Subterranean is the most common type of termite. They work 24 hours
a day and are usually found while doing remodeling or repairs. Large
swarms of winged insects around the home are the most obvious signs.
Swarming occurs when reproductive male and female termites exit the
colony and attempt to build a new colony. Termites swarm at various
times according to geographic regions, species type and weather
conditions, but mostly in early spring . Most common times for swarming are midday, often on sunny
days and/or after rain. Formosan termites are an exception, they swarm
in the evening.
Other signs to
watch for include:
-
Dead termites or wings around windows,
doors, bathtubs and sinks
-
Mud tubes on walls outside or inside the
structure
-
Damaged wood. Termites eat from inside the
wood out. "hollow- sounding" wood should be inspected
There are two
methods for treating subterranean termites. The first method is the earth-friendly
Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. This system
provides proven long term protection from subterranean termites by
eliminating the termite colony.
Sentricon®
Termite Colony Elimination System:
-
Stations containing wood
monitoring devices are installed in the ground around the structure.

-
Once the termites begin to feed on the
wood, they are collected and transferred into tubes with a toxic
bait. The tubes are then placed back into the ground. Termites tunnel
out and recruit other termites in the colony to feed on the bait.
-
As the bait goes to work the termites begin
to die off.
Eventually the colony is
eliminated.
The second method is a chemical injection treatment with Termidor®.
Once the termites have been located and
the extent of their activity is determined, the application program
will begin. Termidor® is a liquid, applied with water, and the
most effective way of spreading it is through small trenches, dug along
the foundation line of your home. The entire Termidor®
application program is typically completed within hours. Within
about 3 months, your entire treated area will be 100% termite free.
All our termite work is guaranteed for one year from the initial
service date. The warranty may be extended on an annual basis for a fee
and term length which is determined on the original contract. The
warranty ensures that Couch's will return and re-treat as needed for
your specific termite issue at no additional charge as long as the
warranty is current and in effect.