Pest Control - Ant problem

Author

Ant problem

miamicuse

2005-07-09, 11:25 pm

I have posted previously I had dry wood termite in one corner of my house.
I will be fumigating in mid August.

Hurricane Dennis just went by and yesterday I saw ten dead carpenter ants on
my floor in different locations. They have wings. Is this related to the
hurricane?

I have had ant problems on and off in this property. Sometimes carpenter
ants, sometimes pavement black ants, sometimes crazy ants. Sometimes I used
Terro and they will be gone for a while then they will come back. I have a
guy that come by every month to spray the outside (with what I don't know)
and after his treatment, I always have lots of dead ants showing up in part
of the house.

I have learned that the ant problem can be addressed without a monthly
spray. I will need to spray Termidor outside and something inside? Can
someone elaborate? I plan to do this right after the tenting, as the
fumigator told me after tenting I will have an ant attack, since they can
smell dead termites and will come into my house to raid the dead termite
bodies. OK how can I prevent this? Should I do a barrier Termidor
treatment after the tenting?

Thanks,

MC

Hawaii Fumigation

2005-07-11, 11:25 pm

MC:

Ants are scavengers and they are also the natural enemy to the termite.
It is not uncommon to see an increase in the ant population following
a fumigation treatment. Ants often infiltrate the old termite
galleries to feed on the dead termites and at times will assume the old
termite galleries as their new shelter.

When properly conducted, fumigation for drywood termites will also
result in the eradication of other common pests within the home at the
time of the treatment, such as roaches, silverfish, spiders, earwigs,
and ants (including carpenter ants). However, the fumigant dosages
used for drywood termites are not sufficient to eradicate certain types
of beetles and subterranean termites. With that said, following your
fumigation, the interior of your home should be relatively pest free.

On that note, arranging for a perimeter treatment would be an excellent
proactive measure to prevent pest re-entry and maintain that pest free
interior. This can be achieved with the use of repellant or
non-repellant products. Should you elect to use non-repellant
products, quarterly service should be sufficient. If you elect to use
repellant products, check with your professional regarding their
recommendations for service frequency.

Post fumigation is a good opportunity for a homeowner to take measures
to minimize the potential for pest and termite re-entry. Following
your fumigation, you should take the time to:

1. Seal up cracks in your stucco or wood siding
2. Repair or replace damaged window/door screens
3. Apply door-sweeps to exterior doors if gaps are present
4. Trim back all plants away from the structure (at least 2 feet)
5. Divert gutters and drains at least 3 feet away from the structure
6. Maintain the paint on your home
7. Repair any faulty plumbing or moisture building problems
8. Eliminate all earth to wood contact affecting the structure
9. Use only treated lumber for any additions/repairs you make to the
home.

In the meantime, drop me a line and let me know which fumigation
company you ultimately selected and do keep us posted on your
fumgiation experience.

Aloha!
Claudine Madawi-Plasman

PS: Keep in mind that although you are proceeding with fumigation, you
can still consider borate applications as a preventive measure against
future infestations if you want some residual protection. However,
borates can only be applied effectively to exposed wood that is
unfinished. This would still leave any wood furnishings, trims,
finished wood (varnished, painted, or otherwise coated), etc.
susceptible.

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