Termites—Controlling T (NAPSA)—You may never see the enemy until it’s too late. That is the danger of termite infestation, which can be devastating to a homeowner. In the United States, termites cause more than $2 billion in treatment and repair costs each year. Most responsible for the damage in the southern coastal regions of the nation is a small, tireless wood eater known as the drywood termite. Drywood termites are just what their name implies—they live within and eat dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. Swarming Season Drywood termite swarming seasons vary from California to Florida. In northern California, swarming can typically be seen in June and July. In the southern part of the state, they can be observed from September through November. In Florida, termite swarmers take flight in spring through fall, from February through November, usually on warm sunnydaysafter a rain. Other signs of drywood termite infestation include six-sided fecal pellets, blistered wood, pinheadsized holes in the woodwork, dead termites and discarded wings found nearlight sources. Termite Treatment Should you see these signs, it is important to contact a pest management professional right away. The treatment most recom- mended when drywood termites are discovered is a whole structure fumigation with Vikane* gas fumigant. This is the only way to ensure 100 percent control of drywood termite infestations Service mark of Dow AgroSciences LLC *Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC Vikaneis a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. SIGNS OF TROUBLEinclude blistered wood and discarded wings found nearlight sources. throughout the structure. When choosing a pest management professional, homeowners should look for a CTE (Commitment To Excellence™) company. The CTE program, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences LLC, recognizes companies making a commitment to excel in the area of whole-structure fumigation. CTE companies offer property owners peace of mind knowing that highly trained professionals will solve their drywood termite problems. The effectiveness of Vikaneis confirmed by over 40 years of university research, practical use, and published reports. More than one million structures, ranging from homes to museumshave been fumigated with Vikane over the years. For more information about drywood termite treatment options, visit the University of Florida’s Web site at www.ftld.ufl.edu/drywood.htm or visit www.dowagro.com.
