| Wednesday, April 7, 2004 Georgia termite costs near $122 millionIt’s termite swarming season in the South, where millions of homes are infested by these voracious wood eaters. The economic impact of termite infestation and management in Georgia is nearly $122 million annually, according to a University of Georgia report. According to the National Pest Management Association, recent reports of termite swarms throughout the Southeast could indicate an unusually strong termite season. “This is a grave situation. Homeowners everywhere need to take it very seriously,” said Dr. Nan-Yao Su, professor of entomology at the University of Florida. “It’s crucial that they commit to ongoing termite protection. Without it, homeowners risk losing their largest investment.” Unfortunately, many subterranean termite treatments don’t provide long-term protection. For example, from the day they are applied, liquid chemical treatments begin to weaken. Historically, they break down over time due to environmental factors and landscaping. Plus, liquid chemical treatments require hundreds of gallons of chemical solution in an attempt to create a barrier, but once a home is built on a slab foundation, a complete barrier beneath a home is nearly impossible to create. A small break of just 1/64 of an inch can allow termites through. Su said there are subterranean treatments that offer the kind of ongoing protection required by Georgia?s high termite threat. He recommends a bait system such as the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System. “It’s like a termite alarm system,” said Su. “It’s always making sure the home is protected.” The system provides long-term protection through proven elimination of termite colonies. Once the colonies are gone, the system goes back to the monitoring mode to intercept attack by other colonies. Another benefit: It’s environmentally responsible because just grams of bait are used only when and where termites are present. Additionally, it is less disruptive and more convenient than other treatments, such as liquid chemicals, because there is no drilling through floors and foundations. According to Su, this system is a trusted choice in the South. For example, a homeowner in the area recently said, “I like the idea of getting the termites without tearing up the house.” However, Su feels more Southerners should consider this system to protect their homes from the costly devastation caused by subterranean termites. For additional information, including ways to detect a termite problem and locate an authorized pest management professional, visit www.sentricon.com.
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