All posts in “wood”

Termite Super Highway’s…

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Termite Super Highway’s…

 

         

Termites build these tunnels or tubes as a highway into our homes. In nature they would eat and consume fallen trees and convert them back into fertilizer for future trees and bushes. Then we decide to build homes right on top of them and then they decide to eat our homes, what a vicious cycle! Termites build these tunnels for protection against ants and other enemies along with humidity control.

So now is the time to look for these little highways into your home, call ProBest if you see anything like this! 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

I can spot these from the streets – termite tubes…

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I can spot these from the streets – termite tubes… Can you?

 

     

Well it’s that time of year to be watching out for termites here in Arizona. Monsoon brings water and rain and the termites begin to forage because of it. So this is what you keep an eye out for, mud tubes or tunnels and if they get into the home drop tubes or damage on the sheetrock or drywall.

So if you see something suspicious call us to take a look, it may be nothing or it might be those pesky little termites. p

ProBest Pest Management

425 W. Guadalupe Road #110

Gilbert, Arizona 85233

602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

Termite Season is here in Arizona – what do you look for?

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Termite Season is here in Arizona – what do you look for?

Well the rains of monsoon have begun along with the huge walls of haboob dust storms, so that means its time for the bugs to come out in force.

So exactly what do you look for:

1. Mud tunnels or tubes on your foundation walls –

2. Maybe you haven’t seen any tunnels or tubes outside but you notice something coming down from the ceiling.

3. It is unusual but I have seen it – but termites do swarm! So maybe you have seen a few flying things – what is the difference between an ant and termite?

Wood to ground is always bad………………

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Wood to ground is always bad………………

 

Not only do termites love to eat wood but water is also the enemy to wood. Wood will wick up water whenever in contact with dirt, soil or the ground. So its not just about the termites its also an agent to allow water into the structure.

The picture below still allows water to wick up after resting on top of the cement. I also consider this to be faulty grade because I can’t see the stem wall or at least inaccessible access.

Before you replace the floor, treat for termites.

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Before you replace the floor, treat for termites.  (Yesterdays answer on picture – magnified picture of wasp nest….)

So you decide its time to replace that old flooring in your home and as you take up the old floor you discover damage and concrete cracks. Now is the time to call your termite experts because and trust me on this one you don’t want to put down the floor and then discover you need it treated. This will destroy or at the very least make the new flooring look terrible. Here is some damage from termites and some water damage, I don’t know which came first but my guess is the termites.

                           

Nothing worse in my mind than having to drill grout lines in stone tile, because no matter how good you are it will never look as good as new. So please take a moment and think it through, treat the concrete and then lay the new floor. It will save you money in the long run and more importantly the aggravation of knowing where those drill holes are. Because your mind will focus on those marks, trust me.

They may be small, they may have small mouths but they work 24/7/365 – termites

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They may be small, they may have small mouths but they work 24/7/365 – termites

         

So here are 10 interesting facts you might not have known about termites:

  1. Termites eat wood twice as fast when listening to heavy metal music.
  2. Although many people think termites resemble ants, they’re more closely related to cockroaches.
  3. Termites have the biggest nests.
  4. The largest termite in the world, the African species Macrotermes bellicosus, reaches a length of 5 inches. WOW glad they’re not here!
  5. Did you know that ProBest often works with manufacturers on the testing of new termiticide products, currently still in testing are 16 sites in North Phoenix testing the new Termidor HE Copack
  6. Termites don’t eat plastic or concrete, but if there is a crack in the concrete or a hole in the plastic then they can enter the home of business.
  7. Termites can create small pin-like holes in the swimming pool liners; I have personally seen this on one occasion.
  8. There about 2,500 kinds of termites living all around the world. With only 50 being found in the US.   
  9. Termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs
  10. This last one was fascinating – Research conducted in southwestern deserts and desert grasslands by New Mexico State University’s Walt Whitford estimates that without the action of termites, cow pies would smother the land, covering 20 percent of the surface in 50 years.

 

Spring is almost here!

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  Spring is almost here!

Spring is almost here, at least in Arizona and soon we will heading to those wonderful 120° temperatures. So the BIG question are you ready for Spring Cleaning? Here are a few tips on preparing for the summer heat ahead of us all.

  1. Check all out building for pests, like bees or termites.
  2. Check the eaves of your home for bees and cracks in which bugs hide.
  3. The Spring is a great time to caulk and seal your home against unwanted pests, it’s cooler and we all know we don’t want to do it in the Summer.
  4. Check for any nesting around the home, rodents and birds use nesting material and will often drag it in through opening in the walls and ceilings.
  5. Use a cobweb broom to knock down interior dust webs.
  6. Trim those trees from against the home.
  7. Never stack firewood or wood against the home.
  8. Clean your carpets.
  9. How about some plumbing spring cleaning – here are some tips from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

If you need any help feel free to call us at 602-249-7378 ProBest Pest Management

Termite activity and they will make their way through just about anything!

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Termite activity and they will make their way through just about anything!

Termite issues and Post Tension slabs. The main thing to know is you cannot drill or cut into the floor without great risk, these cables are under extreme tension and could hurt someone. The great thing is that the termites can generally only come in from the exterior edge of the slab, with exceptions. The pictures at the top indicate a crack which allowed the termites to gain entry and this is rare.   

termiteThis was some padding put under a wooden floor in the home, the weirdest thing was that this was a Post Tension slab.

      

 

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