If you've wondered how difficult it is getting rid of termites, consider this: the same bugs responsible for silently chewing through wood, wallpaper, flooring, and furniture today have been around since dinosaurs walked the earth more than 120 million years ago. They're resilient, they're perseverant, and they can destroy a home. Termites are responsible for an estimated 5 billion dollars of damage to buildings in the United States every year.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the property damage caused by termites
outranks that caused by fire, hurricanes, and tornados combined.
The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University lists termites as the single most destructive insect for homes in the United States. A single colony can have as many as a million members. Feasting on wood, cardboard, and paper, a termite colony can consume more than 5 grams of wood each day. The CDC also warns that as the insects search for food, they may also destroy materials they don't plan on consuming, such as plastic-covered electric cable. That can cause power outages and even fires. They also break through hairline cracks in walls and floors, slowly breaking down the joints of a home.
Rutgers says the name "termite" itself refers to the insects' habit of nesting within the ground. They look similar to ants but are white, with large wings in the front and back of their bodies. Similar to ants and bees, the bugs maintain a caste structure – with a king and queen, soldiers, and workers. The last of which dig tunnels and look for food to feed the colony. Each termite can live for several years.
The Environmental Protection Agency says most people have no idea termites have made their way into a building until a swarm is seen, or extensive damage is revealed during construction. The EPA says the treatment options for termite control like chemical application, baits, and barrier treatment must be done by a licensed pest management professional, and the researchers at Rutgers say termites will not go away without treatment by a trained and licensed professional with the necessary equipment. Anyone who is not trained to take the necessary precautions in the treatment can contaminate the home and any nearby water wells.
Proper treatment can remain effective for more than half a decade. Chemical treatment can provide immediate protection for your building and is a cost-effective way to remediate the problem.
LBI Pest Control are experienced, licensed professionals. We will do a thorough inspection of your home or business and provide a detailed plan of action, along with an upfront estimate of the cost, so you aren't blindsided. We use the best possible exterminating chemical available, Termidor, to make sure the entire termite colony is wiped out and has no chance of returning. The EPA requires over 100 different scientific tests for termite-specific pesticides before going to the market, and Termidor is hands down the most effective. Call LBI Pest Control today to schedule your inspection. We're a New Jersey company serving New Jersey people. We also offer inspections for real estate transactions and pre-treatments for commercial construction.