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Residential Pest Control – Termites

Termites (Order Isoptera) exist to convert dead wood and other organic materials containing cellulose to humus. Unfortunately, termites
cannot distinguish dead wood used to build your home from dead wood in the forest.

There are approximately 13 to 14 colonies of termites per acre in this geographic region.  This enables numerous termite colonies to feed on your home.  Termites need moisture to survive, their soft bodies require an available moisture source so they will not dehydrate.  Termites construct mud tubes to conceal themselves, provide water, and protect themselves from natural enemies.  These mud tubes are sometimes visible to a qualified pest control operator, but sometimes they are not visible.  Some structures restrict visible activity due to built-in fixtures such as drywall, carpet, and paneling.

The most common termite found in North America is thought to be the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Swarming can begin as early as February in the southern United States and as late as May or June in the colder areas. Late fall swarming from September to November may also occur.  Swarms occur every month of the year where colonies are associated with heated slabs.

When a Pest Control Inspector inspects a building in which a subterranean termite infestation is suspected, the inspector must be able to determine whether termites are present.  Sometimes an active infestation is obvious. Other times it may require a great deal of effort, situation awareness, and the use of specialized techniques and information to reach the correct diagnosis. The presence of swarmers or their shed wings almost invariably indicates that there is a termite infestation. When an Inspector visits your home, you
will be offered the opportunity to observe the infestation and/or any damage present before treatment is scheduled. The Inspector will complete a diagram of your structure and will note the damage and treatment methods.

The objective in treating termite infestations is to establish a chemical barrier between the termite nest, usually in the ground, and the wood structure. Treatment of the soil consists of the application of termiticides to the soil under and adjacent to the structure. A continuous barrier should be established along the inside and outside of the structure, under the slabs, and around utility entrances.

Another alternative treatment is the baiting system, installed by some Pest Control Operators. If you have an infestation,
baiting outside and around the structure’s exterior will most likely not work. If termites have a food source readily available, your home, for example, it has not been proven that the baiting system will lure them away. Termites are blind, and they forage for food at random. Once they have located a food source, they will not stop feeding until that food source is exhausted. The baiting system may in fact draw more termites into and around the structure.  Feel free to discuss this with the inspector when he visits your home or
business.

Why do we offer a free termite inspection?  If you are concerned about your health, you receive a physical once a year (and that’s not free!).  Your house or business is the same, it needs a physical once a year because what lies beneath may not be visible to you.  Our inspector will arrange an appointment with you, if damage or termites are found, the inspector will gladly show you any problems found. Feel free to call, email, or use the form on this site to register for your free appointment.

This Blog was posted by Coastal Breeze RV Resort in Rockport Texas

The Diesel Pusher is in a class by itself.

Some feel that any of the recreational vehicles with a diesel engine can be considered a diesel pusher. History says that’s just not true.

Beautiful, luxury motor home parked in a national park campground.

A diesel engine will provide a bit of an increase in mpg. And it’s true that diesel engines will last longer than gasoline engines. The problem comes in quantifying the differences. You would need to take into consideration the total weight of the diesel pusher that is being moved down the road.

Availability of fuel is not as much a concern as in years past. If the owner opts for extra capacity fuel tanks, the difference in fuel availability disappears altogether in today’s market.

There was a time when diesel fuel was half the price of gasoline. That’s the reason most passenger highway use buses were equipped with diesel engines. To maximize passenger seating and thus profits, the diesel engine was placed in the rear of the bus. This allowed at least 4 more paying seats at the front of the bus.

When old passenger buses began to be purchased by RV enthusiasts and converted to RV use (Conversions or Bus Conversions), the nickname of diesel pusher was born. The name was mainly meant to differ these rigs from their counterparts that began to be produced by RV Manufacturers with the diesel engine at the front of the rigs whether a Class A Motorhome or a Class C Motorhome.

Some RVers prefer the addition of the 3 to 4 feet to their rv living space offered by the rear engine units. That’s a good point as all space on a recreational vehicle or class a motorhome is important. Yet, others point to the unwanted engine noise coming from under their bed when inadequate soundproofing has been installed.

New RV prices and used RV prices of these units are a little higher than comparable gas-powered rigs. The longer life of the engines coupled with fewer expected repairs pushes the prices up. As always, be aware of how your unit might be used before paying for the extra life and mpg. Many full-timers only travel 200 miles or less every few days. That’s only 20,000 to 25,000 miles per year. The upfront expense is hardly worth it unless you plan to own the rig for many years.

All other items of concern are almost identical to any comparable Class A Motorhome; luxuries, floor plans, cargo capacity, etc.

As always, buy for your level of comfort, travel plans, and budget. By continuing to do your homework, you’ll find the right new or used rig for your adventures.