Our well is six feet from the front of our home. Is it safe to use Termidor
SC with our well being so close to our home .Also is it pet friendly.
Thank you
Harry Leitheiser
Ph. 610 9290794
Flying Ants vs Termites
When reports of termite swarms start appearing on TV, radio and newspapers, property owners become acutely aware of every flying insect they see.
When the weather changes and things begin to turn green the world comes alive with newly hatched insects of all varieties. That, of course, makes the phone ring off the hook in pest control offices across the country. The calls pour in with reports of flying ant-like insects or from people claiming they have termites. The fear can be heard in the callers’ voices. They need us to check their homes right now.
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Step one in properly identifying a termite is to capture one undamaged. Don’t crush, smash or otherwise make it unrecognizable. Collect it in a small bottle and add a drop of nail polish remover to kill the insect.
Step two is to examine its body to determine if it is an ant or termite. This is easy. Ants have three clearly defined body segments. There is no guessing. There is clearly a head, clearly a middle (thorax) and clearly a bottom (abdomen). Ants have an obvious pinched waist whereas termites do not. Ants also have bent antennae whereas termites have straight antennae.
Step three is to look at the wings. Ant wings are clear and veins are plainly visible. Termite wings, if they have not fallen off, are not clear and the veins are not obvious. Termite wings are milky in color. They are not bright white, but sort of a gray-white color.
That’s it! There is no other magic involved. Use a magnifying glass to confirm your findings. This simple lesson can save you from the heart failure you were about to bring upon yourself when you first found those little winged critters. Now you can make an informed decision.
Comments
Harry Leitheiser
04 Apr 2008, 15:08
04 Apr 2008, 15:08
Ask The Exterminator
07 Apr 2008, 10:06
07 Apr 2008, 10:06
I would not use any liquid termiticide with a well so near the house. Your
situation is perfect for termite baits. Liquids are not supposed to
translocate (move in the soil), but I can tell you from personal experience
that they can.
I am a firm believer in termite baits and specifically Sentricon baits. Dow AgroSciences has invested far more in research than any other termite bait manufacturer, regardless of what claims you hear. Sentricon baits cost pest management companies more to use because of the Dow licensing arrangement, but I feel it is worth it. Not all pest management companies feel the same, however. One very large national pest control company switched from Sentricon to another brand. It saved them millions of dollars, but their customers no longer get the protection that was originally promised.
Dow AgroSciences requires users of its Sentricon product to check in ground stations no less than three times a year. Reports are electronically sent back to Dow to confirm the checks have been done. All that labor to check stations costs money. Other bait manufacturers do not mandate timely inspections, but the customer is not getting the bang for their buck. It is not difficult to figure out. In ground bait stations must be monitored for termite activity. If you don't monitor the stations, how do you know when to replace the bait. Get it?
All termite baits are pet friendly. Liquid baits are supposed to be injected into the ground. So, they should be pet friendly, as long as puddles of pesticide are not left sitting on top of the soil.
I am a firm believer in termite baits and specifically Sentricon baits. Dow AgroSciences has invested far more in research than any other termite bait manufacturer, regardless of what claims you hear. Sentricon baits cost pest management companies more to use because of the Dow licensing arrangement, but I feel it is worth it. Not all pest management companies feel the same, however. One very large national pest control company switched from Sentricon to another brand. It saved them millions of dollars, but their customers no longer get the protection that was originally promised.
Dow AgroSciences requires users of its Sentricon product to check in ground stations no less than three times a year. Reports are electronically sent back to Dow to confirm the checks have been done. All that labor to check stations costs money. Other bait manufacturers do not mandate timely inspections, but the customer is not getting the bang for their buck. It is not difficult to figure out. In ground bait stations must be monitored for termite activity. If you don't monitor the stations, how do you know when to replace the bait. Get it?
All termite baits are pet friendly. Liquid baits are supposed to be injected into the ground. So, they should be pet friendly, as long as puddles of pesticide are not left sitting on top of the soil.
Patricia
03 May 2008, 15:30
03 May 2008, 15:30
Thank you.I'm fairly confident that what I have is flying ants and some
sort of beetle(brown color)yet to be identified.Any suggestions on how to
rid home of these insects.
Ask The Exterminator
04 May 2008, 08:13
04 May 2008, 08:13
Proper identification is the trick to fast and full control. Treating all
ants equally often results in frustration. Some ants typically nest in
trees while others perfer to nest under sidewalks. Still others nest in
leaf clutter or under mulch.
You need to collect a few of the ants in a small bottle and take them to someone who can give you an accurate identification. Once you know exactly what you are dealing with you can either research that ant on the internet or call a professional in to do the job for you.
Many so-called pest control professionals don't take the time to do a proper identification and treat all ants the same. Check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a professional exterminator.
You need to collect a few of the ants in a small bottle and take them to someone who can give you an accurate identification. Once you know exactly what you are dealing with you can either research that ant on the internet or call a professional in to do the job for you.
Many so-called pest control professionals don't take the time to do a proper identification and treat all ants the same. Check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a professional exterminator.
Barbara
19 Jul 2008, 23:42
19 Jul 2008, 23:42
Now that it is raining so much I am finding all types of insects in my home
and garage. I have found cockroaches, tiny black ants, bigger ants, flying
ants - I was able to identify thanks to your article, and spiders. I have
small children and pets in the home. What is the safest way to get rid of
all these insects?
Ask The Exterminator
20 Jul 2008, 11:29
20 Jul 2008, 11:29
Each of these pests you mention come from different sources. Cockroaches,
ants and spiders are present for different food sources. Each one requires
a knowledge of the insect, an understanding of their habits and food
choices. Keep doing your studying and learn what you need to correct to
discourage these pests from invading your home.