Termites are a common sight in Hawaii, with their presence affecting both homeowners and businesses alike. This article provides an overview of termites in the islands, including the types of termite species found, the damage they cause, and possible treatments.
Types of Termites in Hawaii
1 Flying Termites
Flying termites are the most common type of termites in Hawaii. They are usually found near windows and doors. They are generally light in color with a two-toned pattern of yellow and brown. Flying termites typically swarm during the day and can cause considerable damage if left unchecked.
2 Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are native to Hawaii and are the second most common type of termite in the state. They are darker in color than flying termites, with a deep brown to black color. They can cause significant damage to wood structures, including furniture and flooring.
3 Ground Termites
Ground termites are typically found in the soil around homes. They can cause damage to foundations, decks, and other structures. They are typically light in color, ranging from yellow to light brown.
4 Hawaiian Termites
Hawaiian termites are native to Hawaii and are the least common type of termite in the state. They are typically darker in color than other types of termites, with a deep brown to black color. They can cause considerable damage to wood structures and are known to build large colonies with extensive underground tunnels.
5 Winged Termites
Winged termites are a type of flying termite. They are typically light in color, ranging from yellow to brown. They can cause extensive damage to wood structures if left unchecked. They are the most common type of termite in Hawaii and are typically found near windows and doors.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Hawaii
- Identify the source of the infestation. Look for the tell-tale signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and wings left by swarmers.
- Treat the affected area with a pesticide. There are a variety of chemical and non-chemical pesticides available for treating termite infestations. Be sure to follow the directions on the pesticide’s label for proper application.
- Replace any damaged wood. Remove any wood that the termites have damaged and replace it with new wood or treated wood. This will help prevent further infestation.
- Seal cracks and crevices. Seal any cracks and crevices in your home to prevent termites from entering. This includes sealing any holes or gaps around pipes and vents.
- Remove sources of moisture. Termites need moisture to survive, so eliminating sources of moisture in your home can help prevent infestations. Fix any leaks and make sure your home is well-ventilated.
- Keep mulch away from the foundation. Mulch can provide a source of food and shelter for termites, so it’s best to keep it away from your home’s foundation.
- Have your home inspected. Have a professional inspect your home on a regular basis to ensure that no termites are present. This can help you catch an infestation early and take steps to get rid of it.
Prevention of Termites in Hawaii
- Inspect all lumber for signs of termite infestation before using it in construction; discard any lumber that is infested.
- Remove all dead trees and stumps from the property on which the construction is to take place.
- Fill in all cracks and crevices in the foundation of the building, including any holes left by plumbing.
- Install a 6 mil plastic vapor barrier between the soil and the foundation of the building.
- Treat the foundation, walls and crawlspaces of the building with a termiticide to create a barrier against termites.
- Inspect all wood around the building for signs of termite infestation and treat any areas that are infested.
- Eliminate any sources of excess moisture around the building, such as leaking pipes or faucets.
- Install a physical barrier, such as a metal mesh, around the perimeter of the building.
- Remove any old wood and debris that may be lying around the building.
- Check for signs of termite activity every year and treat any areas that are infested.
Professional Services for Termite Control
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection | A comprehensive inspection of the property to identify any existing termite infestations and identify potential areas of risk. |
| Baiting | Installation of bait stations around the perimeter of the property and in areas of high risk. These bait stations are designed to attract and eliminate termites. |
| Fumigation | Fumigation of the affected area with a safe, effective insecticide to eliminate the infestation. |
| Soil Treatments | Application of insecticides to the soil around the property to create a barrier against termites. |
Professional services for termite control are designed to identify and eliminate termite infestations. These services include inspection, baiting, fumigation, and soil treatments. Inspection involves a comprehensive assessment of the property to identify any existing infestations and potential areas of risk. Baiting involves the installation of bait stations around the perimeter of the property and in areas of high risk to attract and eliminate termites. Fumigation of the affected area with a safe, effective insecticide is required to eliminate the infestation. Lastly, soil treatments involve the application of insecticides to the soil around the property to create a barrier against termites.
DIY Termite Control
- Inspect the home for signs of termite infestation, such as mud tubes, chewed wood, and frass.
- Seal any points of entry, such as cracks in the foundation, vents, and other openings.
- Reduce humidity around the home, as termites need moisture to survive.
- Remove any sources of standing water from around the home.
- Eliminate wood piles and debris outside the home.
- Use a spray or foam pesticide to treat the home’s foundation and other potential termite nesting sites.
- Install termite baits around the home’s perimeter.
- Schedule regular termite inspections to make sure the problem has been eliminated.
Common Termite Species in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to several species of termites, the most common being the subterranean, drywood and dampwood termite species. Subterranean termites, native to Hawaii, are the most destructive to buildings in the state. They are found in underground nests and feed on cellulose, found in wood and other plant materials. These termites can cause extensive damage to structures in just a few months. Drywood termites are also native to Hawaii. They live in small colonies in dry wood and can cause structural damage by feeding on wood. Dampwood termites inhabit moist wood, such as rotting stumps and logs, and can cause damage to wooden structures if they are left untreated.
Impact of Termites on Hawaii
- Termites can cause significant damage to wooden structures such as homes, buildings, and furniture.
- The presence of termites can reduce the value of a property.
- Termites can cause damage to agricultural crops, landscaping, and trees.
- Termites can contaminate food sources, such as stored grains, and create health hazards.
- Termites can cause economic losses due to the costs associated with control, repair, and replacement of damaged property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flying Termites a Problem in Hawaii?
Flying termites, also known as “swarmers”, are a common occurrence in Hawaii. They are the reproductive stage of a subterranean termite colony. Swarmers are often noticed around windows and doors as they seek out new sites to colonize. While the swarms are typically short-lived, a large number of them can be a nuisance for homeowners. They can also cause damage to the structure of a home if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the presence of termites and take appropriate control measures.
What can I do to get rid of drywood termites in Hawaii?
The best way to get rid of drywood termites in Hawaii is to contact a professional pest control company. They can provide an inspection to identify the type of termite and determine the best treatment plan. Treatment may include fumigation, spot treatments, or a combination of both. After treatment, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent future infestations.
Are Ground Termites Common in Hawaii?
Ground termites are common in Hawaii, particularly in the island of Oahu. They are most commonly found in coastal areas but can be found in other parts of the island as well. Ground termites are small, wingless, and light brown in color, and feed on decaying organic matter. They prefer moist environments, such as those found in areas of high humidity, like Hawaii. Ground termites are most active at night and can cause serious damage to wood structures, including homes.
Are there any unique species of termites in Hawaii?
Yes, there are several unique species of termites in Hawaii, including the Formosan subterranean termite, which is one of the most destructive species of termites in the world. Other species of termites in Hawaii include the drywood termite and the native Hawaiian subterranean termite. All of these species have the potential to cause significant damage to homes, buildings, and other wooden structures.
Are Winged Termites a Concern in Hawaii?
Yes, winged termites, also known as swarmer termites, can be a concern in Hawaii. Winged termites have the ability to fly, and they are often the first sign of a termite infestation. During certain times of the year, winged termites can be seen flying around homes and other buildings, attracted to light sources. If you see winged termites, you should contact a licensed pest control professional to inspect your home for termites.
Conclusion
Termites Hawaii can be a daunting problem, especially for homeowners in the islands. However, with the right treatment plan and regular inspections, termites can be managed and controlled. The use of professional pest control services is recommended to ensure that termite infestations are dealt with in an effective and safe manner. Additionally, homeowners should be aware of the signs of a termite infestation, and should contact a professional exterminator when these signs are noticed. With the right steps, termites can be kept at bay, and Hawaii homeowners can enjoy their homes without the worry of termite infestations.
