What's cream-colored, less than an inch long, and can be found chewing off your home's foundation with an overall cost of $2 billion in damages each year? Definitely not your friendly neighborhood bug, that's for sure. Subterranean termites, considered to be the most destructive pest in the United States, are found in every state except Alaska.

Where do they live and what do they eat?

These dehydration-prone termites are attracted to areas with lots of moisture and must live near the soil or other above ground source to survive. Underground colonies of subterranean termites can contain up to 2 million members and are organized within a caste system, ranging from the queen and king termites who are the "colony founders" to the lower classes. Soldier and reproductive termites fall in between and help support the entire system with the former fighting off predators such as ants. Worker termites, the last group, consume wood and provide food for the rest of the termite colony.

Subterranean termites feed on anything that contain wood fiber and cellulose such as paper, cardboard, and plant products. Their primary source of food include dead trees and brush, but when the land is cleared by human intervention and houses get built, termites will start to attack the building structures.

Termites can penetrate buildings through wood that sits on soil and through building tunnels called mud tubes in foundations. They can also enter easily through cracks or openings in foundations.

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What kind of damage can they do?

Homeowners are fearful of subterranean termites for good reason - these termites can collapse an entire building completely. A colony of termites can work diligently and chew through fragments of wood with their strong jaws.

Experts report that termites normally take three to eight years to cause any sort of tangible damage, based on feeding patterns. Other sources estimate that under humid and moisture-filled conditions, a termite colony composed of 60,000 workers could potentially consume a one foot of 2 x 4 inch pine in 100 to 150 days.

How can I tell if I have termites?

Since subterranean termites live underground, the best way to look for termites in your home is to watch out for mud tubes protruding from hidden areas, such as wall crevices, baseboards, and sub-flooring. Blistered wood, soil in cracks, and weak or broken structures can also be a sign of subterranean termites. If you see any appearance of termite entry into your home, call a licensed termite inspector to evaluate your termite situation and what can be done.

Anteater Pest and Lawn Services provide a proactive termite program for inspecting termites, termite damage, and mud tubes. Anteater will install monitoring stations around the perimeter of structures to serve as an early warning system.

How do I get rid of termites?

Pest control professionals utilize three different types of treatment that include soil treatments, wood treatments, and baits.

Soil treatments work to decrease the population of termites and protect the structure long-term. This treatment contains liquid termiticide diluted with water to be injected into the soil around the foundation of the home. This treatment can also be used simultaneously with wood treatments and/or baits.

Wood treatments protect wood from termite infestation and reduces the infestation during treatment by painting unfinished wood with liquids like borate materials.

Baits are put into the ground where there are signs of termites. The bait is usually an insect growth regulator (IGR) or a slow release toxic agent. Once termites eat the bait and return to their colony, it becomes manifested in the colony and reduces the termite population there through weakening the entire colony.

How can I prevent termites in the first place?

Prevention methods for termite infestation include reducing the the potential for termites to enter your home and should be reviewed by homeowners. Most of the treatments described above utilize chemicals, which can be toxic to animals and even humans.

The only permanent non-toxic termite treatment is produced by Termistop USA, which uses Flanges and Blockouts, a non-chemical solution that prevents termites from entering the home at the service penetrations through the slab. The Termimesh System, composed of stainless steel mesh, creates a "physical barrier" to termite entry when it "keys" into the concrete. By addressing these areas during construction with Termistop Flanges and Blockouts, Pest Control Operators reduce the need to apply chemical termiticides within the living space of the building.

Many green building programs around the country emphasize the use of physical barriers and non-chemical termite solutions. Termistop qualifies as a physical barrier in many of these programs, designed to eliminate the need for chemical re-treatments in the interior of the home. Anteater Pest and Lawn are also certified dealers and installers of the Termimesh System.

Prevention is the way to go

The impact that subterranean termites can have on our home is tremendous and can be economically ruinous. Preventing termites should be a priority for concerned homeowners and the permanent non-toxic termite treatment is a great way to prevent termite infestation while serving as a environmentally friendly option.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/what-every-homeowner-needs-to-know-about-subterranean-termites-229731.html

Author: Fran Phalin

About the Author:
Fran Phalin is a homeowner and freelance writer on things that work. She is based in Austin, Texas. Please visit http://www.anteaterpestandlawn.com/orlando/pest/termite_pretreatment.shtml for more info!

Technorati Tags: Orlando, permanent termite treatment, Tampa, Termimesh, termite pest control, termite prevention

There are three main ways to get rid of rabbits, either trap them, use ferrets or shoot them with the aid of a good dog

The best dog breeds for hunting rabbits are any member of the hunting dog group with a good nose for scenting game and a willingness and ability to follow a scent trail without becoming distracted. If you are not sure which dog breeds are classified as gun dogs, we recommend that you go to one of the Kennel Club web sites such as the American Kennel Club, the United Kingdom Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club. On each of these sites they hold lists of the breeds recognized within the category for your information.

Before we start to talk on this subject we would like to remind all US hunters that when using shotguns are only federally approved nontoxic shot is allowed. Always obtain appropriate landowner and/or tenant permission to shoot, and the always observe the shooting season which may apply within the region.

Rabbit hunting can be enjoyable and becomes an essential duty when rabbit numbers on any land holding exceed sensible numbers, plus it isn\'t a complicated sport. It can really be as simple as a quiet walk with any of the dog breeds for hunting rabbits, your old single-shot and a pocketful of shells. With rabbit hunting is also going to have to be a bit of luck if you are in the right place and the bunny will run by you. Assuming you know what you are doing there will be rabbits around you, and it is the dog that should be able to sniff them out where, hopefully they are lying low away from their burrows.

By the way, apart from potentially bagging some rabbit for the pot, rabbit hunting is also a good way to introduce new hunters or youngsters to the outdoors. Rabbit hunting is a fairly safe sport. However, it is imperative that to remain a safe sport that certain safety rules be adhered to without exception. Make sure you know those rules before you start.

Now here is a tip. Dog breeds for hunting rabbits and humans both miss rabbits which are holding tight (playing dead) in their hidden position even when in close proximity. Moving more slowly and performing a more thorough search of the area is the best tactic and in the end is likely to flush a rabbit and provide a shot. Dogs are helpful if you have them, but not entirely necessary. You\'ll probably see more rabbits with them, than without, but depending on the dog, you may not be able to take shots if the dog is too close. Hunting accident statistics clearly indicate that most accidents occur as a result of mistaking another hunter for game.

When did rabbit hunting with selected dog breeds for hunting rabbits first start? Dogs of this type were taken to Rome and may have been imported to Roman Britain. Small hounds are mentioned in the Forest Laws of Canute which exempted them from the ordinance which commanded that all dogs capable of running down a stag should have one foot mutilated.

Where are the rabbits most likely to be found? The best advice is to seek out either evergreen bushes or other vegetation that forms thick enough tangles to provide significant cover, even without its foliage.

The rabbit hunting seasons open in some countries on the first of September and runs through to the end of March allowing seven months of rabbit hunting.

Of all the dog breeds for hunting rabbits Beagles are specially trained hounds that rely exclusively on their smell to chase and kill rabbits, and bringing a pack along with you on your hunting sessions will surely make a difference. However, no pack of beagles, no matter how well trained and experienced, will do the whole hunt because you, as hunter, have to play your essential role in the final success.

The Beagle is a popular family pet as they are known for their affection and loyalty. They can be good playmates for children and get along well with other pets and younger puppies Bred for their independence, the Beagle should not be allowed off-leash because they have a tendency to wander.

The Beagle is a small scent hound, bred to track rabbit and hare while the hunter follows on foot. They are short coated and usually a sturdy little hound. The Beagle is considered one of the oldest breeds in history and perhaps one of the closest original breeds of hound. The breed's popularity further increased during the reign of his daughter, Elizabeth I.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breeds-for-hunting-rabbits-and-the-beagle-dog-breed-728969.html

Author: Steve Evans

About the Author:

Steve Evans is constantly amused and delighted by what he reads and hears about the joy so many Hunting Dogs bring to people, which moves him to write top articles for his blog site the Dog Breeds Blog.

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Rabbit Repellent Will Stop Dinner Time in Your Garden

Rabbit Repellent Will Stop Dinner Time in Your Garden Having beautiful flowers and a blooming garden means you have worked hard to keep them doing so well. Bunnies tend to think that nighttime is dinner time at your place so rabbit repellents are what you need to keep you flowers and garden in tact. Once in a while you may see a bunny here and there but you probably will not see them in your garden until it is dark. Usually by then you are in for the evening and will not see them, you will only see the damage that has been done. Choosing one of these products will allow you to build an invisible perimeter that will keep them out but keep your garden and flowers blooming. There are several you can choose from to use on the areas you need to keep these critters away.

There are great bio-degradable products that will not only keep them away but they will provide protection for up to 60 days once applied. You can find these granular products to keep your gardens, flowers, trees and shrubs damage free from these little pests. These products target the animal's nature to run from danger. Using fear to deter the animal works because, they do not have a defense besides this against their predators. Using these granular products will also stop them from getting under your fences and getting onto your property. When you are looking for the right rabbit repellents to use on your property there may be several things you want to check for. When you are using a spray to keep them of plants and shrubs making sure that it is safe for you, the plants and other animals is important. You will also want to check to see when the product should be reapplied to make sure you have consistent protection.

Several other solutions are on the market today they may not specifically say rabbit on them so you will want to make sure when you purchase a product that it does deter these critters as well You may even find sensor activated sprays much like water sprinklers that can help you keep these critters away. There are several sprays and granules that use smell, taste or both to deter unwanted visitors in your garden. Producing the scent of their predators will make them stay away from protected areas. Also when you use products that deter by taste it keeps them away because the taste is bitter.

Rabbit Catching Devices:

Havahart 1030 Two Door Cage Trap for Rabbits

Havahart Deer Off DF32CT Deer Rabbit and Squirrel Repellent

Enviro Protection 11003 Rabbit Scram

You see there are many different options making sure you choose on that will be effective for your garden and flowers is important. The cost of most of these products will not break your budget ether so you can choose exactly the one you like and need for your property. Keeping unwanted visitors that enjoy your fresh carrots is important in keeping gardens, trees and shrubs healthy and bountiful. Knowing what is available to you on the market will help you choose the rabbit repellents that will work against the critters trying to eat dinner in your garden.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/rabbit-repellent-will-stop-dinner-time-in-your-garden-592371.html

About the Author:

Mike Brown Learn more about how to use repellents to get rid of animals from your yard safely. Animal Repellent and Deterrent Rabbit Repellent Stop pest today and learn how to prevent future pests.

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Rats are vermin and cause disease so you need to get rid of rats as soon as you find evidence - otherwise you will be overwhelmed with Rats within juts a few months. Here is one author's true tales about rats.

All three of these are true; I couldn't have made them up. I was an eye witness to all three and even ate some of number three. If you are a little queasy, you might want to read these accounts a bit later when your system has settled down.

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Rat Story #1 ocurred recently after we had constructed our house in rural Veracruz. It was made of adobe mud walls and had cement floors. It has wooden rafters and a tin roof that heats up in the hot season. It is dry but could flood with long periods of rain or a hurricane. It is still standing and with relatives living in it now.

One night we are in bed and the wife is asleep. I'm looking up at the rafters wondering what in God's name I was doing in rural Veracruz. Then I see him walking on the rafter, slowly and delilberately -- a big ugly rat. I reach over for my .22 rifle, unlock the safety and aim.

"Don't you dare," was all she said. She was right...the piece of tin was worth a lot more than the dead rat. She grew up on a ranch so she knows about these things. I put the gun down and noticed the rat had stopped and turned his head toward me as if to say ... well, you can imagine what the rat said. He certainly knew how to pour salt on the wound.

Rat Story #2. We had just moved into the palapas in our Maya village when one afternoon we both noticed a smell like something had died. Sometimes in the city we don't get those type of smells... I went outside and tried to find the source but to no avail.

When we got back from the ranch the next day the smell was overwhelming. Being the farmgirl that she is,she pointed to the loft and said 'it's up there. Go get it and get rid of it'. Being the farmgirl that she is, she knows what to do in these types of situations and how to get me to do it.

I crawl up into the loft over our air bed and find the dead critter directly over my pillow. The critter was not only smelling but beginning to ooze as well.

At night, just before going to sleep, she said ' you know, that dead, dripping rat was right over your head. If you hadn't gotten it out it would have dripped on you while you slept.' She didn't tell me something I didn't already know but being the farmgirl that she is she wanted to make certain I knew.

Rat Story #3 involves my friend Poot and catching the tepe. It's actually something all civilized people should know. It's ecologically sound as it uses no chemicals or otherwise degrades the environment. Poot traps these animals with a rock and stick trap outside their dens. One night they're wandering back in from a night on the jungle and bingo, there is one trapped tepe.

Poot caught one, skinned it, cut it up, built a fire of really hot coals, laid the tepe meat on banana leaf stalks, covered the whole thing with a metal card table top and then buried it in dirt for a little an hour. Technically speaking the tepe is not a rat but it has rat teeth and rat hands and feet. And the Maya absolutley do not eat house rats, like the one in Rat Story #2.

With no condiments or marination -- just the meat, and no other requirements. To be served with hot tortillas and habanero salsa. Tastes like a cross between pork and chicken. Mmmm....that's good rat!

So there you have my nominations for best rat story. If you've got better ones, let me know.

The truth is we can never have too many good rat stories.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nature-articles/three-good-and-true-rat-stories-188675.html

Author: Jack Deal

About the Author:

Jack D. Deal is the owner of Deal Business Consulting. He can be contacted at jddeal@jddeal.com Related articles can be found at http://www.jddeal.com and http://www.freeandinquiringmind.typepad.com

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While it is TRUE that pigeons are often very common many parks and walkways, they can actually generate a decent amount of damage given the opportunity to make a permanent home in a given area. In that they're largely dependent on humans for roosting and nesting sites as well as their food, without even realizing it, we often preserve their presence.

Not only can pigeon feces cause building degeneration and upkeep complications, pigeons are known to transmit and harbor parasites and diseases to both livestock and people because of their droppings. Among common pigeon diseases are salmonella food poisoning, ornithosis, encephalitis, cryptococcosis, and toxoplasmosis Newcastle disease. Structures that are inhabited by pigeons not only sustain destruction and damage from feces, but can additionally harbor parasites and diseases.

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Pigeon control can be difficult. Convincing pigeons to remove themselves from an area once they've created a nest is extremely particularly difficult to do without seeking well qualified professional help. Once pigeons decide to make a home in a location, it is even more difficult to discourage them from coming back. In cases like these, it's important for people to get the correct information and that the right procedures be used for pigeon roost removal from chimneys, roofs and attics.

Although pigeons are a popular part of many city parks, they can cause a great deal of damage and destruction if given the chance to make a permanent nest. Pigeon feces will not only stain, but also increase the declination of structures where they roost. The presence of pigeons will raise the cost of maintenance, and a lot of pigeon droppings will often damage and kill vegetation, make foul odors, and get aesthetically troublesome when left unchecked on sidewalks, statues and park benches.

Though they are frequently seen around farms, feed mills and grain elevators, pigeons are predominant in parks and walk ways, on the roofs of buildings, on bridges, and various other structures. Despite the fact that they are primarily seed and grain eaters and find tipped over or incorrectly stored grain in farming areas, pigeons additionally eat insects, garbage and manure. The fact that in a lot of residential and urban regions it's definable common for people to intentionally feed pigeons, makes it easier for the birds to make permanent homes in a specific area.

A pigeon control program that will merge both lethal and non lethal approaches will definable be worth the money--especially when you investigate the damage to health and financial damage that are caused by larger populations of the birds.

If pigeons become a control problem around and on your property, they may be complicated to evacuate, and even harder to prevent from returning. Since damage and destruction from pigeons can be quite major, it is imperative to look for qualified professional help with the initial signs of difficulty. Experienced professionals in your city with a well established set of methods for trapping can help you to control pigeon populations and take the steps to reassure that they won't come back.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/pigeon-control-75402.html

Author: Dave Brandley

About the Author:

Isaac Richards is a content writer for http://www.birdandanimalcontrol.com who discusses and writes about animal regulation and trapping. Find the best information and tips on pigeons so that you can regulate and manage a pigeon problem.

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They might be cute, or they might be big and ugly, but their incessant need to chew is not helping your home. Rodents can do serious damage to your woodwork, wallboard, insulation and siding. The mess they leave in your kitchen cupboard is frustrating, sure, and with the costs of food going up you can't afford to fork out for your furry friends' dinners as well as your own.

Tackle the rodent issue as soon as you spot signs of their encroachment - don't wait until you find yourself leaping onto a chair to avoid that rat racing across the kitchen. At that point, you'll be waging a war rather than just defending your borders.

Popular Rat Catching Devices:

Black Hole Rodent Trap

Rat Zapper

Havahart 1020 Two Door Cage Trap for Mice and Rats 10 x 3 x 3

If you've copped on to the presence of critters early enough, you may be able to use non-lethal force. It may be a matter of blocking their entrances and encouraging them to go elsewhere. Fill any holes they might be entering through and caulk cracks. Screens and steel wool (which can't be chewed through) are good deterrents.

If you have children or pets you may want to try natural rodent repellents. Some people suggest putting cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near openings and in areas rodents frequent. Others swear by keeping little bowls of black pepper near food areas. Bunches of mint and/or lavender may be another way to deter the little (or bigger) critters. Another solution is an odor based repellant - these use the odor of predatory animals to frighten rodents off.

Keeping in the humane vein, live traps can be effective, but only if you take your unwanted tenants far enough from home that they can't find their way back. Also, be aware that rodents spread disease, which you may want to think about before you go ferrying them around town. The regular, lethal traps are probably a safer, more effective choice. Think about the placement of your traps. Most rodents have poor eyesight and keep close to the walls, only venturing into open space when necessary so set your goods in their passage, not in the middle of the room.

For others who want to keep their hands clean, or who have a reoccurring rodent issue, getting a cat can be an excellent solution. But remember, not all cats are born mousers and you may inevitably need to step up your game. Depending on where you live, you may want to reinforce the perimeter of the property by building nest boxes to attract natural predators such as barn owls.

When all else fails (or if you haven't the patience to wait that long), it's time to turn to poison. The nature of rodents means that they will eat a little, wait and if they don't get sick, return for another meal. Prior to using a poison, you may want to leave out regular food for a few days, so that the rodents learn to trust the food source before adding poison.

There are many reasons you may not want to use traditional anticoagulant poisons, the main ones being that the poison can cause toxicity in children and other animals. Unintended death is a possible outcome depending on the type of poison and how quickly the patient is treated - be sure to keep the poison out of reach of family and pets. Some animals can get secondary poisoning by eating the poisoned rodent, which can happen when the toxic rodent goes outside to die. If you have other pets and children you should be careful that they aren't in contact with the bait or the deceased animal.

When you have finally won the battle, try to avoid round two: make an effort to keep food stored in sealed containers and be aware of pet food, composts and other possible lures. Use bird feeders that recapture any unwanted seed, rather than allowing it to become snack food for unwanted pests. By removing the food incentive you can forgo inviting those rascally rodents for a return visit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/get-rid-of-rodents-once-and-for-all-396372.html

Author: Mike Magner

About the Author:

Learn more about issues in the Boston MA real estate area at MikeMagner.com. This website has details on home styles throughout the city, neighborhood information on spots like the Roslindale real estate area, and a free property search.

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