Termite Swarmers Take Flight from Jacksonville to Orlando

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) February 22, 2008 -- They're here ... those tiny terrifying, little creatures that are known to cause $5 billion in damages/repairs to our homes and businesses. It is swarming season, when termite colonies send off large numbers of winged reproductive termites, called "swarmers". Hundreds to thousands of these swarmers appear inside our home or building, flying a short distance before falling to the ground and losing their wings. Soon afterwards, female termites emit a pheromone to attract male termites for mating. Afterwards, these termites search for a location to begin a new colony.

"Termite season is upon us and the first coast area has already had some swarming activity," said John Cooksey, chief operating officer and entomologist at McCall. "Termites are visible during swarm season, when clouds of flying termites can occur both indoors and outdoors. Termite swarming is a good reminder that the best line of defense against them is to have your home inspected but not necessarily treated."

Cooksey said based on our warmer and wetter winter, termite swarm season is expected be more active than in recent years; but there is good news ... a more integrated approach to fighting them. "We are using a more integrated approach utilizing baits and non-repellent termiticide. In order to provider a 'greener' approach to pest management we have created the Shell of Protection, this program limits the use of traditional insecticide to critical areas and uses the efficiency of a baiting system for complete protection. The Shell of Protection program also allows us to provide pest control and termite protection with one service, protecting your home from the ground up."

"If an infestation is found within the house (whether that's in the crawlspace or a wall), it's best to get three estimates and then evaluate what each company is offering in terms of both the treatment and guarantee," said Cooksey. "People should not feel pressured into making a quick decision. Even if a homeowner spent several weeks deciding what to do, termites are not going to cause significantly more damage during that time. Also, not all companies offer damage-repair guarantees, but if one is offered, read the fine print."

Termites thrive in moist conditions with plenty of wood. The following tips can help to minimize your risk for a termite infestation.

- Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris. Downspouts must drain freely and away from the house, at a distance of at least three feet.

- Do not keep wooden items close to the house. For example, firewood should be stored away from the home. Wood mulch can also attract termites to the home.

- Because termites need only the width of a piece of paper to access the house, make sure that all entry points, like cracks in the foundation or utility openings, are sealed. You should also caulk windows and doors, favorite stomping grounds for termites.

- As a rule of thumb, monitor those areas of the home that are chronically damp or where wood comes in contact with the structure.

If you are constructing a new home, ask the builder about pretreatment options. If you have any signs or concerns about termites in or around your home call your local pest management operator for a thorough inspection.

McCall Service, an industry leader since 1928, is an integrated pest management company and a family owned business headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Servicing residential and commercial clients, McCall takes pride in prompt, efficient and reliable service. McCall's services include Lawn Care, Pest Management, Termite Protection, Mosquito Control and many other pest related services. McCall has offices in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa, Orlando and Tallahassee. For more information about McCall Service call 904-398-5561 or visit the website at www.mccallservice.com.

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