Termites In Georgia

There are two main species of termites in Georgia: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Formosan termites have also been identified in Georgia. Generally, termites are active across the entire state of Georgia. Formosan termites do not require constant soil contact, and are known to build above ground nests. These termites are the most destructive species, since they form the largest colonies than other species of termites. The presence of Formosan termites in Georgia, led the formation of The Georgian Formosan Subterranean Termite Eradication Initiative, to train property owners, local government and pest control experts about Formosan termites.

According to Termite Infestation Probability Zone, Georgia lies under Zone #1 or very heavy, meaning that the probability of termite damage is significantly high. This in turn calls for termite control measures to meet Internal Residential Code building standards for new homes. In addition to that, effective termite prevention and control programs are necessary in states like Georgia. In fact it is estimated that Georgia residents spend between $200 million and $300 million each year, to control and renovate damages caused by subterranean termite invasions.

The swarming habits of termites in Georgia vary according to species. Formosan termites swarm in the late spring during the night, while the eastern subterranean termites swarm from February to May during the day. Tropical rough headed drywood termites swarm from late spring through mid-summer usually at night. The dark southeastern subterranean termites on the other hand, swarm between March and June during the day; while the southeastern drywood termites swarm in the spring at night.

Due to the advances in pest control technology, safe and more effective termite control products are available in Georgia. There are also many professionals available to help property owners in Georgia to control termite infestation. These professionals have skills and experience in eradicating, preventing and controlling termite infestation. However, you should choose a Georgia termite control company that is registered by the Department of Agriculture. The company should also be willing to provide a free estimate and detailed account of your termite problem, before giving you a quote. This helps in recognizing the methods they use, how extensive the infestation is, and also the cost of their services.

There are several preventive measures that can be used to reduce infestation of termites in Georgia. First you should slope or grade the soil away from the foundation of any structure, to avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation, since moisture is needed for termite survival. Secondly, wooden parts of the house structure should be kept at least 6 inches above the soil. This terminates termites access to food. Other precautions that can reduce infestation of termites in Georgia include: diverting rain water away from the foundation, minimizing or avoiding the use of wood mulch next to foundation, enhancing cross ventilation, and removing dead trees, stumps and roots from the house or structure.

There are also several methods used to control infestation of termites in Georgia. The most common one is fumigation, which requires the home to be tented by putting tarps over the house. After that, a chemical is blown into the house to kill the termite. This method requires 36 hours vacation of the house. Another method is through the use of barriers and baits. Barriers involve putting a barrier of poison around the house to that termites cannot enter or leave the house. Bait method also uses poison, by mixing the poison with pest food and placing it in a strategic position where termites will find it. The poison kills the termites after eating or share the bait with other termites in the nests.