Understanding Pest Control:
Common Questions
In this section, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our pest control services. Whether you're unsure about the type of pests we handle, the safety of our treatments, or how to schedule an appointment, you’ll find helpful information here. If you have any questions that aren’t listed, feel free to contact us directly — we’re always happy to assist you!
Drywood termites are a species of termites known for infesting and damaging wood. Unlike subterranean termites, which typically nest in the soil and construct mud tubes to access above-ground food sources, drywood termites do not require contact with soil. Instead, they establish their colonies directly within the wood they infest.
After you have vacated your home, large tarps will envelop your entire house. All doors to your home will be secured to prevent unauthorized entry. Once tented, the warning agent (chloropicrin) is released into the home to help ensure that all people and pets have vacated.The fumigant ‘Vikane’ will be introduced into the tented house to eradicate the target pest (usually Drywood Termites). When fumigation is completed, the tarps are removed and your home is aerated and a sensitive gas detection device will be used to ensure that your home is safe for occupancy.
Our Sales Consultant will go over your Interior and Exterior Preparation and will leave you with detailed instruction.
Sentricon colony elimination system with (always active) technology
First Year Features
- Ground termite monitoring stations are installed approximately 8-10 feet apart wherever possible. The stations will be outfitted with the always active termite baits.
- Monitoring station will be inspected once every two months until ground termite activity occurs. Once ground termite activity is present in the monitoring stations, Xtermco Inc will:
a. Insert more bait tubes into the monitoring station/s that have ground termite activity as needed
b. Active stations are monitored approximately every 30 days until the activity stops
c. When the activity stops, the stations will be monitored once every two months - Above grade stations or topical treatment will be provided to areas in the structure where there are active ground termites.
- The bait stations will be inspected by highly trained Sentricon technicians fully authorized by DowAgroSciences.
- A report of the building will be provided to the owner. The report will contain the following pertinent information:
a. A map of all bait station locations
b. A report after each check with the following information:
i. Date of the check
ii. Observations and recommendations if necessary
iii. Status of each bait station (active or inactive)
You will find sand-like droppings for drywood termites and mud tubes for ground termites. If you see these, call for a free evaluation.
Not necessarily. During the months of April through October, termites form their wings and swarm out of their colony to start new ones. They may be swarming from the outside and finding their way into your home.
Drywwod termites will kick out a pellet-like dropping from a tiny hole, while ground termites leave a mud tube with no pellets like droppings.
For drywood termite you either fumigate the home or spot treat the active areas. For ground termites you can fumigate the home, however, at 4x the dosage. We recommend the Sentricon Colony elimination program.
The liquid treatment creates a barrier around areas where the ground termites can enter your home. It kills the termites that come in contact with the treated areas.
The Sentricon system is a station placed in the ground around your home's perimeter and monitored every 2 months. The stations have a growth regulator that the termites bring back and affect the entire colony.
Fumigation is done when you see droppings. Ground treatment is pro-active, done every 5 years.
Every job is different and involves an evaluation to determine the best recommendation and cost for you.
Ground or subterranean termites
Swarming termites are winged reproductives that eventually pair up and start new colonies. By looking at the wings, the dry wood termites have a rainbow sheen to their wings.
No, tenting is the method used to eradicate dry wood termites.
Ants have narrow waists, and termites do not.
Ants have elbowed antennas, termites have straight-beaded antennas
The active ingredient in Sentricon is Noveflumeron a growth regulator (IGR). It stops the termites from molting, so they are unable to grow, and as a result, they die.