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A special division of Killroy Pest Control
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If you have noticed flying insects, (that look like ants), they could be termites. Subterranean termites swarm in the fall and the spring. They most commonly appear after it rains and the sun comes out. Dry wood termites swarm in the hotter months and late summer.
You may notice some termite pellets, similar in appearance to salt and pepper, which are actually the dry wood frass or droppings. With subterranean termites, you may notice a small dirt tube coming from the soil. Termites can cause significant damage to homes if the problem isn't addressed. Our homes and business properties are typically the largest investments we make, and they need to be protected.
A special division of Killroy Pest Control
Click for information on alternative natural pest control services
Every 2 to 4 years depending on age and condition of home. Many companies sell annual inspections, but this is really more than most people need in our area
In a full inspection, we inspect all the structure that we can access without damaging, defacing, or moving anything. Inaccessible parts of the structure are noted on the report. A limited inspection is generally one particular area where the homeowner has noted or suspects damage, and is useful only for identification and estimate purposes.
Sooner or later almost every home in our area eventually gets attacked by termites. Subterranean, Drywood, and Dampwood termites all occur in the Bay Area. Subterranean termites nest in the soil, and can be prevented by applying a termiticide to the soil around the foundation of the home. Drywood termites enter directly into wood and have no requirement for soil contact.
Fumigators take great pains to avoid any of the fumigant getting confined in nearby buildings. Measurements with a sensitive gas monitoring device show that the gas dissipates very rapidly when not confined under the tarp. In addition, the warning agent "Chloropicrin" (tear gas) is introduced to the structure being fumigated to help determine if any improvements to the seal of the tarp is needed. Tear gas is intolerable well below levels that are toxic. While highly lethal at levels under the tarp, the fumigant Vikane® leaves no residue behind after the proper aeration of the structure.
Typically 3 days.
Remove anything alive (Pets, plants, people!), as well as unprotected foods and medicines not in airtight bags. Canned goods and unopened glass bottles are fine. Corked wine bottles should be removed. You will be given an "Occupants Fumigation Notice" listing all the things that you should remove or bag.
The gas (Vikane) leaves no residue on dishes, furniture, clothing, or anything else in the home. The gas dissipates quickly, and fumigators use sensitive equipment to "clear" the structure for re-occupancy. When you return home, virtually no gas remains, and secondary locks and warning signs will have been removed.
Fumigation will kill most pests in your house. Vikane is not 100% effective on insect eggs at rates used for termites. A higher dosage is used for killing bed bugs.
Fumigation kills the termites presently in your home. Killroy does guarantee our fumigations for 4 years, as it generally takes several years for termites to become a problem again in your house. This is why we recommend an inspection every 2 to 4 years to keep your home protected.