Do you worry about wood destroying insects eating your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage?

Both termites and carpenter ants are swarming species that create colonies with hundreds or even thousands of wood eaters. Carpenter ants differ from termites in their dark-colored bodies and bent antennae. They leave behind a sawdust-like material, which provides clues to their nesting location – unlike the mud tubes and piles of wings left by termites.

Carpenter Ants Awareness Week, June 20 – 26, comes at the height of the carpenter ant and termite season, and it’s an opportune time to educate homeowners about the differences.

Our local pest expert is available for an in-studio or on-location interview to present viewers with tips for dealing with carpenter ants and termites include:

• Determining whether it’s an ant or termite problem.
• Eliminating moisture around your home that comes from standing water and leaky faucets since carpenter ants look to nest in these areas.
• Sealing and checking window sills, support posts, basement window frames, wood porches and cracks in cement for any termite damage, droppings or wings.
• Replacing any moisture-damaged wood around your home.
  • Making sure wood or lumber stored in a garage or near the house is kept dry and elevated to allow air circulation.
  • Removing trees, shrubs, stumps, roots and branches that overhang or touch the base of your home.

To book an in-studio or on-location interview, please contact me at 561.998.1995 or csanders@tilsonpr.com

Billion Dollar Bugs: Termites are taking over Hollywood, Florida
Not only are termites eating a hole in your house, but in your wallet, too

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 17, 2011) — Rising temperatures are a sure sign that subterranean termites are ready to wreak havoc- an estimated $1.5 billion dollar problem, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

“The warming weather throughout South Florida is one of the causes of the swarms,” said Truly Nolen’s Hollywood branch manager, Ray Baboolal. “This year we’re seeing an increase in Formosan subterranean termites, a species which is extremely destructive due to their ability to have over a million members in a single colony and their large physical size.”

A Formosan swarmer or alate are typically 1/2 to 3/5 inch in length.

Damage from termites is inconspicuous at first because homeowners usually don’t see the insect or the damage they cause until it’s too late. They are known for their determination to find a way into a home, whether it’s made of wood or concrete. After settling, Formosan subterranean termites will tirelessly attack a home, causing dangerous and costly structural damage.

“Termites cause more damage in the United States than storms, fires and floods combined,” said Scott Nolen, President of Truly Nolen.  “The killer part for consumers is that Homeowner’s insurance will not cover the cost of treatment or repair.”

Baboolal provided tips for homeowners which can prevent damage from substratum termites include:

• Paint wood after sealing cracks and joints.
• For construction, treat wood with borax preservatives or use pre-treated wood.
• Look around window seals and baseboards for wings or droppings.
• Look at exterior walls for mud tubs which substratum termites make for safer travel.
• If you see signs of termites, call a pest control professional immediately.

About Truly Nolen
Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has over 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas as well as Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.trulynolen.com.

Look out for termites, the unwanted house guests
Warm, dry weather encourages high level of swarming termites

Miami, Fla. (May 17, 2011) — Drywood termites are swarming, eating wood and causing an averages of $3,000 in damages per house when they move into the homes of Miami residents, according to CNN.

“We’re seeing an extreme increase in calls for termites,” said Truly Nolen’s central Miami branch manager, Roberto Rivera. “We’re receiving about 15 termite calls an hour from current and new clients, typically in a panic.”

The rain, humidity and heat is perfect weather for termites swarm and breed. Unlike subterranean termites which need moisture, drywood termites prefer dryer conditions.

Drywood termites usually fly at night toward light on rainy and humid days when temperatures are between 80-100 degrees. They travel up to 250 feet away when searching for a mate. If successful, the pair becomes queen and king of its own colony. Within 10 years, the colony can grow to 3,000 termites.

Rivera provided tips for homeowners which can prevent damage from drywood termites include:

• Remove wood outdoors that termites could infest, such as firewood, lumber or dead shrubbery.
• Place bug screens on attic and foundation vents.
• Paint wood after sealing cracks and joints.
• For construction, treat wood with borax preservatives or use pre-treated wood.
• Look around window seals and baseboards for wings or droppings.
• If you see signs of termites, call a pest control professional immediately.

About Truly Nolen
Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has over 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas as well as Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.trulynolen.com.