Termites and other household pests have bugged residents for years. But exterminators say they are trained and ready to help homeowners attack one of the biggest threats to personal property damage. “It’s important to act quickly,” Mokihana Pest Control commercial
Termites and other household pests have bugged residents for years.
But exterminators say they are trained and ready to help homeowners attack one of the biggest threats to personal property damage.
“It’s important to act quickly,” Mokihana Pest Control commercial scheduler Debbie Kawaihalau said. “If not, they will literally eat your house up from under you.”
If concerned about a possible drywood termite infestation — often apparent by the brown sand-like droppings the pests leave around the house — most fumigators recommend calling to start the process with a free inspection.
“You can call and we’ll come out for free if you think you have them,” Terminex International Kaua‘i Branch Service Manager Clayton Silva said. “A lot of homeowners confuse termites with ants.”
Destructive subterranean ground termites, Kawaihalau said, will produce tunnels that show up as packed mud against a house.
Determining the square cubic feet of the home is critical, Island Fumigation and Pest Control owner Blaise Silva said, in computing how much gas to use.
“This is the most important part,” he said. “If you don’t have the proper amount of gas, it won’t be effective.”
He added that vikane is the most commonly used gas to rid a house of an infestation. The gas has been controversial, but is an approved form of termite removal when used properly.
State law requires a six-hour wait after the tents come off and the company clears the area with a special fumiscope, Silva said.
Some precautions include sealing up any open food items and bagging personal items that may come in contact with the mouth.
“It’s a pretty safe process and is contained within a tent,” he said. “There might be some leakage, but when it hits the air it dissipates.”
The residue-free gas, Silva said, is potentially harmful if ingested.
“But you don’t have to wash your dishes or clothes,” he said. “You just go back home, unpack what you bagged and go on living.”
A variety of companies exist for residents to choose from. Learning what service is needed can help determine what business may be most appropriate.
After assessing the problem, the company will set a date convenient for residents.
Tent fumigation generally takes two days and one night to complete, Silva said.
“If we put the tents up on Monday, we’ll take them down on Tuesday and you’ll likely be back in your home that evening,” he said.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
