Termite Control Archives | Topbest Pest Control Services

February 9, 2023March 9, 2023

7 Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Tips And Tricks

What are some termite control tips and tricks you can DIY?

Identify the type of termite
Inspect your home
Seal off entry points
Remove sources of moisture
Use bait stations
Use termiticides
Use wood treatments

Termites pose a problem to many homes, especially those made from wood or have pieces of wooden furniture and installations. If left unchecked, they can cause serious damage to your property and belongings. Before calling in professional termite control services, there are actually some DIY termite control tips and tricks you can try.

This blog is here to help you eliminate these “free-loaders” from your home. These tips will help you lessen the damage and might save you money.

Identify the Type of Termites

Termite control begins with determining the type of termite present. There are three main categories of termites: subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood. It is essential to correctly identify the type of termite as each type reacts differently to control methods. Here are some of the characteristics of these three to help you:

Subterranean termites – This species of termite can be found in damp, remote regions above ground or underground colonies. To access food sources and defend themselves from the elements, they construct recognizable “mud tubes.”
Drywood termites – Unlike subterranean termites, dry wood termites inhabit dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. This termite species can infest dead wood near homes and frequently builds nests in roof materials and wooden wall supports.
Dampwood termites – As their names suggest, damp wood termites infest wood that has a lot of moisture. Compared to other termite species, damp wood termites are often greater in size. Due to the low moisture content of the wood in structures, they typically do not infest them; however, precautions must be made to prevent luring damp wood termites to a structure.

Inspect Your Home

The next step is to inspect your home after determining what kind of termite you have. Look for termite-prone areas like mud tubes, rotting timber, and wings. Pay particular attention to your home’s moist-prone spaces, such as the bathroom, crawlspace, and basement. It’s time to clean your home and have a wide inspection.

Seal Off Entry Points

Sealing off access points is one of the most crucial steps to keep termites out of your house. This includes sealing up any holes or cracks in your foundation, weather stripping that has been damaged, and fixing around windows and doors. Ensure that no trees or shrubs are nearby to prevent termites from entering your property because this might also be where they are coming from.

Remove Sources of Moisture

It’s important to eliminate any sources of moisture in and around your property since termites are drawn to humidity and dampness. This entails repairing leaks, correctly ventilating your property, and ensuring that the area around your foundation has proper drainage. These factors also contribute to the termite infestation in your home, so it is vital to take note of these.

Use Bait Stations

The use of bait stations is a fantastic chemical-free termite control method especially if you have children and pests at home.

Termites are drawn to the food source in these stations. After eating the bait, they will bring it back to the colony and spread it to other termites. The entire colony will eventually die due to this.

Use Termiticides

Although bait stations are always effective, there is another option for you. Termiticides can be used to eliminate termites if bait stations are ineffective. Liquid and baiting termiticides are the two main categories. When applied to the soil around your home, liquid termiticides have a long-lasting effect, so it is advisable to put them there. Placing baiting termiticides in the ground will draw termites to the bait, killing the colony.

Use Wood Treatments

Use wood treatments to eradicate termites if you have dry wood termites. The termites will be killed as they tunnel through the wood if these treatments are given directly to them. This is why identifying what type of termite you have in your home is important to know the best treatment you can give.

Hire a Professional

If you are unsure about using any do-it-yourself termite treatment methods, it’s best to seek the help of a professional. A professional pest control company has the expertise and tools needed to effectively address your termite infestation. like us here at Topbest, the expert in termite control in the Philippines.

Key Takeaway

Termites can cause significant damage to your home, but with these DIY termite control tips and tricks, you can effectively get rid of these pests like a pro. With these steps, you can protect your home from termites’ damaging effects and prevent any incoming infestation.

There is no debate that you should hire the best in the field to preserve your most valuable asset from the destructive nature of termites.

Topbest provides the best pest control services in the Philippines. Through cutting-edge technology that is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and tailored to the needs of each customer, we are dedicated to offering the best ongoing pest control solutions to both residential and commercial businesses in the Philippines. Contact us for a free consultation and inspection.

September 10, 2022September 7, 2022

Deciding Between DIY Vs Professional Termite Treatment

What is the difference between DIY vs professional termite treatment?

Professional termite treatment are well-versed with treatment methods
DIY Methods are time-consuming
Professional treatment is more effective
DIY Termite treatment costs more in the long run

Termites are one of the household pests that need to be eliminated right away. Leaving many people wondering if they should do DIY vs professional termite treatment. This kind of infestation needs to be addressed quickly. Here are some effects termites can do on your home:

Damage the structural wood of your home
Damage wooden furniture
Infest wooden doors and windows

These pests are able to break down the cellulose fibers found in wood, paper, and plants. That’s why you can find them in many wooden structures at home. If you don’t see the signs of infestation, it can lead to serious issues for your home and family.

There are many treatments available for termite control. Termiticides, baits, and traps are available in many stores for DIY treatments, but there are also professional termite control services that ensure cost-effective and long lasting solutions. This article explores the differences between DIY vs professional termite treatment.

Professionals are well-versed with treatment methods

Professional termite treatments have the upper hand when it comes to effectiveness. They are able to identify the problem, its species, and the proper treatment plan.

Unlike regular insects, termites do not stay in plain sight. They are usually near the wood they are infesting or even underground.

To the normal eye, termites may be mistaken for flying ants. So you may have looked past some already at home. Professionals can easily tell the difference between the two. They can even identify whether the termite is a drywood or subterranean type.

Those who take on DIY treatment may be aware of drywood termites since these are found above ground and inhabit the wood they destroy. However, you might miss out on the subterranean type. These are termites that seek out moisture, so they are usually located underground.

Whatever the kind of termite, professional services know the proper treatment method since they are well versed in the pests’ habits.

DIY Methods are time-consuming

There are dozens of tutorial videos and manuals available for DIY treatment, but it can end up being an endless cycle. You may find yourself constantly trying different kinds of techniques when one fails. It may end up in hours spent digging trenches, spraying, and crawling without really understanding why you’re doing it.

Professionals, on the other hand, are trained to identify the problem at hand. They are able to assess and locate the termites’ nesting area easily, too. From there, they’ll offer you the best treatment method for the situation.

When you hire a professional termite treatment service, you can end up saving a lot of time. You’ll have more time to do other activities instead of worrying about buying new treatment solutions or locating a nesting area on your own.

Professional treatment is more effective

Despite being available in hardware stores, DIY termite treatment is not as effective. These are not the same as professional-grade products. The DIY treatments available are merely a form of repellant. This means that they are designed to deter pests instead of killing them. This makes DIY treatments an inefficient method since it does not affect the termite and its colony.

Termiticides used by professionals are undetectable by termites. It means that the pests won’t know that they have been walking through treated areas. In the span of one to two weeks, the termites would have passed the termiticide into their nest and the colony. This effectively kills the entire colony.

When it comes to the treatment solution, professionals end up using a lot more compared to the DIY treatments available. Treating multiple areas in your home may have services using 60 liters of product, sometimes more, compared to store-bought termiticide which only comes in one to two-liter bottles.

DIY Termite treatment costs more in the long run

It may seem like a DIY termite treatment is the cheaper option. There are many affordable sprays, kits, and baits available in your hardware store. However, purchasing these products multiple times may end up costing more than a professional termite treatment service.

On top of that, the damage that termites do to your home also adds to the expenses. You may have discovered the termites too late that the damage to your wooden surfaces has become severe and in need of immediate repair.

Key Takeaway

When deciding between DIY vs professional termite treatment, it’s best to leave it to the experts. They are well-versed in different methods that get to the root of your termite infestation in order to exterminate the nest and the entire colony.

Topbest pest control specialists can provide you with long-term treatment for termites, bedbugs, and rodents. We offer a free pest consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

May 6, 2022May 12, 2022

Termite Control Tips For Office

What are some useful termite control tips for the office?

Inspect the office each year
Be aware of the signs of an infestation
Schedule treatment immediately
Focus on prevention strategies

Termites are one of the most bothersome and destructive pests you will encounter. They feed on dead and decaying plant matter, such as wood, paper products, and even cotton fibers. Because of this, they are capable of structural damage, causing problems in your office such as swollen floors, holes in dry wood, and many more. For this reason, it’s beneficial to understand how to prevent and control them. Below is some useful information about termite control for the office. Read on!

Inspect The Office Each Year

Schedule an annual termite inspection so you can see the first signs of an infestation in your office. This way, you can solve the problem before more damage happens to your building. This task is best left to a professional pest control group because they are experienced in dealing with and spotting termite problems.

After the first inspection, make sure that you continue having your property inspected every year. Remember that termites can destroy building materials, so being proactive can help you save time and money from an infestation.

Be Aware Of The Signs Of An Infestation

For the rest of the year, keep an eye out for signs of a termite infestation. Recognizing a problem before it gets out of hand can save you money in repairs. Here are some signs to look out for:

Termite Droppings: These droppings are wood-colored and pellet-shaped. You might confuse them for wood dust or shavings.

Mud Tubes: These tubes are used by subterranean termites to travel between their food source and nest. These tubes are usually about the size of a pencil and can be found near termite nests, wooden structures, and foundations.

Termite Swarmers: Termite swarmers are reproductive termites that have wings. They fly away to establish new colonies. If you see them, then you know that termites are nearby,

Structural Damage: Termites leave behind small pinholes where they have eaten through. Some other signs of termites are bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, buckling wood, dents, and sunken areas.

Schedule Treatment Immediately

There are various DIY treatments for termites. For instance, essential oils such as orange oil, garlic oil, and neem oil are considered toxic to termites. Boric acid, a cleaning product, is also harmful to their nervous systems and bodies. Another solution is diatomaceous earth, which is a powdery substance that can dehydrate termites.

But if you’re looking at a severe termite infestation, it’s more beneficial to call a pest control team to solve the problem for you. They can address the root of the problem and help you prevent similar issues in the future. Don’t delay this any further as termites can be dangerous when neglected. Your office is very important for your business, so make sure to protect it from pests.

Focus On Prevention Strategies

If you don’t want a termite infestation to start in your office, be very proactive in implementing prevention strategies. Here are some of the things you can do:

Remove food sources: Termites feed on cellulose, which is found in paper, wood, and other plant materials. So make sure to limit their access to cellulose. You can remove dead trees, stumps, and roots around the office building.

Trim The Landscape: Shrubs and plants attract termites too, so have regular landscaping services to trim the landscape.

Limit moisture and water: Termites are also attracted to moist environments, so make sure to keep your office building dry. Provide enough ventilation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Remove standing water and fix water leaks.

Use Repellent Termiticide: Protect wood from termites by using repellent termiticides.

Use Treated Wood: Use treated wood to construct or renovate offices. You can also pretreat soil before an office is built.

Key Takeaway

Termites may be small, but they can cause structural problems for your office. Protect your investment and schedule inspections once a year to detect early signs of an infestation. This way, you can have the problem treated immediately!

If you need professional termite control for your office, you can send us a message here at Topbest! Our inspectors and technicians are trained and experienced in handling a termite problem. We only use environmentally-friendly chemicals to treat pests. Aside from termites, we can also handle other pests — such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, rodents, and many more.

April 27, 2022August 2, 2022

How Fast Can Termites Destroy A House?

How fast can termites destroy a house?

Possible factors
How Fast Can Termites Destroy A House?

We all know how badly termites can damage a house. A severe termite infestation can cause damage to important floorboards and wooden foundations, making the house unsafe to live in. In such cases you can consult Lawyer Marco D. Flores to claim damages for damage related to natural disaster. It can also significantly drop the value of the home. That’s why homeowners need to take termite infestations seriously. But how long do you have when you first see signs of infestations? How fast can termites destroy a house?

There are plenty of factors to consider to answer that question. If a termite was alone, it will take approximately 3,144 years for it to eat a 1,000-square-foot house. But these numbers don’t mean much as termites live in colonies. With all their numbers and the rate at which they reproduce, the real speed at which they can finish off a house is faster than that.

Termites like to eat, and when they find something wooden that they can feast on, they will. Every year, they cause billions of dollars in property damage worldwide. If you want to learn more about the damage termites can cause to a house, keep reading!

Possible Factors

There are multiple factors to consider when thinking about how fast termites can cause damage to a home. Here are a few of them:

Environmental Factors

Termites like to live and feed in certain conditions. The environment plays a large part in termite infestations. If the conditions are ideal, termites grow, reproduce, and thrive at a rapid rate. Most termite species like hot, humid, and moist environments. This is the reason why they are widespread in tropical countries. If your home is somewhere hot and humid, and you find plenty of moisture around the house like puddles or water leaks, then there’s a good chance that a termite colony will make their home there.

Age of the colony

The age of the colony can also be a determinant of its population. Relatively young colonies will have fewer workers than older colonies. Because of this, an older colony would eat through the wood in your house much faster. A young colony could have over 100,000 workers while older colonies would have 2 million members at the ready. Some colonies could even reach populations of over 15,000,000. An added concern would be if they started their colony in your home and grew older there. In that case, the damage may already be severe.

Number of colonies

Sometimes, houses can be infested by multiple colonies. As you can expect, the speed of their damage would be doubled. The more colonies are sharing the space with you, the faster the woodwork in your house will be eaten through.

House material

The materials that your house was built with can affect the speed that termites move in. If your house was built primarily of wood, with no chemical treatments or any preventative measures, then a termite colony would quickly eat through it. If you employed some prevention measures, and if your house also has materials that termites don’t like, their progress would be much slower.

How Fast Can Termites Destroy A House?

Under the right conditions, termites will cause much damage to your house’s work. Some species of subterranean termites will have a population of 60,000 when they reach maturity. On average, these termites can eat up to 1/5 of an ounce of wood in a day. In 6 months, they could finish one foot of a 2×4 pine board. When they reach 300,000 workers, they could eat through one cubic foot of wood in a year.

If a colony reaches up to 2 million workers, you would already find significant damage to your home in only the first few months. And in only a year or two, your house can be totally destroyed. For comparison, a colony with 3 million workers can go through one foot of a 2×4 pine board in just 24 hours.

Key Takeaway

Determining how fast termites can destroy a house is difficult as it is too dependent on many factors. But having even some idea about it would still be a good advantage. After all, there’s no real way for you to know a colony’s age or population on your own.

For this matter, prevention is better than cure. Instead of having to deal with them, try to keep your house termite-proof. If you already have a problem at hand, then the best course of action is to call the professionals. We at Topbest are the leading pest control services provider in the Philippines. If you need help with termites, just contact us for a FREE consultation!

February 4, 2022June 27, 2023

What Termites Eat in Your Home

What do termites eat in your home?

Outdoor Wood Piles
Mulch
Furniture
Roofing
Basement foundation
Books and other papers
Clothes

A termite invasion is never a welcome sight for any homeowner. This problem has been present for as long as humans have been living in houses, and it continues to be prevalent today. The hostile relationship between termites and humans is evident because of the number of methods we’ve developed to kill or repel these insects. Still, termites manage to invade our homes and do damage. To avoid this, we need to be aware of what termites eat in our home, as it attracts them the most.

The general answer is that termites eat anything that contains cellulose. This is mainly found in wood, grass, leaves, and most other vegetative materials, so expect any wooden materials in your house to be munched on in the presence of termites. But it’s limited there. To learn what things in your house are being preyed on by termites, keep reading!

Outdoor Wood Piles

Since they’re more vulnerable, let’s start with things that you may find in your front or backyard. Unattended wood piles are neon signs for nearby termites that food is plentiful. Leaving a wood pile outside for a long time will most likely attract termites. And since they’re already near your home, there’s no stopping them from going the extra mile (or a few feet in human terms) and settling down in your house.

Mulch

Mulch may be good for gardening, but it’s also a big cellulose buffet for termites. This could turn into a termite haven quickly. And many people let their garden mulch directly touch their house, giving the termites direct access to all the cellulose-rich parts of your household. If they reach your house’s walls, it would be no problem for them to slip through small cracks and crevices and make a nest in your wooden walls.

Furniture

A large majority of furniture is made of wood. If not, it would at least have wooden parts that termites could feast on. If left unchecked, drywood termites can penetrate deep into the wood and cause enough damage that the piece of furniture will be unusable. You can see the first signs of termite infestation if you find powdered wood around furniture. It should be a warning sign that you need to take care of the infestation before they cause more massive damages.

Roofing

The type of roofing you have can be a huge factor in the severity of the termite infestation. Although it’s rare, a wooden roof would obviously suffer the most from the onslaught of termites. Most modern roofs still use wood as foundations, which means it is still vulnerable. Once termites start eating the wood on your roof, it could cause leaks, holes, or if the damage is too extensive, a complete collapse. However, you could try using a metal roof so that it would be safe for termites. Resources recommend a good roofing contractor from Colony Roofers; they can inspect your place to see what’s the best roof to use in your area. You can also visit their website to know more about them.

However, if you need a new roof installation, you can hop over to https://lakeconstructiondesign.com and learn more about their services.

Also, if the roof touches some low-hanging branches from nearby trees, termites could use that as a bridge to invade your home. If your roof gets damaged, call a roof service company right away for replacement.

Basement foundation

In some parts of the world, it is common for houses to have unfurnished basements. These basements are almost always made of wood, and it holds moisture very well. That fact makes it more vulnerable to termite infestation, especially to subterranean termites. This could cause a bigger problem when the termites start eating important structural support for the house. If you spot some mud tubes in your basement, then you should start doing what you can to repel or exterminate the termites before the infestation spreads.

One of the best ways to prevent termites from eating your roofing or basement

Books and other papers

Books, being made of paper that was once wood, are prime targets for cellulose-hungry termites. Widespread termite infestation is a book collector’s nightmare. Once a termite colony has made your house their home, they will most likely eat your books or other papers. Paper is basically a thinner version of wood, a thinner cellulose source, that termites could devour easily. Think of them like potato chips for termites. As long as termites are in the house, your books are not safe.

Clothes

You may not be aware of this, but some clothing materials also have cellulose. Fabrics such as cotton and linen can fall victim to termites if they happen to chance upon them. These insects can eat clothes if they wanted, but they are not part of their main diets. So if you find holes in your clothes, termites shouldn’t be the first thing that you suspect.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know what termites eat, you’re more aware that the things in your house, be it furniture, books, or even clothes, are not completely safe from getting eaten. The risk of these items, or even the entire house, getting hopelessly damaged beyond repair should be enough to motivate you to call for professional help.

Thankfully, you’re already in the right place! We at Topbest have substantial experience in dealing with all sorts of pest infestations, especially termites! We have been the most trusted pest solutions provider in the Philippines for almost two decades! If you need help with your termite infestation, contact us for a free consultation!

December 23, 2021December 22, 2021

9 Natural Termite Predators

What are some natural termite predators?

Ants
Spiders
Chickens
Pigeons
Sparrows
Lizards
Frogs
Bats
Monkeys and other primates

A continuing problem in households around the world, termite infestations spell trouble if left unchecked. These pests consume wood and if they start a colony on your house’s foundations, then it will weaken significantly. Despite how troublesome these insects can be; they’ve been cursed with the misfortune of being at the bottom of the food chain. There are plenty of natural termite predators no matter where you are in the world, which explains why they burrow underground or within the wood.

In this article, we will highlight the most common termite predators you may encounter. There are animals in this list from each of the major classifications of animals. Keep reading to find out which animals are silently helping you with your termite problem!

INSECTS AND SPIDERS

Because of their size, termites are often preyed on by some bigger insects and spiders. Some of these predators include beetles, wasps, and even some flies. Here are some of the most common you can find:

Ants

Ants and termites mix like oil and water. These two look-alikes don’t get along at all, and if their colonies ever meet, they turn hostile on each other. There are even some species of ants that actively hunt termites. This isn’t all good news because ants are also unwelcome in our homes, but at least we know the two pests won’t bug us at the same time.

Spiders

Spiders are arachnids and are mostly predators. Their main diet consists of smaller insects like mosquitoes, flies, and yes, termites. Sometimes, flying termites get caught in a spider’s web and get turned into dinner. Other spiders who stay on the ground chow down on what termites they might find.

BIRDS

Like most of the other animals on this list, insects are a part of a bird’s main diet, along with seeds, nuts, and flowers. For most birds, termites are fair game. The following birds are the ones that may be around to help control the termite population:

Chickens

In the Philippines, chickens are everywhere. It always seems like chickens are pecking something of the ground, like seeds and worms. If they ever stumble upon termites, they’re certainly on the menu. Chickens aren’t picky with what they eat and having them around will certainly keep termites wary of them.

Pigeons

Many people like to collect and raise pigeons, and that’s a bad sign for termites. Free-flying pigeons can travel far and wide in search of food, and if some termites are caught in their sights, they won’t hesitate to devour them.

Sparrows

Unknown to many, there is a big population of sparrows in the Philippines that include termites in their diet. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow, better known as the maya, inhabits both rural and urban areas of the country. It wouldn’t be difficult to imagine a lucky maya chancing on a free dinner of an unsuspecting termite colony in a tree or house somewhere.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Both reptiles and amphibians are also well-known to enjoy insects as delicacies. The ones that you’re most likely to meet in your house or backyard are:

Lizards

A common sight on ceilings, lizards like to eat bugs like flies, mosquitoes, flying ants, and the occasional termite. These friendly reptilian roommates are great to have around because they aren’t harmful to humans and they prey on pests like termites. So say thank you, the next time you see that tuko that you’ve been trying to chase away!

Frogs

They may be a less welcoming sight in our homes, but frogs contribute to decreasing the termite population wherever they live. They like to munch on small insects, ants and termites included.

MAMMALS

Mammals also like to get in on the insect food craze that every other animal seems to like. Though their diets do not depend on insects, they would enjoy having them as meals every now and then.

Bats

Bats feast on a variety of foods like fruits, insects, and even blood. A termite colony showing themselves at night will likely fall victim to hungry bats, especially if it’s termite mating season. Bats are experts in the air and they can easily catch flying termites that happen to be in the way.

Monkeys and other primates

Primates are mostly omnivores, meaning they eat almost whatever they get their hands on. Unfortunately for termites, they qualify as food. Monkeys are not often seen near civilization, but there are some rural areas where monkeys are welcome in the town. These primates won’t hesitate to gobble up mounds of termites if it tickles their fancy.

Key Takeaway

The list of natural termite predators goes on and on even beyond those discussed in this article. Some of them can be found near our homes and inflict lots of casualties on the local pest population. Having these animals around can help us with our infestation problem.

Despite having so many natural enemies, termites continue to thrive and exist in homes everywhere. These animals are helpful, but they are not enough to stop an infestation. A good way to get rid of pests for good is to call professionals, like the country’s best: Topbest! If you need help with pest control, send us a message here for a free consultation!

November 18, 2021

6 Facts About Orange Oil Termite Treatment

What are some facts about orange oil termite treatment?

It has a low termite mortality rate
It is not harmful to the environment
It is flammable and should not be ingested
Kills termites on contact only
Larger treatments are more expensive
It doesn’t have a long-lasting effect

The havoc that termites wreak on any of the wooden parts of your home needs to be controlled before causing too much damage. Sure, we have pesticides and such, but these products can be quite harmful to humans. But some people discovered the orange oil termite treatment that we know today.

Its fame quickly grew as an effective, easy-to-make, and easy-to-apply termite solution. Orange oil is easy to come by because it is an extract that comes from orange rinds. It is the D-limonene in orange oil treatments that is believed to kill termites. But how effective is it really? What do you need to know about this termite treatment? Keep reading to learn more!

It has a low termite mortality rate

For something considered a termite control option, orange oil has a surprisingly low mortality rate. A study showed that an orange oil treatment only has a 77% mortality rate among termites. Anyone who knows anything about termite control would know that this number is very low.

To put that number in context, it would kill only 770 in 1000 ants. Only 2 are needed to restart the colony. The average colony size is 60,000 to 1 million. It is safe to say that orange oil treatment is not enough to wipe out a termite colony.

It is not harmful to the environment

The good thing about orange oil is that it isn’t harmful to the environment. Commercial aerosol pesticides are known to be toxic to people and animals. When applying the typical pesticide treatment, people should stay out of the room for some time. You should cover your things and remove all food. You don’t have to do this with orange oil.

The substance itself isn’t toxic to humans. You don’t need to stay away from the room where you apply the treatment. Your food, plant, and pets are all safe, and your tiles and walls will not be damaged at all. It also doesn’t contain CFCs that might be harmful to the environment itself.

It is flammable and should not be ingested

Orange oil is highly flammable. You should be wary of open flames when applying orange oil treatment inside the house. You should also avoid combusting the oil at all because its fumes are not good for your health. For this reason, you should also avoid ingesting orange oil all in all.

Being exposed for an extended time to either the oil or its fumes can cause the following symptoms: skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, lung irritation, and others. So even though you don’t need to leave the room, try not to stay in contact with it or get too close to it for too long.

Kills termites on contact only

The effectiveness of this treatment depends on how well it kills termites. It works as a pesticide because orange oil itself is toxic to termites. It can break down the termites’ exoskeletons and also kill their eggs. But it needs to make direct contact with them.

This also means that they are only effective for spot-specific infestations. If you want to clear a certain spot of termites, then you can apply orange oil treatments to kill them. But if you want to get rid of whole dry wood infestations, or even some subterranean colonies, orange oil treatment would not work as well as other pesticides.

Larger treatments are more expensive

What makes orange oil treatments charming to many households is that it is easy to make. You can get an extract from orange rinds that you have around the house or from oranges you’ve eaten. But that small amount can’t cover larger areas of infestation.

Many termite infestations, especially if it has gotten more severe, can cover large areas of the wood foundation of the house. If you want to end this infestation with only orange oil treatments, you would have to acquire many more oranges and extract oil from all of them. All of the expense wasted on that could have gone to real pesticides or hiring professional pest control services.

It doesn’t have a long-lasting effect

Commercial pesticides can stay on the area where you sprayed them for longer times. The chemicals are absorbed by the soil or wood so that termites wouldn’t easily be able to return. Once they’ve been killed or moved away, the area is more or less free of infestation.

Orange oil treatments don’t linger in the area of application. They can simply kill termites that come in contact with them. This adds to the list of reasons why they can’t be used to exterminate severe infestations. How could orange oil prevent the threats of re-infestation, after all?

Key Takeaway

A termite infestation is more often than not a persistent problem. Like all animals, they try to survive no matter what we do. By using an orange oil termite treatment, you can kill a majority of termites and stop small spot infestations. But if you really want to get rid of these pests, the best thing to do is to contact professional pest control services near you.

Are you plagued by termites in your home? Are your DIY treatments not strong enough to fight the infestation? You’re in luck! Topbest is the best pest control solutions provider in the Philippines, and we offer FREE consultations! Just send us a message here and we’ll talk about clearing your house of pests!

October 18, 2021

4 Benefits of Nematodes: A Remedy Against Termites

How are nematodes a remedy against termites?

Effective at killing termites
Beneficial for the environment
Safe for humans and pets
Easy to apply

A termite infestation is a common problem among many households. Any wood parts are vulnerable, and some houses are made entirely of wood. The traditional solution nowadays is the use of chemical pesticides. But what if there’s a better, cleaner, and safer alternative?

Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented roundworms that can prey on insects we consider pests. Beneficial nematodes are some species of nematodes that kill our pests and are not harmful to us. The following benefits prove that the use of nematodes is a remedy against termites.

Effective at killing termites

Termites are part of what beneficial nematodes consider prey. These roundworms are known to effectively kill termites after application. They are parasites who enter the termite’s body and kill them from the inside. They lay eggs inside the termite’s body to reproduce.

Their effectiveness on pest killing is so well-known, that you can find bags of beneficial nematodes in various gardening and home shops. These pack enough nematodes to take care of the pest problem of a single household.

But why would you want to use parasites instead of pesticides?

In fact, at least one study has claimed that beneficial nematodes can be alternatives to chemical pesticides. These pesticides can kill all termites exposed to them immediately. Meanwhile, nematodes prey on termites from the inside. They’ll bring the nematodes to the colony and soon enough, they will be wiped out. The nematodes will spread across the members of the colony, even the queen.

While termites can develop resistance against chemicals, they can’t develop anything against nematodes. Repeated exposure to chemical pesticides will make the termites naturally stronger against the chemicals. The more you use it, the less effective it will be. Beneficial nematodes do not have this problem.

Beneficial to the environment

Most pesticides have negative effects on the environment. The chemicals can easily spread from where you spray to nearby habitats and ecosystems. The air can carry the chemicals you spray in your home to water sources or the soil. It can affect the local wildlife population and even get into our drinking water.

Nematodes exist naturally in the soil. When you use beneficial nematodes as pesticides, you would only be promoting biodiversity to the soil.

Nematode sprays don’t contain harmful chemicals, which means they’re also not destructive to the soil, wood, or other plants in the vicinity. Because of their targeted attacks, everything else besides their prey will remain untouched.

Safe for humans and pets

As opposed to chemical pesticides, beneficial nematodes are safe to use around people and pets. Pesticides spread dangerous chemicals in the air when sprayed at an area. Nearby people, even children and pets, inhale these chemicals. There are many different kinds of chemicals in a pesticide, but they’ve been proven to have negative effects on a person’s health. They have been linked to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD.

On the other hand, beneficial nematodes are safe to use around people. They only attack pests such as termites when sprayed. They are not a health risk to people because they have no interest in causing harm to us. They would most likely focus on what they consider prey, and then they usually die out once the termites are gone.

Also, they are sprayed straight on the wood or soil, lowering the chances of getting inhaled.

Easy to apply

In addition to being effective, environmentally friendly, and safe, nematodes are also easy to apply. You can buy bags of these parasites in your local gardening store. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you should prepare enough.

You simply need to mix the nematodes in a gallon of water then stir. After a while, let the mixture sit for a few more minutes. Then transfer the water into the spray bottles and apply to affected surfaces. Spraying them at least once a day should keep the nematode infestation in the termite colony going.

You may also apply it to surfaces that you want termites to avoid. This can be done to keep important, load-bearing or foundational lumber from getting damaged. This simple procedure can be done by any homeowner.

Key takeaway

Beneficial nematodes have the effectiveness of chemical pesticides but without all the health and environmental risks. The use of nematodes as a remedy against termites instead of commercial pesticides should be done more often. As homeowners or gardeners, it is our duty to both prevent pest infestations and keep the environment safe as well.

These natural pesticides termite killers can definitely handle an infestation well. But sometimes, the spread of the termites is too severe for even nematodes to exterminate. A pest control professional should be contacted in these cases. In the Philippines, the best pest control service is only a call and a click away. Send us a message here to get help for your infestations!

October 8, 2021October 7, 2021

What Does a Termite King Do? 5 Facts About Termite Kings

What are some facts about termite kings?

They look different from other members of the colony.
They have functioning eyes.
They keep the population of the colony growing.
They maintain the status quo.
They spend their lives underground.

Termites are common pests that can be found almost anywhere in the world. They damage almost anything that came from wood: furniture, books, and even clothes. Everyone knows about the termite queen, the uncontested monarch of the termite colony. But have you ever heard of her partner? What does a termite king do? How does he function within the colony? And why is he not as well-known as the queen?

Listed below are some interesting facts about the termite king and their secret lives. Read on to find out more!

They look different from other members of the colony

Most people would describe termites as brown ants who eat wood. We make this comparison because most termites really do look very similar to ants, other than their color. What we don’t see underground is the appearance of other colony members.

As would be expected of royalty, the termite king has a different appearance from other members of the colony. Both the king and the queen gain a darker color as they become monarchs of their own colony. Other than that, they also both have no wings. The queen then increases in size as she continues to lay eggs for the colony, but the king stays in his normal size. You could say that he is a shorter and darker version of his queen. This makes it easier for them to distinguish from other colony members if you ever have the fortune of seeing one.

They have functioning eyes

Termites have notoriously bad eyesight. In fact, most termites are even born without them. They rely mainly on pheromones to interact with the world and do their respective jobs. However, while workers and soldiers are completely blind, termite kings and queens develop better eyesight. The reproductives of the colony also have eyesight to help them navigate the world better through flying.

The termite king, on the other hand, enjoys the privilege of having better eyesight despite only having to mate and release pheromones underground for the majority of his life. This can be traced back to when he needed his eyes as a young alate looking for a mate. But the reason why their eyesight gets better as they move underground is not clear.

They keep the population of the colony growing

The reproductive termites of the colony are called alates. These are the members of the colony who have wings. They fly out, pair with each other, and become new kings and queens of their colonies. As they start their underground lives, it becomes the king’s duty to mate with the queen and keep the population growing.

Different species of termites may vary in reproductive cycles, but the queen can lay around 0 to 22 eggs in the first year of their colony. This means that in the early stages, the presence of a colony cannot be easily detected as they are few in number and do not cause as much damage as when they have finally matured. While they are still few, the termite king becomes a caring father while no workers are mature enough to do their roles. The king cleans, carries, and generally takes care of the eggs until workers can take over.

They maintain the status quo

As the top monarchs of the colony, the kings and queens also keep every termite in line. Each termite has their own roles, and the termite king and queen do their job to keep them in their place.

Termite kings are the only ones who can mate with their queens, and that is because they also release a special pheromone that keeps other termites within their roles. This pheromone stops other termites from growing reproductive organs, and they get sorted into soldiers and workers afterward. Reproducing with the queen and producing pheromones to keep everyone in line are the two main jobs of the termite king.

If a termite king dies, some workers replace him as temporary reproductives.

They spend their lives underground

Once a pair of alates decide to move underground, they cut off their wings, become a king and a queen and they stay underground for the rest of their lives. This is why it’s uncommon for people to know what termite queens and kings look like.

The flying termites, or alates, are the ones that we usually see. Seeing alates fly around could mean that they are looking to pair off and start a new colony. That could be a sign of an existing colony nearby, or of a new colony developing in the area. Either way, it’s best to contact pest control professionals to avoid any more termite problems in the future.

Key Takeaways

Termite kings are important members of any termite colony. Without them, the colony might not function or grow as well as it potentially can. The facts about termite royalty above are the reasons why one would do what a termite king does.

Fortunately, there are professionals who are good at controlling these termites and the damage they can do. If you ever find yourself with a termite infestation in your home, feel free to contact us to help you with the problem!

August 16, 2021

5 Termite Queen Facts You Need to Know

What are the termite queen facts you need to know?

The appearance of the queen is distinct
The queen is tasked with reproduction
The queen emits a special pheromone
The other termites work for the queen
The lifespan of the queen can span decades

Just like how ant colonies have a queen, the termite queen leads the wood munching pests in a caste system. As the most important component of the colony, all the other termites assist her. She hides deep into the nest, so you need to contact pest control services to locate her if you have a termite infestation. If you’re interested in more termite queen facts, keep on reading!

The Appearance of the Queen Is Distinct

One of the things that separate the termite queen from the rest of the colony is her appearance. As the largest member, she looks more like a worm or caterpillar than a termite. A termite queen can grow up to 6 inches when carrying a high number of eggs, so it’s easy to differentiate her from the workers.

Before a termite becomes a queen, she will look like any of the termites in the caste. But as she fulfills her role as the founder and main reproducer of the colony, her appearance will start to change. When this happens, the abdomen part of the termite queen’s body will stretch out and elongate. This makes it hard for her to move around freely.

The Queen Is Tasked with Reproduction

To understand more about the role of the queen in the colony, it is important to know more about how an ordinary termite turns into one. First, winged male and female termites, which are also known as alates, leave the main colony to mate and find a new nest. Once they find shelter, the female termite lays the eggs from which a new colony will emerge. She is the “founder” but also the main reproducer.

What makes a termite infestation problematic is the fact that termite queens can lay eggs every day. This will gradually increase every year so more termite workers and soldiers are produced. A small colony can turn into a huge problem in months.

The Queen Emits a Special Pheromone

Speaking of termite reproduction, aside from the termite queen, secondary queens can also produce eggs away from the main nest—which makes an infestation more problematic. These termites are typically located in satellite nests.

But before this happens, the main queen must permit them to reproduce first. This is done through a special pheromone she releases from her body. With these chemicals, she can block the reproductive development of the other members. Through this, the queen can control the size of the colony.

The Other Termites Work for The Queen

Apart from the termite queen and king who are tasked with reproduction, the other members also have a distinct role. Because the queen is too big to move freely, the worker termites fetch the food, build the nest, and tend to her needs. The soldiers are the ones who defend the colony from intruders.

These roles are not fixed, because the termites can adapt to fill in the current need. For example, a soldier can take on the role of the worker or become reproductive.

The Lifespan of the Queen Can Span Decades

In addition to the high capacity of the termite queen to lay eggs, she can also live for decades. Without disturbance from external forces such as a pest control team, her lifespan will last between 25 to 50 years. What this means is that she can produce a countless amount of termites in her lifetime. The peak egg production can last as long as 10 years.

When the termite queen dies naturally, the chemicals she releases will also disappear. A new queen will replace her and the colony will continue to live. This means that other methods are needed to completely get rid of a termite infestation.

Key Takeaway

A termite queen is the founder, main reproducer, and the cause of a growing termite colony. She’s responsible for how big the nest will reach, so it’s vital to stop her before the problem worsens.

Now that you know these termite queen facts, you can understand how dangerous and problematic an infestation can be. A pest control team like Topbest can provide effective methods to get rid of this problem, so you can live pest-free. If you’re interested in a free consultation, just send a message on this page today!