy of their contract but a graphical inspection of your home which shows their findings. If a company will not provide you with a copy of their contract thank them and never call them back.<br /><br />3. Ensure that the contract is a "<strong>lifetime Guarantee that covers re-treatment and repair</strong>". Many companies have termed contracts that expire in 5, 7, or 10 years. Termed contracts will require that you pay again to re-treat your home. These are often called booster treatments and is a way to show a lower initial treatment than a competitor that has a lifetime guarantee.<br /><br />4. Ensure that the contract does not have any deductibles, co-pays, limitations and that the contract covers the structure as well as the contents of your home. Remember you are in charge!<br /><br />5. Price is often a factor but the better the guarantee will often affect the price. When it comes to termite control guarantees you often get what you pay for! Do not fall into the trap of comparing prices, most of these companies use the same products. Bottom line, compare the guarantee not the price.Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-20336759167245537852008-08-21T10:38:00.000-07:002008-08-21T11:35:26.000-07:00Subterranean Termites - Prevention & Treatment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmSTgWbA3NCQ1M2dlb1l0CV_laY8rlmrAbZzBOwlTmpuyy3-bdWo0rHP6IaPeNxzPeE5SY1adrkg0IGKT8ATdOcQEGrfSQKhhXoF8zZfVk0mbuYmLZhH4RCZxTW6YB6JQUKLUQPbP_6I/s1600-h/Termite_entry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237031398924701298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmSTgWbA3NCQ1M2dlb1l0CV_laY8rlmrAbZzBOwlTmpuyy3-bdWo0rHP6IaPeNxzPeE5SY1adrkg0IGKT8ATdOcQEGrfSQKhhXoF8zZfVk0mbuYmLZhH4RCZxTW6YB6JQUKLUQPbP_6I/s320/Termite_entry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Prevention</strong><br /><br />The most effective and economical time to implement termite prevention is during the planning and construction process. While I personally have very little faith in companies that perform <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span>-treats, I have often recommended that you work with your builder to ensure the company that is performing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-treat will provide you with a damage guarantee and not a service guarantee. A majority of structural termite infestations are associated with contact with the soil providing termites with food, shelter, moisture and entry into the structure that is very difficult to detect.<br /><br /><br /><br />Wood, cardboard, paper and other cellulose materials in the soil can attract termites to a structure. These materials should not be buried in fills during the construction process. Mulch and wood chips can attract termites by providing both a food source and favorable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">moisture</span> conditions. If mulch is used ensure that is does not come in contact with wood siding or framing of doors or windows. Firewood, landscape timers, compost piles and other cellulose material stacked close to a structure attract termites and provide a hidden entry point. to prevent infestation, the materials should be stacked as far from the structure as is practical.<br /><br />Dense <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">vegetation</span> should not be allowed to grow against the siding and foundation of a building. Shrubs, vines, and trellises <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">make</span> inspection difficult and can trap moisture, increasing conditions favorable for wood decay and termites. High moisture conditions around a structure can contribute to a termite infestation. In additions to reducing vegetation in contact with the building, soil around a structure should be sloped so that surface water can drain.<br /><br /><strong>Treatment</strong><br />It would be difficult to list and describe every detail for the different treatments available for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">management</span> of subterranean termites. Soil treatment is the principal method used in control, and widely varying types of construction, make it necessary for termite management to think in terms of the principles of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">management</span> involved in each situation and to adapt management methods to fit the situation. The first primary method used in the United States today is a liquid barrier treatment. I will go ahead and say right here up front that when I am asked which system I prefer I always recommend liquid. This is based upon my experience in the pest control industry and damage claims.<br /><br /><strong>Liquid VS Bait<br /></strong>As with any technology, there are advantages and disadvantages to the use of termite baits compared to the use of liquid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">termiticides</span>. One advantage to the baits is ease of use. The drilling of structural concrete is often not required with baits. Bait stations are placed approximately ever ten feet around the structure in the soil, whereas the liquid is placed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">continuously</span> around the structure next to the foundation. The liquid will provide a better <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">continuous</span> barrier of protection around your home. The major disadvantage to bait is the length of time it takes a bait to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">eliminate</span> a colony. For the most part liquids such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Termidor</span> and Phantom will eliminate a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">colony</span> within 90 days. Bait systems can take up to 24 months to achieve the same results depending on a number of factors. Also many bait contracts have a colony elimination period. Baits cannot easily be put under slabs or in wall voids where termites often occur. Thus damage may continue to occur until the colony is eliminated. Elimination of the colony may not actually be achieved; colony suppression is more likely, and this is satisfactory as long as damage does not occur.<br /><p>In many cases, customers may find the idea of continuing damage to be unacceptable, and soil treatment may be desired. In a real estate transaction, it is difficult to issue a wood destroying insects report when termites might be active for an expanded period of time. Finally the absence of termite activity in bait stations may not mean the colony has been eliminated; since termites are sensitive to physical disturbance, it may mean that placing the bait in the station caused the termites to abandon the site and forage elsewhere.</p><p><strong> </p><br /><br /></strong>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682815383105570278.post-18960068389168760252008-08-21T09:26:00.000-07:002008-08-22T11:16:34.820-07:00Subterranean Termites - General<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1e7TYpdgU5OrltsJej6xMhVRENDasYyqUItg_ysqOLBvDvPsTHKef73T31Ub0JEsQChtJk6UiC-sqmEkVozlegMbdcIA6jbhKnSc3RKoVcA7KdURTsParKx1dnjgU1cEHt1nfxQXYcI/s1600-h/wood-eating-termite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237008464622723586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" height="220" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1e7TYpdgU5OrltsJej6xMhVRENDasYyqUItg_ysqOLBvDvPsTHKef73T31Ub0JEsQChtJk6UiC-sqmEkVozlegMbdcIA6jbhKnSc3RKoVcA7KdURTsParKx1dnjgU1cEHt1nfxQXYcI/s320/wood-eating-termite.jpg" width="179" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknZB6NBc1u4NLvlyb4sRZ8AJ1WzheOG5fEM1bqAbCkJXSC0d2H7HkAPOcq23SNrdrgg72Uy8hO_j1j6T5e74HVmmYveJOhfPf8Nf1p891XVuwNA7coQcUuk_EkoNCYlPwqJIPs_ATOKo/s1600-h/termites.bmp"></a><font face="arial"><strong>T</strong>he management of termites is a major portion of pest control work in the United States. Termite managment specialists must be knowledgeable in building construction, termite biology and behavior. Due to the billions of dollars in damage that termite do I recommend that if you have a termite infestation that you contact a professional company that offers a guarantee.<br /><br />Termites are the only members of the Isoptera family and are closely related to cockroaches. Termites harbor a one-celled ogransim in their digestive tract that converts cellouse into a substance the termites can digest. In nature, termites help convert dead wood and other organic materials containing cellulose to humus. Termites are social insects that are called castes. </font></div>
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<br /><div><font face="Arial">At certain times of the year numerous small, immature, nymphal termites from mature colonies (usually 3 to 5 year) molt into alates, which are commonly known as swarmers. For most homeowners this is usually the first indication that termites are present. Evironmental conditions must be just right before termites will swarm. The temperature, mositure (both within and outside the colony), light conditions and even barometric pressure influence swarming activity. As a general rule, Eastern Subterranean Termite swarmers emerge on warm sunny days when the humidity is high. Formosan Subterranean Termite swarmers swarm in the early evening.</font></div>
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<br /><div><font face="Arial">Termites require specific environmental conditions to survive. The soil in which they live provide these two important conditions, moisture and mud. While subterranean termites have preferences in the type of wood they eat, they will eat anything made of cellouse material. The Eastern Subterranean Termite prefers slash and loblolly pine, while the Formosan Subterranean Termite prefers sugar maple, slash and loblolly pine. The condition of the wood is also important. Decayed wood is eaten faster and preferred over sound wood. The average mature colony of Eastern Subterranean Termites contains about 60,000 to 1 million workers, while the Formosan Subterranean Termite colonly contains 350,000 to 2 million workers. Each termite can consume up to 3% of their body weight daily.</font></div>
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<br /><div></div></div>Georgia Bug Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219884179260697062noreply@blogger.com0