Do termites only attack old, run-down buildings?

Termites have been found in buildings as early as four days after construction. Every building fabricated wholly or partly of wood is susceptible to termite infestation.

Are there different kinds of termites?

Entomologists have identified over 2,300 species worldwide, 45 of which exist in the United States. Generally, homeowners only need to worry about two types: Subterranean and Drywood termites. Each must be dealt with separately.

Are there other wood-destroying insects to worry about?

There are many other insects that can feed on the wood in your home. Powder-post beetles, second only to termites, can do extensive damage to your home before their presence is even recognized. Adult powder-post beetles lay eggs in the wood which hatch into whitish, worm-like larvae that destroy wood for months, or even years. Theses larvae leave behind trails of destruction-long tunnels packed with powder-like particles of partially digested wood. As these larvae mature, they will mate, leaving the wood surface perforated with small, round "shot holes."

How can I tell a termite apart from a flying ant?

It is important to know the difference between termites and flying ants because a different method of pest control is used for each. Winged termites are usually only about 1/8" in length and have straight antennae and no "waistline."

Ants are often several times larger and have elbowed antennae, three distinct body sections and very slim waists. Their front wings are much longer than the back ones.

What can termites do to my home?

Termites eat wood. In their natural state, they eat fallen logs and stumps off the forest floor. But on your property, they can eat away the equity you have built up in your home and property. Termites infest millions of homes nationwide, causing over $750 million in damage annually, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

What should I know about a termite colony?

Subterranean termites are native to every state except Alaska. A colony may include up to several million individual termites, living as deep as 20 feet underground. They are dispersed throughout the soil at feeding sites around your home. Feeding on cellulose-based material, termites find human dwellings offer the ideal combination of warmth, moisture and food.

How can a professional pest control firm help?

Only a trained professional understands the intricacies of how a termite colony behaves. Esparza Pest Control and Epest professionals are trained to effectively protect your housing investment for years to come.

What types of termites make up a colony?

• Eggs - cared for by workers during a two-week incubation period before passing into the nymph stage.
• Nymphs - mature into one of the four termite castes.
• Workers - represents most of the termites in a colony. They are blind, sterile and they forage for the colony's food. Worker termites also cause the most damage to your home.
• Soldiers - have armored heads and extremely strong jaws. They protect the colony from invasion of enemies such as ants.
• Supplementary Reproductives - act as replacements for the Queen if she should die. They may also produce eggs even if the Queen is healthy to help increase the colony.
• Winged Reproductives - the termites you may see when they "swarm," usually in the spring, signaling a well developed colony. After shedding their wings, reproductives pair off, burrow into the soil and begin a new colony.
• The Queen - occupies a "royal cell" with the King. The queen can live up to 25 years, laying thousands of eggs annually.

How does a professional inspection uncover termite activity that's invisible to me?

While much termite damage is hidden, Esparza Pest Control and Epest professionals are keenly trained to spot even the deepest problem.

How will Esparza Pest Control or Epest get rid of the termites?

Our professionals will first create an invisible barrier between your home and the termites, blocking them from your house. First, we will thoroughly inspect your home. We will then provide an analysis of your home and property. After our analysis, our experts will determine the most effect method at killing and repelling the termites. Finally, we will apply the proper materials to effectively keep your home and property termite free.

How will you achieve this invisible barrier?

Methods vary with each house depending on the type of foundation or basement, construction materials, number and type of porches, patios, chimneys, etc. By digging narrow trenches along walls and drilling through horizontal surfaces and into voids, materials can be applied where they will kill termites that have invaded your home and block the termite's re-entry.

Chem-free Organic Pest Alternative

Esparza Pest Control and Epest are trained professionals of the Chem-free management system, a choice for each of our clients.

Chem-free utilizes the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy in efforts to solve your urban pest problems. This process considers the whole ecosystem in determining the best and safest methods for managing pests. The IPM strategy is designed to be the least disruptive of nature pest controls, human health, and the general environment.

With the idea of keeping household pests under control while avoiding exposure to a lot of chemicals, Chem-free takes new technology and combines it with proven treatment techniques and organic or natural products. The material is based on a track record built on effectiveness, safety and low-toxicity.