Friday, September 30, 2005
Killing Termites Without Poisons
In the near future you may be able to get rid of termites without using poisons and chemicals like chlorpyrifos which is a toxic nerve poison. This article reports on research being done on sap from an Australian tree called the False Sandalwood Tree (Eremophila mitchellii Benth.). Tests have shown that this sap extract has been an effective termite repellant and termicide. Preliminary tests have shown that even low concentrations of this extract have been effective. The chemical responsible for the anti-termite properties has been isolated. The researchers are now trying to replicate it. Also, further tests are needed to see if it's effective against other kinds of termites.
They should see how it does against the Subterranean Formosan termites which are one of the most damaging kinds. If it works on these, I bet It'll work on many others.
I wonder if it's possible to get extracts of this False Sandalwood tree now. I found information about this tree, and the oil from its wood and bark is known as Buddha Wood Oil. It's used for pain relief of sore muscles. But I guess it's questionable whether this would work as a toxic-free pesticide.
They should see how it does against the Subterranean Formosan termites which are one of the most damaging kinds. If it works on these, I bet It'll work on many others.
I wonder if it's possible to get extracts of this False Sandalwood tree now. I found information about this tree, and the oil from its wood and bark is known as Buddha Wood Oil. It's used for pain relief of sore muscles. But I guess it's questionable whether this would work as a toxic-free pesticide.
# posted by Ken @ 7:09 AM 
Monday, September 19, 2005
Carpenter Ants Fact and Treatment Lists
This Providence Journal article has some useful information on carpenter ants. Rhode Island news has a good reason for reporting about carpenter ants since the Northeast is one of the areas in the country most affected by carpenter ants. I've also found this educational resource from Clemson University along with this carpenter ant picture.
From these resources, I've put together a summarized listing of the important facts about carpenter ants:
This understanding of the carpenter ants can help you formulate the best carpenter ant treatment and prevention. Here's a listing of some basic prevention and treatment methods:
From these resources, I've put together a summarized listing of the important facts about carpenter ants:
- Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites, but tunnel into wood to make a nest
- Carpenter ants don't cause as much damage as termites
- Typical carpenter ants are one-quarter to one-half inch long and blackish
- Carpenter ants are attracted to moist wood
- Swarms of winged carpenter ants often emerge inside in the spring
- Swarms of winged carpenter ants are signs that there is a nest in the house
- One sign that carpenter ants are present is a sawdust-like pile outside an opening
- The ants' sawdust-like piles often have insect parts mixed among them
- Damage depends on how many active nests are inside the house
This understanding of the carpenter ants can help you formulate the best carpenter ant treatment and prevention. Here's a listing of some basic prevention and treatment methods:
- Sources of excess moisture inside your home need to be fixed
- Remove tree limbs that are touching the house
- Any other cracks around the house are possible entry points and should be sealed
- The best way to control carpenter ants is to find and destroy the nests
- Find nests by using baits and letting the ants lead you to the nests
- Home made baits can be made with maple syrup or honey on non-sticky side of tape
- One treatment is to drill small holes in the wood and inject an insecticide
- Boric Acid dust is an effective ant insecticide
- Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel is often used by professionals
- The Gel bait can be injected into cracks with syringes which keeps it away from pets and children
# posted by Ken @ 7:03 AM
