Harper Pest Control Blog

Learn from a certified pest expert is the best way to ensure your home is free from pests.
CALL USGET A QUOTE

How To Treat Subterranean Termites

Of all termite species, subterranean termites have the potential to do the most harm. These termites create specialized tunnels to access food sources and shield themselves from the elements.

Published:  
January 2, 2023
Written By:  
Thomas Harper
How To Treat Subterranean Termites

They consume wood continuously by biting off tiny pieces of wood one at a time with their saw-toothed mouths. These can seriously harm a building's structure over time, occasionally leading to a complete collapse. So, here are some suggestions for treating subterranean termites.

Use Baits

It's possible to monitor termite activity early on before infestations flare up using termite baiting, which is a relatively easy technique. The termites consume the bait and return it to the colony to kill as many termites as they can.

Additionally, termite baiting systems impact the entire termite colony, resulting in the death of the whole territory by suppressing the termite population. When used with a barrier or soil treatment, installing bait stations around your property offers excellent control.

Use Termiticide Barriers

These traditional termite treatments are used to build a barrier around the outside of your home. Since termites cannot detect the termiticide, they don't try to avoid it. A termite will perish if it consumes items treated with termiticide.

Additionally, termiticide works by dispersing like a virus. One termite will unknowingly spread the termiticide to other termites, infecting them and eventually destroying the colony when it comes into contact with it.

Use Termidor Foam

This method is ideal if you see a termite and want to eliminate it immediately. Termite-hiding areas like cracks, gaps, and crevices are best treated with Termidor Foam. When the odorless foam expands and evaporates, it leaves behind a poisonous residue that termites will come into contact with. This process lasts a month or longer.

Use Beneficial Nematodes

Although these parasitic roundworms are tiny, they are strong termite hunters. A few days after entering a termite, beneficial nematodes harm their host. Even better, many other garden pests are naturally parasitized by these organisms. If termites are a problem in your outdoor spaces, you can eliminate the infestation by sprinkling potting soil, water, and helpful nematodes over the troubled areas.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Due to its effectiveness, Diatomaceous earth is frequently suggested as a pest management method. Despite appearing powdered, this substance is abrasive and damages termites' outer shells, leading to dehydration and eventual death. 

It would be best never to use diatomaceous earth without a mask since it can harm the lungs. Use daily by sprinkling a small layer over affected areas. You can also regularly sprinkle diatomaceous earth at the base of your house or other structures to prevent infestations.

Conclusion

Subterranean Termites are dangerous if left untreated. These tenacious pests can quickly destroy your home's foundation, which will be a big problem. If you encounter these in your home and can't treat them, it is time to ask for professional help. Just contact Harper Pest Control for more information and assistance. Rest assured that we will provide the best service in treating your termite problems at home. Contact us now!

Get a Free Quote

CALL USGET A QUOTEOUR SERVICE

Rat Pest Control Techniques In Residential Areas

Mice and rats are typical infiltrators of homes and businesses; once inside, they are tough to eradicate. While an infestation of both is unusual, mice and rats can cause similar property damage and pose similar health risks, including the spread of hantavirus and salmonella. Because of these numerous health dangers, taking precautions against rodents is critical.

Published:  
December 26, 2022
Written By:  
Thomas Harper
Rat Pest Control Techniques In Residential Areas

How Do Mice and Rats Look?

We've put together an explanation of how to distinguish these two species different to assist you in immediately recognizing a rodent infestation. Mice are the smaller of the two when fully grown, and they frequently have huge ears and lengthy tails in proportion to their bodies. Rats are larger in proportion to their body, with smaller ears and shorter, scaly tails. Another significant difference is that mice have more pointed faces, while rats have blunter faces.

Why Are Rodents Entering Your Home?

Rodents are drawn to a property for various reasons, including food, water, and shelter. Mice and rats prefer easy access to food and water sources, and because humans leave a lot of food behind, living near humans can help rodents thrive. So, you can assist in lessening the chance of a mouse infestation by addressing underlying moisture and hygiene issues by doing the following:

  • Keeping kitchens clean by wiping up food and drink spills, washing dishes often, and mopping regularly.
  • Removing decaying fruits and veggies from your property.
  • Putting lids on outdoor garbage cans and regularly taking out interior trash.
  • Repairing faulty plumbing and utilizing dehumidifiers to address moisture concerns around your property.
  • Storing pet food in airtight containers so rodents cannot enter.

7 Ways to Keep Rodents Away

The other key reason rodents enter a property is to find shelter. So, while addressing the conditions that attract rats is vital, eliminating entry points might further repel them. Follow these seven methods to keep mice and rats out of your home or business:

  • Fill any cracks in the building's walls and foundation.
  • Examine the regions beneath decks and even woodpiles to ensure no accessways exist.
  • Check for broken screens in doors and windows.
  • Install weatherstripping and door sweeps around your home.
  • Using steel wool and caulk, repair access points around pipes and utilities.
  • Check that the doors and windows fit snugly in their frames.
  • Keep firewood away from the outside of any structures.

Controlling Mouse and Rat Infestations

Trapping and baiting are two strategies for getting rid of mice and rats. Use snap-style traps, which are meant to kill rats instantly. When baiting, utilize tamper-resistant bait stations that keep the baits in place while keeping youngsters and pets out. Place traps or bait along common pathways where droppings and gnaw marks can be found. Paths are commonly made of ledges, fence rails, and foundations. Close all holes along your exterior with rodent-proofing products. Pay close attention to the doors, windows, and vents.

Conclusion

Rodent pest problems occur all year. Being proactive about your rodent pest problems can significantly improve your quality of life. Contact Harper Pest Control to treat existing pests, create an effective pest barrier around your home, and maintain it with regular treatments. We can design a rodent management plan that is tailored to your unique situation. If you notice rodent activity in or around your home, contact us today for immediate assistance.

Get a Free Quote

CALL USGET A QUOTEOUR SERVICE

Reasons Why Termites Are Described As Social Insects

Before I tell you why and how termites are called social insects, I'd like you to think about it rationally before I tell you the facts. When discussing social interaction, we refer to the relationship between two organisms. As you may recall, termites usually travel in groups, which is why they are social insects. So, what do they have in common, or why do they move in groups that we call social insects?

Published:  
December 19, 2022
Written By:  
Thomas Harper
Reasons Why Termites Are Described As Social Insects

The Colony of Termites

Each termite has hundreds, thousands, or even millions of siblings in a nest or colony. In reality, the termite colony is a large extended family. A "caste system" governs the functional roles of various groups of people within this family.

The worker caste is the most numerous. It is entirely made up of immatures, both males and females. All of the hard work in the colony is done by these wingless, soft-bodied individuals, including cleaning, maintaining, and repairing the nest, gathering food and water, caring for the young, and constructing new tunnels and galleries as the colony grows.

The soldier caste is smaller in number but much larger in stature than the worker caste. They lack wings as well but have large heads with powerful jaws. Their job is to guard the nest and protect it from ants and other intruders. Soldiers in some species lack jaws but have a large gland in the head that shoots defensive chemicals through a nozzle at the front of the head. Because the soldiers cannot care for themselves, the workers must feed and groom them.

The reproductive caste always includes a king (male) and a queen (female), the termite family's parents, and the colony's founders. Some species also have supplemental reproductives that help with egg laying. These are the colony's only adult insects. As the family grows, the queen lays many eggs, which develop into more workers and soldiers.

Why Are Termites Called Social Insects?

They Live In Colonies As A Group

Termites live in colonies. There is rarely a single isolated termite wandering around on its own. Because they live in communities, they share many things in common. And because they have so many things in common, they are known as social insects because they spend their entire lives socializing with one another in everything they do.

They Have An Effective Labor Division

They must share the functions of the community for efficient functioning because they must live a social lifestyle. The caste system refers to the division among social insects such as termites. For example, there are queens, soldiers, winged reproductives, and kings.

Caste Specialization In Both Structure And Function

This is still consistent with the previously mentioned division of labor. They have structural modifications that allow them to perform their highly specialized functions. Soldiers, for example, have specialized structures that help defend the colony from the enemy. The winged reproductives are designed for reproduction.

Conclusion

Social insects have developed a highly specialized structure that enables them to perform various functions. Understanding the termite colony and its social structure is the first step in learning how they can be managed. At Harper Pest Control, we aim to ensure that your home or business remains safe from termites and other pests. If you have questions about your termite control program or want to schedule a free inspection, please contact us today.

Get a Free Quote

CALL USGET A QUOTEOUR SERVICE
A Review Of Harper Pest Control

Marie R.

5 Star Review for Harper Pest Control

We've been looking for a pest control company to get our pests under control and have been very happy with this company. Thomas was very responsive and came to our home and walked the property with me so I could tell him areas to focus on. I've noticed a big improvement already! Thank you Thomas and crew!

If you have a pest problem, I highly recommend calling Harper Pest Control.

Get a Free Estimate

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

By clicking "Get a Quote," I give my electronic signature and consent that Harper Pest Control may contact me with offers at the phone number above, including by text message, autodialer or prerecorded message. Consent not required for purchase. Message & data rates may apply. Promotion is subject to local service pricing, and may not apply to some services.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.