Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in flying ants and flying termites?

1) An ant has a pinched or narrower waist, whereas a termites body is one width.
2) An ant has bent antenna; a termite has straight antenna.
3) Ants have a pair of longer wings on top of shorter wings; a termite has a pair of equal sized wings

4) In the case of our native subterranean termites, their bodies will usually be jet black, whereas ant swarmers can be any color from red to brown, or any combination of colors.

What are the visible signs of termites?

The most common sign are swarmers. These winged termites leave the nest in early spring to establish new colonies. Other signs could include small exit holes in sheetrock or trim, presence of dirt tunnels, or presence of swarmer wings.

I don't see any of the signs. Should I still be concerned?

YES! Termites have a natural aversion to sunlight and air. For this reason they usually tunnel up through wall voids and other unseen areas. DOA reports that there are several active termite colonies per acre in this region of the country. Sometimes even pest management professionals (PMP's) miss termites in these hidden areas.

Is there anything I can do to help prevent termites?

YES. Keep firewood off the ground and away from the house. The crawlspace floor should be free of any cellulose (wood) debris. This includes cardboard and other paper. The crawlspace should be kept dry using proper ventilation and a moisture barrier. Also, ensure water does not stand in the crawlspace or around the house.

Then will I be safe from termites?

No. Termites are unpredictable and aggressive feeders. Chances are eventually an unprotected home will be found and attacked. Only a proper termite treatment can prevent this.

I received a letter stating my warranty expired. Why is more treatment necessary?

Today's termiticides only last 5-10 years. After that, your home gradually becomes unprotected as the termiticide degrades.

Do baiting systems work?

Some are very effective and some are not. Bait that relies on a stomach poison is only going to kill the termites that feed on the bait. This triggers an alarm from the remaining termites and they will avoid the bait. The most effective termite baits use a chitin inhibitor, which prevents the termites from molting and thus they die out. Some baits also are transferred from termite to termite by contact. The baits can be very effective at eliminating entire colonies.

So should I use bait or a liquid?

Each structure is a different scenario. In some cases either one might be more effective. Your PMP (pest management professional) will give you his best recommendations.

Is it true if I have ants, I probably have termites?

No. Ants do use termites as a food source but the mere presence of ants should not worry you. If you are suspicious, call a professional.

I have regular PC service. Will this help with termites?

No. A termite treatment is completely different from PC treatment. While termite chemicals are placed underground to destroy foraging workers, pest control chemicals are usually on the exposed soil or other areas above ground.

I don't smell anything after treatment. Am I getting watered down chemicals?

No. Most of today's pesticides are colorless with low odor. In the past, pesticides had an oil-based carrier that had an odor that you smelled after application, which had nothing to do with its effectiveness.

When I report seeing roaches I am always asked if they are big or small. What's the difference?

If the roaches are small (about 1/2 inch long) they are probably German roaches. German roaches establish nests inside a structure and can quickly multiply to form large infestations. The larger roaches (3/4 inch and longer) are usually American, Smokey Browns, or Oriental roaches. All three of these species come from outside and find it hard to survive inside a structure. Determining whether the roaches are large or small will aid your pmp in choosing the best treatment for your problem.

Why does it take so long to see results of a flea treatment?

Fleas develop within a complete lifecycle. This means they go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The eggs are mainly picked up by vacuuming, the larva and adults are killed off by the initial chemical application. The cocoon which surrounds the pupa completely protects the flea from chemical exposure. The pupa can detect the presence of a host from inside the cocoon and will emerge as a biting adult. Once they drop off the host, they will jump back into the floor where the chemical barrier will eliminate them.

How do I get rid of spiders?

A residual chemical will not eliminate spiders. Spiders, as with any insect, require chemical contact in order to be erradicated. The lifestyle of most spiders prevent this since they spend most of their lives on webs. The best way to control spiders is to control their food source and eliminate harborage areas. Most spiders around a structure are feeding on flying insects drawn in by lights. Lights should only be turned on when needed and, if possible, should be away from entry ways into the structure. As soon as webs are seen they should be swept down.

What is Pest Control?

Modern pest control is more than just spraying every baseboard inside of a structure. Each house is a unique environment that needs to be treated as such. Your Barnes technician will do a thorough inspection of your home or business and decide how to best prevent pest problems that are present. Ask about integrated pest management!

Liquid sprays, baits, traps and other control measures will all be used to eliminate pest problems. Sometimes you might even be asked to help in your pest control problem, whether it be to move a woodpile away from the house or store your dog food in a sealed container.

Barnes offers monthly or quarterly service. Your pmp will make a recommendation based on your problem and your preference.

Barnes can also provide one time treatments for insects such as wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.