[VAC] Re: ermites

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am not an entomologist (?) [bug expert] but  do know that there are
several categories (species?) of termite.

The most common is the subterranean one which inhabits the colder climates
and is the major one in the northeast.  It builds its colonies in the ground
(probably below the frost line) and likes the damp, warm end of the building
[often under a patio near the basement furnace or chimney].  This termite
needs contact with the ground (and moisture) and is the one that builds the
mud tubes up the footing or basement of the building and up to the food
supply - wood or cellulose.  These termites are controlled by trenching
around the foundation and/or boring holes in the patio and basement floors
and soaking the ground with a toxic chemical to provide a chemical barrier
between the termite's nest (colony) and the protected structure.  Chlordane
(now outlawed) was the best chemical, since it breaks down very slowly, and
thus created a long lasting chemical barrier.  This slow breakdown (the key
feature of chlordane for termite protection) is what drove the environmental
types crazy. Obviously, intelligent use of this pesticide includes
containing it so it doesn't wash away and poison adjacent areas.

The current crop of subterranean termite pesticides are not as long lasting
and need to be reapplied much more frequently. (every five to ten years vs
35 - 50 years for chlordane)

In California, we have the airborne termite which does not need contact with
the ground.  When these termites swarm they frequently go for the attic or
roof rafters.  To exterminate these termites requires tenting the dwelling
and gassing with a toxic gas.  The bad news with this kind of termite is
that a swarm could set up a new colony the same day the exterminator removed
the tent !

The nastiest termite is the Formosan variety which came to the US during the
Korean war.  It is an airborne dry wood termite (doesn't need contact with
the ground) and is very resistant to fumigating agents, especially the eggs,
which later hatch and continue the infestation.

I believe all of the above information is correct, however, If there are any
exterminators out there, please feel free to correct any mistakes I may have
made.

Oliver Filippi