Termite Inspections New Jersey, Amiko Engineering

Termites

Termites are small, ant-like insects. However, they differ from ants in that they feed off the cellulose in wood. Working largely unseen under the surface, they can tunnel through the wooden structural members in buildings and completely destroy them. Wood that comes in contact with the soil, such as the exterior trim or cladding on your home, provides a perfect point of entry for a termite colony.

There are several types of termites, the most common being the subterranean termite.

Dampwood Termites

How do I recognize a termite?
In Canada, the Subterranean (ground nesting) Termite occurs only in British Columbia and parts of southern Ontario. In a termite colony there are 3 castes: the queen, soldiers and workers. The queen is not seen outside the center of the colony. The soldier is brown and white with forceps-like jaws used for defending the colony, and measures 12 mm (1/2"). The worker, responsible for feeding the queen and colony-building, measures 6 mm (1/4")

Do termites fly?

Drywood Termites

At certain times of the year, depending on temperature and humidity, termites swarm. These winged forms of termites are the future queens. After mating, the queen attempts to establish a new colony. The presence of flying insects in large numbers should be investigated by a professional. (Swarming is not common in Ontario.)

Do termites cause damage?
Yes. Termites are the most destructive of all wood-infesting insects. If proper control procedures are not carried out, serious structural damage will occur.

How does this damage occur?
Termites feed mainly on cellulose, a major component of wood. Continuous feeding leads to complete destruction.

When are termites most common?
Once a colony is established, termites are a year-round problem. There is an increase in colony expansion activity during warm weather.

Formosian Subterranean Termites

When am I most likely to see termites?
Subterranean termite colonies are found in the soil and thrive where wood is in contact with the ground. The worker termite reaches the wood by constructing shelter tubes made of earth, excrement and saliva. Because they are sensitive to light and dryness, this tube maintains the ideal climate of moisture and temperature. The presence of these tubes indicates a termite infestation.

Are termites hazardous to humans?
No. The presence of termites does not constitute a health hazard.

What are their breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
During certain times of the year (usually spring), the colony will produce male and female winged reproductives. These winged termites leave the colony in large swarms to reproduce, with the males dying shortly after. The queens can live for up to 15 years. Their only function is to lay eggs.

Subterranean Termites (2)

Should the queen die, the supplementary reproductives take over this duty. A single colony has a population numbering in the thousands.

Can weather conditions affect the size of a termite infestation?
Since termites prefer dampness, the combination of this and warmth are ideal conditions for establishing colonies.

Can I do anything to prevent a termite infestation on my property?
Yes. By removing scrap wood from ground contact under and around buildings and by not erecting wooden structures directly touching the soil, you can minimize the risk of termite infestations. Only properly treated wood should be used in new construction.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants can cause structural damage to wooden building components and spread disease-causing germs to foodstuffs. Black or black-with-red in colour, these insects measure between 3 and 12 mm (1/8" to 1/2") in length, and reproductive members of their colonies are winged. Swarms of reproductive ants can often be seen in May and June as they migrate to establish new colonies.

Eliminating moisture-collecting areas in and around your home, as well as isolating wood from direct contact with the soil, will help reduce the risk of carpenter ant infestation

How do I recognize a carpenter ant?
The carpenter ant is a large member of the ant family, measuring 3 to 12 mm (1/8" to 1/2") in length. Colour is either black or black with red. Antennae are elbowed and they have large heads with strong mandibles ( jaws) used for chewing. Reproductive forms are winged.

Do carpenter ants cause damage?
Yes. Because carpenter ants tunnel in wood to build their colonies, an infestation can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked.

When are carpenter ants most common?
You are most likely to see swarms of winged (reproductive) carpenter ants in May and June, as this is their mating season.

Where am I most likely to find carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants prefer moist areas and may construct their nests anywhere in your home, including the walls, ceilings, attics, doors, sills, shingles, and insulation. Carpenter ants are most active during the night when they forage for food.

Are carpenter ants hazardous to humans?
Yes. Since carpenter ants are attracted to foods such as honey, jelly, fruit, and meat, they can carry disease-causing germs from one area to another. Although they do not sting, they can inflict bites.

What are their breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
Carpenter ants are social insects, living in colonies. Within the colony, winged (reproductive) ants are not produced until the colony is established, which takes about two to three years. After mating, the winged reproductives leave to establish new colonies. Once established, an average colony contains 2,000 to 3,000 carpenter ants.

Do weather conditions affect the size of a carpenter ant infestation?
Yes. Warm, moist weather presents ideal conditions for carpenter ant colonies to establish themselves.

How can I tell if I have a carpenter ant infestation on my property?
The presence of worker ants in your home is one of the first indications of an establishing carpenter ant colony. Check all areas where you suspect moisture. The presence of chewed wood similar to sawdust is an indication of an active nest. Any flying insect in the home is cause for concern and a professional in pest control should be consulted.

What can I do to prevent an infestation of carpenter ants?
The elimination of moist conditions – by providing good ventilation – and isolating wood from any direct contact with the soil, will aid in carpenter ant prevention. Foods should be kept in sealed containers and areas where food is stored kept free of spillage or crumbs. Eliminate old lumber, logs, and stumps from around your property and do not store firewood inside the building. In the case of new construction, only properly treated lumber should be used.