Do termites really eat wood?

Yes, termites eat wood. Using bacteria, protozoa and microbes that live inside their stomach, they can digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood.

Can termites make their way through concrete?

Termites cannot go through solid concrete, but they can get through a crack only 1/32 of an inch. Openings this size or bigger often occur where two pieces of concrete are joined together and around pipe openings.

How quickly can termites infest a house? If a residence has been treated and there is no evidence remaining of termite infestation, how soon could they reappear?

Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase if they are present in the soil. Conventional soil barrier treatments to control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony; they block potential entry points into the structure. Soil treatment zones are intended to control termites for extended periods. However, they may be breached due to physical disturbance (landscaping, construction, erosion, tree roots, etc.) and natural degradation of the termiticide.

My kitchen is inundated with small- and medium-sized ants. They seem to cluster in my dishwasher. I’ve used ant traps and boric acid and nothing works. What should I do?

It is important to identify the ant involved before trying to control it. Some ant species can be controlled using ant baits, while others cannot. The key to success is following the ants back to their colony and treating the colony directly (except when dealing with pharaoh ants).

How effective are bait traps for controlling cockroaches?

Bait stations may be effective in controlling cockroaches if placed properly. However, they rely on every cockroach in a population to feed on the bait before the infestation can be eliminated. Bait stations should be combined with other control efforts such as crack and void treatments.

Is it possible to get rid of cockroaches and keep them from coming back?

Cockroaches can be eliminated from a home, but re-infestation can occur depending on the particular species involved and where the home is situated. Outdoor cockroaches, like the large smoky browns in the Southeast or Oriental cockroaches in the Northeast and Midwest, may continually try to enter a home from the outside. Regular exterior service in addition to sealing outside cracks will limit such infestation.

How do I get rid of mice?

Mice are best controlled by using either snap traps, live traps (e.g., Tin Cat) or a combination of the two. When using snap traps, use different baits (chocolate, peanut butter, etc…) on the traps and place them where the mice are active ­but where children and pets can’t get to them. Also, seal exterior cracks and holes and put weather-stripping on doors to prevent new mice from entering. Mice only need 1/4-inch in space to enter. Numerous mice indicate a more serious problem and should be dealt with by a professional.

Is it possible to get rid of rats?

It is possible to eliminate rats, but it takes a lot of effort. Traps are often best for controlling them because the bodies can be easily removed. In some cases, baits should not be used because rodents will die inside a wall and will quickly start to smell. In many cases, both traps and baits are needed.

What is the best mouse/rat bait and how should I use it in my traps?

Contrary to popular belief, cheese is not a good bait for mice. Peanut butter and chocolate work well as long as you don’t put too much on the trap. Work the bait onto the trap’s trigger so that it is hard for the mouse to get it off and it will be forced to climb onto the trigger.

I have moths in my clothes and have indoor pets that may get into mothballs. What are my alternatives?

The first step is to clean the affected clothing and other clothing items that were stored with it. Next, thoroughly clean the closet, dresser, or storage area. Cracks in these areas may also be treated using a properly-labeled indoor pest control product. Pheromone traps are available to monitor for moth activity.

I have wildlife in my attic. What should I do?

If a raccoon or squirrel decides to nest in your attic, or a group of bats is using your building for shelter, it is important to get them out as soon as possible. If left, they will multiply and eventually create health issues because of the fleas, ticks, mites and diseases they carry. They can also cause property damage, as these animals gnaw on wires causing fire hazards as well as computer and alarm malfunctions. Our pest control company can humanely remove these animals from your property. Once removed, we will seal the openings to prevent other pests from re-infesting the structure.

This post was brought to you by Jenkins Pest Control and Lawn Services in San Antonio Texas