When you picture a raid of termites infesting a house, chances are you imagine one homogenous group of insects working towards the same goal. But did you know that there’s actually a very sophisticated caste system within termite colonies?

• King and Queen. These are the two most elite termites in the colony, primarily existing for reproductive means. The queen’s sole purpose is to reproduce, laying thousands of eggs every year. If that isn’t terrifying enough, consider this: some termite kings and queens live for as long as 30 years!
• Workers. These termites are blind and wingless. Worker termites account for the majority of the caste system, and are most likely to be found in infested wood. The main objective of this type of termite is to build, repair, forage for food, and care for other termites.
• Nymphs. This type of termite is still practically a baby: they are newly hatched termites that have not yet assumed a ranking within the colony. Once aged, a nymph termite can molt into various castes, including workers, primary reproductives, or supplementary reproductives.
• Soldiers. These termites are the strongest in terms of fortitude, but are sterile, wingless, and blind. Their sole function is to defend the colony.
• Winged Reproductives. The only type of termite with wings, these termites can leave the colony and swarm a new location, where they will shed their wings and begin to pair up to start a new colony.

Termites may have a complex caste system in which they function, but that doesn’t mean they have to invade your home. Pro-Staff Termite and Pest Control is one of the few Termidor-Certified pest control companies in Central Florida, and we promise 100% control of subterranean termites, guaranteed! Please give us a call today at 407-331-7370 for a free estimate.

Did you know that the termite risk in the state of Florida is extremely high? Formosan termites and drywood termites are particularly common in the Southeast and can be extremely threatening for homeowners—every year, these termites cause $5 billion dollars worth of damage in the United States alone!

Termites can squeeze through cracks as narrow as 1/32of an inch to enter your home. They not only destroy the structure, but can attack movable wooden objects such as furniture. How do you plan on protecting your Central Florida home from thousands of dollars worth of damage? With over four million homes treated since 2000, Termidor is America’s #1 termite defense product.

Termidor begins to work immediately and completely rids homes of termites faster than any other liquid or bait product. The secret behind Termidor is its “Transfer Effect”; this product works as a barrier treatment on structural wood, and when termites come into contact with the treated area, they receive a lethal dose of insecticide. The affected termites contaminated with the chemical then transfer the insecticide to other termites, thus leading to a continuous cycle until all of the termites have been killed. Termites cannot see, smell, taste, or even avoid the chemical, leading to unparalleled effectiveness.

Over 15 years of testing has proved Termidor to be extremely effective. Additionally, its low-dose treatment leaves surfaces with virtually no odor, making it safe for family households. Next time you schedule your annual pest control treatment, consider asking about Termidor. Only Termidor-certified companies can apply the treatment, and Pro-Staff Pest Control is one of the few Orlando pest control companies with the experience and dedication to be certified. For a free evaluation, give us a call today at (407)292-7378.

Sometimes it’s difficult to imagine what the magnitude of structural damage a termite can inflict is.  To put who is affected into perspective, look at the following numbers (furnished by Pest Management Professional Magazine):

Government Facilities-2%
Miscellaneous Structures-4%
New Commercial Construction-4%
New Home Building-9%
Existing Commercial Structures-11%
Existing Residential Structures-70%

So when the real estate market is already teetering on unstable ground, we have termites that are contributing to additional grounding.  Most of the jobs commissioned to take care of termites are spawned from swarms.  The problem termites are mostly eastern subterranean, drywood, Formosan subterranean, damp-wood, and a handful of others.

According to the Professional Pest Management Alliance, “38% of homeowners are concerned about termites and the structural damage they cause- second only to ants”. Termite inspections are essential to maintaining the well being of your building/home.  Initial inspections may be comprehensive, including wood application, soil application, bait installation, fumigation, and products such as wire mesh.

Don’t let termites diminish the value of your home or commercial building.  Let Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc. protect you year-round from potential structural damage.  Call Pro-Staff today at 407-292-PEST, for your free inspection and estimate.  

Is your home infected with termites? How much do you really know about termites? Let’s start with the basics.

The most common species of termites in the United States are the drywood termites. Drywood termites are most likely to live above soil and you can find them in wooden structures like furniture, trees, and homes. Drywood termites can cause damage to the wooden structures that they live in by eating at the wood and weakening it.

Other common species of termites include Formosan termites & subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are one of the most aggressive termites and can eat up to 15 pounds of food a week!

Termites can thrive in a variety of climates and can eat different types of food. All termites require 4 things to survive: food, moisture, shelter, and optimal temperatures. Unfortunately, many homes can provide these ideal conditions for termites.

There are two types of termites-workers and soldiers. Worker termites undertake the labor of foraging, food storage, nest management and some defense duties. Soldiers provide strength and armor to be used for attacks by ants.

Now that you know the basics, let’s discuss a couple of things you need to be on the lookout for.

Termites are active all year long in warmer climates. They generally swarm to start a new colony in the spring or summer but as long as they have warmth, moisture and food, they colony will continue to expand. Some common signs of termite infestation are the following: Wood damage, discarded wings, termite swarmers, mud tubes, termite mounds and termite droppings.
How can you help to prevent termites?
- Clean & Repair Gutters
- Fix roof or plumbing leaks
- Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact around the foundation of the home.
- Get rid of wood stacks and other debris
- Prevent mulch from piling up against the home’s exterior
- Remove scrap lumber, boxes and old books

Most importantly, have your home professionally inspected at least once a year. Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc. can help you maintain a high quality termite and pest control service in Orlando. We guarantee 100% control of subterranean termites for your Orlando home. To learn more about how Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc. can help you with preventing termites, call 407-292-PEST. Pro- Staff Termite & Pest Control, Inc has been members of the BBB since 1995 and have an A+ rating!

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