Hope your holidays went well and you're ready to tackle 2013. As I mentioned last month, we escaped the frigid Arizona climate to the balmy warmth of Chicago. The first week we stayed in the loop area enjoying the endless sights and scenes, and in particular, feasted on Garret's popcorn - which I consider the absolute best. Then we moved to the suburbs to spend time with Cindy's family and give Lexi time to play with her cousins. Our time there was great but it was nice returning to Scottsdale.

Termites

Most folks know that our area is rife with termites, but somehow it always seems to be the other person's problem... at least until they infest and begin destroying your home. Unfortunately, many people learn of the infestation and damage after the fact when it's too late. I'd like to give you some basic information on termites as well as alternate methods of effectively treating them. 

Arizona's Termites: These destructive subterranean varmints enter your home through cracks in its foundation then tunnel their way to "choice" structures they burrow into for food. They have an insatiable appetite for wood, drywall, and other materials containing cellulose. Colonies can easily exceed one million, and with enough time they'll feed on the wood and drywall until nothing remains but a shell.

How To Detect Termites: You've probably heard a variety of suggestions on detecting termites, but please don't take chances with the integrity of your home by relying on them. Take it from the old bug guy and contact an expert for a thorough inspection because termites can inflict massive destruction to your home's infrastructure if not timely detected and properly treated.

Termite Prevention: The best way to prevent termites is through detection and treatment by an expert in that field. In addition to general pest control, our expertise is scorpions and we prefer focusing on them. However, we have a long-standing relationship with a company whose expertise is termites that we highly recommend because of their unique process and stellar reputation.

Below I've described and distinguished between the traditional method of termite prevention and the method used by the experts we recommend. The difference is dramatic and one of the major reasons I use them for my home.

Traditional Process of Preventing Termites: All contractors use a liquid product for preventing termites and regardless of the brand the application process is the same:

• Holes are drilled in the home's foundation and floors closest to the infested areas
• Product is injected into the holes and the surrounding areas are saturated
• The liquid saturates walls, floors, and other infrastructure seeking the termites
• A barrier is formed between the structure and termite activity

Injection holes are not drilled directly into infested areas of walls or conspicuous areas of floors because they are very visible and cannot be seamlessly repaired. Even though holes are drilled as inconspicuously as possible, likely results of saturating walls and floors in order to reach the target areas are warping and discoloration of wood and drywall.

A Less Intrusive Process of Killing Termites: Over the past seven years and at considerable expense the company we recommend has transformed the industry's "gold standard" and only product that actually kills termites, liquid Termidor™, into a dry, very light weight foam having the same kill power but without the adverse effects of liquid. The dry foam is highly desirable because:

• It's applied directly into the affected areas through minute holes that can be drilled anywhere and seamlessly repaired
• It does not behave like liquid so discoloration and warping are not experienced
• It's effective, odorless, and environmentally safe

We've arranged for this company to provide you with a free termite inspection, written statement of their findings, and an estimate for remedial work if required. Initially I'll serve as your point man to make the introductions so contact me at 480.473.2264 or bret@sonoranpest.com if you're interested in having your home inspected for termites. Be assured that all work is unconditionally guaranteed.