TERMITE FACTS
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Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents
  1. How can I tell the difference between ants and termites?
  2. What do termites feed on?
  3. How can I tell if termites have attacked my home?
  4. Where are termites found in the United States?

  You can also see the following publication by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TERMITE APPLICATIONS

MORE INFO ON   "The Formosan subterranean termites "                      

How can I tell the difference between ants, termites and carpenter ants?

  1. Ants have a slim or "pinched" waist where termites have a broad waist.
     

  2. Ants have two pairs of transparent wings of unequal size; termites have four equal-sized wings. (Both types have wings during mating season only)
     

graphic of a termite      graphic of a carpenter ant
       Ant and termite without wings             Termite with four equal-sized wings        Carpenter ant

 

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What do termites feed on?

  1. The principal food source of termites is cellulose, obtained from wood and other plant products.
     

  2. Termites can feed on wooden buildings, utility poles, fence posts, etc.
     

  3. Termites also feed on paper, fiberboard, including books, newspapers and fabrics.

 
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How can I tell if termites have attacked my home?

  1. Many times one of the signs are "shelter tubes" that termites have built from the ground across the foundation to attack the wooden structures of your house.  These earthen tubes are built by the termites to prevent them from the drying effects of air.
     

  2. Large numbers of winged termites (adults) swarming is another sign of a termite infestation.  Always look for discarded termite wings near doors or windows since they are attracted to light.
     

  3. If you suspect termites, call a certified professional pest control company who will do an inspection and verify termite infestation.

 
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Where are termites found in the United States?

  1. Termites can be found throughout the United States.
     

  2. Although several species of termites occur in the U.S., most damage is caused by the subterranean species.
     

  3. Termites also feed on paper, fiberboard, including books, newspapers and fabrics.

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The Formosan subterranean termite

Formosan subterranean termite photo
Adults worker (top), soldier (bottom) - Gerald J. Lenhard

 
bullet The Formosan subterranean termite is the most destruc- tive insect in Louisiana. It can cause major structural damage to a home in six months and almost complete destruction in two years.
bullet

Formosan termite colonies can reach population sizes of over 10 million individual termites.
bullet Formosan termites aggressively forage for food and have been found as far as 100 yards away from the main nest.
bullet They will repeatedly test chemical barriers and find ways to penetrate breaches in the treated soil.
bullet Formosan termites build large nests within the walls and other enclosed spaces within a structure.  These nests serve as residence for millions of individual termites and as reservoirs of moisture to sustain the colony during dry periods.
bullet They are also very good at finding additional above ground sources of moisture.  Common sources of moisture are roof leaks, window frames, bathtubs and showers.
You may be giving termites the moisture they need each time you bath.
bullet Once established within a building these nests are difficult to destroy and drastic measures must be taken to eliminate them.   Treatment options include: physical removal of the nests by opening the walls, wall treatments with aerosol or foam termiticide applications, or whole house fumigation.

Eastern subterranean termites

Area of Distribution: The Eastern subterranean termite is the most common and widely distributed termite in the USA, commonly found from southern Ontario, in all eastern states of the USA including Texas.

AREAS OF HIGH RISK IN NEW JERSEY include Asbury Park, Atlantic, Bayonne, Beachwood, Bellmawr, Bergenfield, Bound Brook, Bridgeton-NJ, Brigantine, Camden-NJ, Carteret, Cliffside Park, Clifton, Collingswood, Dover-NJ, Dumont, East Orange, Eaton, Elizabeth-NJ, Elmwood Park-NJ, Englewood-NJ, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Florham Park, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Freehold, Garfield, Glassboro, Glen Rock, Gloucester-NJ, Guttenberg, Hackensack, Hacketts, Haddonfield, Hammonton, Harrison-NJ, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne-NJ, Highland Park-NJ, Hillsdale, Hoboken, Hopatcong, Jersey, Keansburg, Kearny, Lincoln Park-NJ, Linden, Lindenwold, Little Ferry, Lodi-NJ, Long Branch, Madison-NJ, Manville, Metuchen, Middlesex, Millville, Morris-NJ, Newark-NJ, New Brunswick, New Milford, New Providence, North Arlington, North Plainfield, Oakland-NJ, Ocean, Palisades Park, Paramus, Passaic, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Phillipsburg, Pine Hill, Plainfield-NJ, Pleasantville, Point Pleasant, Pompton Lakes, Princeton, Rahway, Ramsey-NJ, Red Bank-NJ, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood, Ringwood, River Edge, Roselle-NJ, Roselle Park, Rutherford, Sayreville, Secaucus, Somers Point, Somerville-NJ, South Plainfield, South River, Summit, Tenafly, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Trenton-NJ, Union-NJ, Ventnor, Vineland, Wallington, Wanaque, Westfield-NJ, West New York, West Paterson, Westwood and Woodbury-NJ.

(Published by the Fumapest Group )

Pesticide Bureau - Consumer Information Bulletin
INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TERMITE APPLICATIONS
 

The Pesticide Bureau of the Department of Food and Agriculture requires that pest control operators provide this bulletin to all persons who want their property treated for termites. The bulletin must be provided before an application is made, or before a contract is signed. The bulletin is intended to inform consumers of issues related to termite applications.

1-Q: What pesticides are used to control termites and how are they applied?
A: Pesticides that control termites are called termiticides. In Massachusetts, there are many termiticides registered. Each may contain one of several different ingredients. Termiticides are most often incorporated into the soil around and under buildings. Since
termites travel through soil, this forms a protective barrier around the structure. This type of termite treatment is referred to as a subsurface application.

2-Q: Can homeowners make subsurface applications of termiticides themselves?
A: No. Although most termiticides contain pesticides that are also found in household products, much larger amounts of pesticides are used with subsurface applications. Specialized application equipment-is also needed. In Massachusetts, the sale and use of termiticides labeled for subsurface application is restricted to specially trained professionals who are licensed through the Pesticide Bureau.

3-Q: What health risks do termiticides pose?
A: All chemicals, including pesticides, are toxic to some degree. The key to avoiding possible health effects is to limit exposure to the chemical as much as possible. Label directions are designed to limit exposure to a point where the risk is minimal. Additional precautions can also be taken, such as vacating the area for 2-4 hours after the application, and ventilating. These precautions are particularly important when persons who may be sensitive to chemicals are present in buildings being treated. Sensitive individuals may include children, elderly, asthmatics, etc.

4-Q: Will there be an odor after the application?
A: There may be. Odors may follow the application and last for several days or more, and then dissipate. Odor from applications will dissipate faster if the treatment areas are ventilated. If an odor persists, contact your applicator.

5-Q: What concerns are there with termite applications?
A: The main concern with subsurface termite applications, is that the pesticide will accidentally be introduced into an area where it should not be. There are two particular concerns:
(1) Cracks in the foundation may allow significant amounts of pesticide to enter the basement: For applications being made around the outside of your foundation, it is important that there are no visible cracks or holes in the foundation. If your foundation has cracks or holes, they must be filled with mortar or other suitable material, in order to prevent significant leakage. If the cracks can not be filled, then the applicators must remove soil to form a trench, treat the removed soil above ground, and replace it in the trench.
(2) When a pesticide is being injected beneath concrete slab foundations, it may accidentally be introduced into heating ducts contained within the slab. The location of subslab heating ducts must be located before a pesticide can be injected beneath the slab. If locations of subslab heating ducts cannot be determined, then pesticide may not be injected through the slab.

6-Q: How can I check to make sure the application is done properly?
A: Make sure you have a licensed applicator performing the job. Ask to see the their license, and check the expiration date to make sure it is current. The applicator should also be certified in category 43 (termite control) or under the direct supervision of someone who is certified in
this category. Supervising applicators do not have to be on the job site, but they must be readily available to the person applying the termiticide. If the applicator is not certified, ask for the name and license number of the certified applicator who is supervising the job.

7-Q: What if I have a well?
A: Termiticides are relatively immobile in soil. However if there is a well within close proximity to the treatment area, consult with your applicator. If soil in the area to be treated is saturated due to flooding, rain, etc the application cannot be made at that time.

8-Q: What if I Have A Garden Next To My House?
A: As a measure of safety, vegetable gardens should not be located in treated soil. Vegetable gardens should be located at least five feet away from the treated foundation.

9-Q: Are there other methods for controlling termites?
A: Yes. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques may be available. Discuss IPM methods with your applicator.


If you have questions or concerns about pesticide applications please contact your applicator. For additional information, contact the Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626 1700.
 

 

 

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Last modified: 07/10/07