Bugmasters

Subterranean Termite Activity!

Bugmasters — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:09:58 +0000

During an inspection last week, one of our inspectors noted some typical evidence of subterranean termite activity. These termites live in the ground and can come up through small cracks of your foundation or any area where there is direct contact between your home’s wood and the earth. Here are a few pictures of what he saw.

This type of termite is common around southern California. The way Bugmasters treats for subterranean termites is by direct injection of Termidor SC into the soil underneath the visible evidence and around those general areas as well. While there are other options such as bait traps, we have found this method to be the most effective way to clear your home of subterranean termites. Since these termites nests are in the ground they can’t be treated through fumigation as they can travel right back into the nest when they detect the gas in the air.

What is the CAP and how will it affect you? A new standard of fumigation procedures

Bugmasters — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:21:48 +0000

Starting October 1st, 2010 the fumigation procedures in California will be changing. The structural pest control board has instated a new law called the California Aeration Plan (CAP) which is a new method of aeration for fumigated properties.

The total time of fumigations is the same but the way in which we start the aeration process is completely different. In the past on the 2nd day of fumigation with Vikane, the company would return the next day and start the aeration process by removing the tent and then allow the property to aerate naturally until the 3rd day for certification.

Under the new law companies will be required to return the 2nd day and install ducts and air intake inlets to allow the release of fumigant while the house is completely covered by the tent still. During this process some of the windows in the property will have to be open but will still be covered by the fumigation tent. There are a few reasons we have to open the windows a few inches.

• First, the windows help completely eradicate the dry-wood termites in the home by allowing the gas to quickly distribute around the house under the tent.

•Second, the windows help circulate fresh air into the property to make sure the property is completely aerated before certification.

In closing, starting October 1st, 2010 the new standard process of fumigation in California will be the following:

Day 1: Install fumigation tarps / tent with inlets and ducts included; release fumigant into property

Day 2: Crew will return to start aeration but the tarps / tents will stay on the property during this process now.

Day 3: Crew will return one last time to the property to remove the tarps / tent to test and certify the property for reentry.

Ants or Termites!? What’s the difference!

Bugmasters — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:21:11 +0000

Flying ants can often be mistaken as termites. But with careful examination it is very easy to tell the difference between a flying termite or flying ant. There are 4 different characteristics to look at when trying to identify the insect; Eyes, Waist, Antennae, and Wings Eyes Termites eyes are not visible when viewing from on top of the body Ants eyes are visible when viewing from on top of the body Waist Termites have a very thick waist because they only have 2 body parts. A head and a body. Ants have thin hourglass shaped waists because they have 3 body parts. Head, Abdomen, and Thorax. Antennae Termites have straight antennae Ants have elbowed antennae Wings Termites have two pairs of equal length wings Ants have two pairs of unequal length wings Continue reading →

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Bugmasters — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:52:39 +0000

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