I had a swarm of what I thought were flying ants in my home, and a friend told me that they might have been termites. How can I tell the difference?

Termites are often confused with ants. However, a few simple characteristics can distinguish the two. Termite swarmers have a broad waist, straight antennae and both wings are the same size. Ants have a thin, pinched waist, elbowed antennae and their hind wings are smaller than their front wings.

When is the best time to treat for termites?

The best time to treat is before termites infest a structure. Termite control is not a one-time treatment but rather an ongoing process. A control plan should be in place to avoid an infestation and damage repair costs.

How do termites get into my house?

Homes and other buildings provide termites with an ideal combination of warmth, moisture and food sources. Termites can find a way to enter your house that you would never think of. They are small enough to gain entry into hidden areas of basements, crawlspaces and concrete slabs, through openings as small as 1/32nd of an inch. A loose mortar joint, a small space around a drain pipe or a settlement crack in the basement is all they need to gain entry into your home.

What advice can you give to prevent a termite infestation from occurring at my house?

Preventative action makes good sense in any high termite pressure area, and you should consider having a professional at Home Pest Control inspect and implement a termite control program. However, there are some mechanical measures that any homeowner can follow to help prevent an infestation:

• Remove all wood debris from around and under your home.
• Since termites need moisture to survive, grade the soil around your foundation so it carries water away from the house. Maintain gutters and downspouts
• Create at least 18" clearance between the bottom of the wood floor joists and soil in crawlspace
• Break all wood-to-ground contacts such as some that support porches, stairs and decks. Set wood posts on concrete pads, so that they do not have contact with the ground
• Ventilate the crawlspace to reduce and eliminate high moisture conditions
• Use pressure treated wood where wood will come into contact with the ground
• Repair any plumbing leaks

How do roaches get into my house?

Roaches can enter through cracks and crevices such as around windows, doors and plumbing, but they often enter by way of shipped packages, groceries, soft-drink cases, used appliances, rugs and furniture.

Is it possible to get rid of roaches forever?

Roaches can be eliminated, but reinfestation can occur, depending on the species and where your home is located. The types of roaches in our area will continually attempt to enter structures, so it is important that your home be treated on a regular preventative program.

How do I know if the products that a pest control company is using are safe?

First, verify that any company that you hire is reputable, licensed and well-trained to ensure that they are knowledgeable and responsible in handling pesticides. Pesticides can be used responsibly with little or no impact on people, pets or plants if they are applied in accordance with labeled directions. IF you have specific health concerns, ask your pest control company for copies of the label, which contains information on the active ingredients, the level of toxicity and other information that you can discuss with your doctor. Home Pest Control only uses environmentally-sensitive, EPA registered products.

What is the best way to rid my home of pharaoh ants?

Any residual treatment applied to control pharaoh ants only makes the problem worse. Residual treatments cause colonies to split into two or more colonies. Pharaoh ants can only be controlled by use of ant baits. Call on Home Pest Control's experienced professionals who understand the Pharaoh ant's habits and biology and can rid your home of these pesky creatures

Do rodents pose any danger to my family or home?

Yes. Rodents can damage structures, chew wiring and cause electrical fires. They also contaminate human food with their urine and carry many diseases that are harmful to humans.

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