Arrow Termite and Pest Solutions

Important Termite Information

Termites are usually between ¼-inch to ½-inch long. Their antennas come straight out of their heads, and their bodies are soft. Termite coloration ranges from white to light brown in color.

There are around 2,000 known termite species in the world. However there are a few that are common in the U.S. and pose the largest threat to homeowners: 

Termite Characteristics in Middle Tennessee

Subterranean termites: These termites are found in every state in the
continental United States and live in moist secluded areas in colonies of up to 2 million members. They are by far the most destructive termite species in the U.S.

How Do Soil Treatments Work Against Subterranean Termites?

Soil treatments are highly effective in combating subterranean termites, primarily because these destructive pests reside in the soil. Here’s a breakdown of how this method works:

1. Barrier Creation: The process begins by digging a trench around the perimeter of your home. This trench is essential as it serves as the application zone for the treatment.
2. Application of Termiticide: The key to soil treatments lies in the use of termiticides—chemicals specifically designed to eradicate termites. The termiticide is applied directly into the trench, saturating the soil and creating a chemical barrier.
3. Refilling the Trench: After the termiticide application, the trench is refilled with the treated soil. This step ensures that the protective barrier remains undisturbed and effective.

By following these steps, soil treatments form a continuous, treated zone around your home. This barrier prevents subterranean termites from crossing into untreated areas and gaining access to the wooden structures of your property.

In summary, soil treatments work by creating a chemical blockade in the soil, which surrounds your home and keeps subterranean termites at bay.

In each termite species, there are three different castes or classes. Castes
are separated by duties and appearance. It takes a lot of work to run a termite colony!

· Workers: Worker termites collect food for the colony. They build and maintain structures like mud tubes and nests, meaning these are the termites that cause structural damage to your home. These generally look more like larvae.

· Soldiers: Soldier termites have the heavy responsibility of defending the nest. Ants pose the biggest threat to the colony, so termites go after ants more than other pests. While a soldier’s body looks similar to a worker’s, their heads and mandibles are bigger, making it easier for them to attack.

Alates (Flying termites): Alates have the potential to be kings or queens of new termite colonies. They don’t actually cause damage, but seeing these winged termites is a sure sign you have a termite infestation. These flying termites have dark exoskeletons and two sets of long wings 

Termite Damage

Each year, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage. These tiny pests form in large colonies and can cause serious damage to your home. If you’re seeing them, you definitely need termite treatment right away.

Termites use these cylinder-shaped pathways to travel along exposed areas while foraging for food. These might look like branches of dried mud attached to the side of poles, house foundations, metal fences, and other places.