There are a few different things that can damage your home, and one of the major ones is termites. In Oklahoma, we have the eastern subterranean termite. These termites feed on cellulose materials, including wood used in homes. Let’s take a good look at termites and how they work.

Termites use incomplete metamorphosis. This means the queen lays eggs, and the young termites that hatch develop through a series of molts rather than going through a pupal stage. As they develop, immature termites can become workers, soldiers, or reproductives depending on the needs and biology of the colony. Oklahoma State University Extension explains subterranean termite biology, castes, development, and termite activity in Oklahoma.

Termites depend on microorganisms in their digestive system to help break down cellulose in wood. They also exchange food and gut microorganisms with other colony members through a process known as trophallaxis. This helps maintain the digestive community they need to use cellulose as a food source.

In order to keep these insects at bay, it’s a good idea to use preventative termite protection. A bait station system is one option for protecting a house from termites. The best way to do this is to contact your Tulsa Exterminator to determine whether a bait system is appropriate for your property.

In addition to bait station systems, we can also use liquid treatments. Liquid termite treatments have been used for many years. Depending on the property and the termite problem, a professional may recommend a bait system, a liquid treatment, or another label-approved approach.

With a liquid soil treatment, a trench can be made along appropriate portions of the foundation and termiticide applied to the soil according to the product label. Where concrete or other construction prevents direct access to the soil, drilling may sometimes be used at label-specified intervals so the soil beneath can be treated. Treatments may involve the structure more broadly or may target specific areas, depending on the product label, construction, and infestation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes termite baits, liquid soil-applied termiticides, and other termite-control methods.

TermMax Pest Control is the best when it comes to pest control, including termites. Contact your Tulsa Exterminator right away if you think you’re having any kind of termite issue.