Spectracide TERMINATE Folleto De Instrucciones página 14

source, such as a house, they construct mud tunnels to protect
them during their journey from the colony to the food source. Mud
tunnels are constructed of dirt and are about as thick as a pencil.
Any mud tunnels must be inspected for termite activity. This is
accomplished by breaking off a 1- to 2-inch section of the tunnel
and looking for termites. If termites are present, the tunnel is active.
If termites are not present and the tunnel is not reconstructed
in one week, then the tunnel is inactive. If during that time, the
tunnel is reconstructed, the tunnel is active. If termites are found,
a sample should be collected for identification (see note below).
2. An examination of any direct wood-to-ground contact outside
of the house. All wood, including treated lumber, which has direct
contact with the soil must be inspected for termite activity. Examples
of direct wood-to-soil contact include wood fences, steps from your
house, wooden decking and steps, landscaping timbers and mulch
beds. This wood is inspected for termite activity at or near ground
level by probing with a screwdriver or other sharp object. If the
wood is easily penetrated, the wood has been damaged by termites,
fungus, or some other wood-destroying organism. Termite activity
is indicated by the presence of termites in the wood or signs that
they have been feeding at this site. Signs of feeding include termite
foraging galleries, dirt or mud present in the wood and/or small
trails or holes in the center portion of the wood.
3. An examination of the interior of your house for signs of termite
activity. Floor boards, wallboard, wood trim around windows and doors
and wood in the attic must be inspected for termite activity. There are
three primary signs of termite activity that should be noted during this
portion of the inspection. First, the most conclusive sign of termite
activity is the presence of mud tunnels. When located, they should
be inspected as noted in Step 1. Second, areas containing moisture
should receive attention. Subterranean termites require constant
moisture in order to survive. Any areas in a house that retain moisture
must be thoroughly inspected for signs of termite activity. Wood in
these areas can be inspected by probing with a screwdriver or other sharp object (described
above). Finally, the house should be examined for flight exit holes. The holes are constructed to
allow "swarmers" (winged termites) out to try and establish new colonies. Swarming in the U.S.
typically falls between the months of January and July. The flight exit holes look like small mud
packs protruding from one or more openings and are constructed just prior to swarming.
4. An examination of outside areas that are favorable for termite activity. Favorable areas include
those that retain moisture around downspouts, spigots, air conditioner lines, and low areas with
improper drainage. Other conditions favorable for termite activity include areas that provide a
source of food such as direct wood-to-ground contact, woodpiles, mulch beds, wooden fences,
tree stumps and landscaping timbers. All favorable areas should be thoroughly inspected for
termites. Termites can be detected by the presence of mud tunnels, by inspecting wood with
a probe, and by sampling the soil in these areas. Sampling the soil may be accomplished by
using a small hand trowel or shovel to dig holes in the ground to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. These
holes must be dug at least 12 to 18 inches away from the foundation to leave any barrier
chemical undisturbed. Once the soil is removed, the hole must be checked for termite activity.
NOTE: If termites are found during any part of the inspection, a sample should be collected and the
species of termite identified. Any termites collected during the inspection can be preserved in a glass
jar with rubbing alcohol. Entomologists at state universities, county extension agents, or authorized
certified professional pest control operators can aid in the identification of the termite species.
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TERMINATE
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TERMITE DETECTION & KILLING STAKES
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