Termites

Flying ants and swarming termites are often difficult to tell apart. Ants have elbowed antennae, while termites have relatively straight, bead-like antennae. Flying ants have two pairs of wings, but one pair is much larger than the other.
Termites have two pairs of wings that are of almost equal length. See (Fig 1.) The thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist, while the thorax of the termite is broadly joined. When seen in homes and buildings, termites are much smaller than this illustration. Regardless of whether you see ants or termites, you should have the situation evaluated by a qualified pest control specialist.

Termites and Termite Damage

Termites can seriously damage the structure of a house or building. Years ago, it was considered sufficient to have only a termite inspection performed before purchasing real estate. If there was no evidence of an active termite infestation, it was assumed that the building had no termite damage or structural damage. In some cases, there was serious termite damage to the structure of the building.
In addition to the pre-purchase inspection by an Engineer, have a termite inspection performed by a qualified termite control specialist.

This specialist can recommend treatment options to control an existing termite infestation. A qualified termite control specialist can also recommend control options to help prevent future termite infestations.

A qualified termite control specialist cannot assess the structural impact of termite damage. You need a licensed Professional Engineer to assess the structural impact of any termite damage. The Engineer will evaluate the structural impact of any accessible and observable termite damage in the home or building. If repairs are needed, the expense analysis in the engineering report can help you understand the expenses and negotiate the purchase price.

Termite control specialists and Engineers look differently at termite evidence. Engineers look for the impact of the termites and termite damage, particularly if the damage is structural. A termite control specialist is looking at the need for treatment.

For these reasons, it is strongly recommend that you have the house checked for termites by both a licensed Professional Engineer and a termite control specialist. This maximizes your chances of finding any termite activity and related structural damage. You should also obtain a warranty against future termite activity from the termite control specialist.

Damaged wood

Damaged wood

Damaged Wood

Control Management

Premise ... Termite Elimination Termiticide

Premise was first released for use in the public arena in the USA more than 7 years ago – it is the original non-repellant termiticide (discussed below). Premise has since built a solid reputation as a reliable long term termite control product with virtually no serious problems encountered in the market place.

Premise termite control termiticide from Bayer Environmental Science provides immediate protection from termites like no other product. Termites are eliminated as they ingest or contact Premise in a treated soil area around the perimeter of a building or other timber structure. Premise has delivered reliable elimination of termite problems in more than 1 million homes in the USA.

Premise ... Treated Soil Zones

The installation of a Premise treated soil zone requires expert knowledge and specialized equipment to form a complete and continuous barrier to protect the building from a termite entry and infestation - as illustrated below:

Trench and treat soil around external concrete slab edge	Trench and treat soil around walls and piers in the sub-floor area	Treatment of soil along / around the external perimeter
Drill concrete floor along expansion joints and cracks, and treat soil there-under	Drill concrete floor around pipes and treat soil there-under	Drill concrete patio areas and treat soil area therein - a high risk termite nest location

Premise works quite differently from other termiticide soil treatment products which are designed to repel or keep termites away from a treated soil area, rather than killing them.

With "repellant" termiticides, any minute gap in the treated soil can be detected and exploited by the termites to gain entry in the building. This is a major short-coming of the old-fashioned termite control alternatives, far too often, with financially disastrous consequences.

Termites cannot detect the Premise chemical as it has no odor, taste or smell to the termites.

If you have termites in your property, we recommend you discuss the problem with the neighbors. Obviously, several homes close by each other with a Premise treated soil barrier, will greatly increase the chances of successful termite control, for the benefit all concerned, excepting the termites.  

Carpenter Ant Termite

Fig 1.

Live Termites

Termite Mud Tubes

Termite damaged wood