Termite Control

The Johnson Group Termite Management Systems - FLIR® Thermographic Camera for Termite Activity Diagnostics; Termatrac® - the microwave detecting device; and Borescope Termite Inspection as a standard inspection & treatment tools and requires no additional costs from you

Our Advantages...

• Service since 1947
• ISO 9001 certified - The Johnson Group Termite Management Systems
• FLIR® Thermographic Camera - Locating Termties
• Termatrac Termite Detecting Device - Detecting Termites
• Portable Video Borescope - Monitoring Termites
• Combinations of liquid termiticides (Bayer Premise® SC200 & Dustmitex®) and termite bait (Exterra® Termite Interception & Bait System)
• Provide 12-18 months warranty period. Regular visits and ad hoc calls will be provided at no cost during contractual period

Caring for your family, home and the environment is our business

(A typical Formosan Subterranean Termite Colony with egg, nymph, and adult - photo captured by William Hung of Johnson Group)

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The common termite species can be found in Hong Kong is called Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus). The other two common genus within subterranean termite family (Rhinotermitidae) are Reticulitermes and Heterotermes. The group as a whole is so-named because their activities are usually associated to some extent with the soil.

Subterranean termites invade your premises mainly by two methods. The first one will be termite swarm during early spring,  a swarmer is a reproductive individual within the colony. Other names for reproductive individuals are the terms queen and king. Swarmers emerge from the ground or soil and mate in flight. They then drop their wings. Males die after mating. When mated females find suitable habitats (with moisture and wood), they are then ready to begin laying eggs and forming a new colony.

The second method is that, subterranean termites access aboveground wood in buildings through protected cracks and cavities. Normally, termites live in colonies underground, from which they build tunnels in search of food, they are able to reach food above the ground level by building mud tubes (mud shelter), as long as they can find tiny cracks or wood, they may start invading your home.

• Termites are small, white, tan, or black insects that can cause severe destruction to wooden structures.
• Termites belong to the insect order Isoptera, an ancient insect group that dates back more than 100 million years.
• The Latin name Isoptera means "equal wing"and refers to the fact that the front set of wings on a reproductive termite is similar in size and shape to the hind set.
• In nature they make many positive contributions to the world's ecosystems. Their greatest contribution is the role they play in recycling wood and plant material.
• Termites become a problem when they consume structural lumber.

(Formosan Subterranean Termites - photo captured by William Hung of Johnson Group)

(Reticulitermes soldier - photo captured by William Hung of Johnson Group)

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What is termite?

Like other insects, termites have six legs and a body divided into three main parts i.e. Head, Thorax and Abdomen. A pair of straight antennae is situated on the head. People always confuse termites with ants because of their somewhat similar appearance. The simple ways to distinguish termites from ants is that, termites have straight bead-like antennae and an abdomen that is broadly joined at the thorax; Ants in contrast, have elbowed antennae and a petiole (waist), which is constricted. Winged ants have differently-sized fore and hind wings while termites have same-sized fore and hind wings.

Termites colonies contain distinct types of castes (individuals) that differ in both form and function i.e. Reproductives, workers and soldiers. Termites shed their skin (molt) periodically in order to grow. Termites can consume a wide assortment of cellulose foods including living and dead wood, roots, grass, paper, cardboard, fiberboard and other plant-based materials. Mature colonies of Reticulitermes and Coptotermes are more likely to be decentralized entities occupying multiple nesting or foraging sites, interconnected by an extensive network of underground tunnels.

This is hard to quantify the size and foraging range of termites. A large colony contained about 1-7 million foragers and could travel distance up to 100m. A small colony contained only 55,000 individuals and occupied foraging areas less than 20 meter square.

If you ask "How long termites have been infesting my structure?", we can answer you only "They seem to have been there for a period of years.". The rate and extent of structural damage depends on many factors and conditions like food types, moisture content and also the amount of competing food sources, it is extremely hard to predict with confidence how long an infestation has been present. However, some studies show a large colony could consume 0.5-1 kg of wood each day.

Life Cycle

Most termite species swarm in late summer or fall, although spring swarms are not uncommon for subterranean and drywood termites. New kings and queens are winged during their early adult life but lose their wings after dispersing from their original colony. An infestation begins when a mated pair finds a suitable nesting site near or in wood and constructs a small chamber, which they enter and seal. Soon afterward, the female begins egg laying, and both the king and queen feed the young on predigested food until they are able to feed themselves. Most species of termites have microscopic, one-celled animals called protozoa within their intestines that help in converting wood (cellulose) into food for the colony.

Once workers and nymphs are produced, the king and queen are fed by the workers and cease feeding on wood. Termites go through incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and are the most numerous stage in the colony. They also groom and feed one another and other colony members.

Common termites groups

There are more than 2,500 different types of termites in the world. However, most of this diversity can be lumped into four distinct groups: dampwood termites, drywood termites, subterranean termites, and mound builders. The common species in Hong Kong is Formosan Subterranean Termites.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites require moist environments. To satisfy this need, they usually nest in or near the soil and maintain some connection with the soil through tunnels in wood or through shelter tubes they construct. These shelter tubes are made of soil with bits of wood or even plasterboard (drywall). Much of the damage they cause occurs in foundation and structural support wood. Because of the moisture requirements of subterranean termites, they are often found in wood that has wood rot or inside home, they are often found in wood floor, wood flames or wood furniture closed to restroom, bathroom, kitchen or window.

Swarmer or alate of Formosan Termite (Coptotermes formosanus), 6mm long - photo captured by William Hung of Johnson Group

(Odontotermes formosanus or darkwinged subterranean termite about 12mm long - photo captured by William Hung of Johnson Group)

Dampwood Termites
( Wood buried in ground with high in moisture could easily be attacked by termites)

Dampwood termites only infest wood with high moisture content. Dampwood termites nest in wood buried in the ground, although contact with the ground is not necessary when infested wood is high in moisture. Because of their high moisture requirements, dampwood termites most often are found in cool, humid areas like flowerbeds and are typical pests of beach houses. Infestations in structures usually occur where wood is wetted by moisture leaks. Structures, utility poles, pilings, and lumber exposed to high moist soil and humidity are subject to attack. 

Dampwood termites are noticeably larger than subterranean termites. Winged reproductives typically swarm between July and October, but it is not unusual to see them at other times of the year. Dampwood termite winged reproductives (sometimes called swarmers) are attracted to lights. Dampwood termites produce distinctive fecal pellets that are rounded at both ends, elongate, and lack the clear longitudinal ridges common to drywood termite pellets.

Drywood Termites
(Fecel pellets of drywood termite - photos captured by William Hung of Johnson Group)

Drywood termites are so-named because they live entirely in dry, sound wood. They are well adapted to withstand environmental extremes in both moisture and temperature. Drywood termites colonies are small in comparison to subterranean termties, containing perhaps a few thousands individuals. Drywood termites infest dry, undecayed wood, including structural lumber as well as dead limbs of native trees and shade and orchard trees, utility poles, posts, and lumber in storage. From these areas, winged reproductives seasonally migrate to nearby buildings and other structures usually on sunny days during fall months.

Drywood termites have a low moisture requirement and can tolerate dry conditions for prolonged periods. They remain entirely above ground and do not connect their nests to the soil. Piles of their fecal pellets, which are distinctive in appearance, may be a clue to their presence. The fecal pellets are elongate (about 3/100 inch long) with rounded ends and have six flattened or roundly depressed surfaces separated by six longitudinal ridges.

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Management

There is no better defense against termites than a tailor-made treatment plan from Johnson Group

Successful termite management requires many special skills, including a working knowledge of building construction. An understanding of termite biology and identification can help a homeowner detect problems and understand methods of control. In most cases it is advisable to hire a professional pest control company to carry out the inspection and control program.

Management techniques vary depending on the species causing an infestation. Multiple colonies of the same species of termite or more than one species of termite can infest a building. Any of these variables will influence your control approach. Subterranean, and less frequently, dampwood termites can have nests at or near ground level, so control methods for these can be similar. However, drywood termites nest above ground, therefore the approach for eliminating them is unique.

Ask for help from our Pest Management Professionals

Controlling Subterranean Termites

Subterranean and dampwood termites in structures cannot be adequately controlled by fumigation, heat treatment, freezing, or termite electrocution devices because the reproductives and nymphs are concentrated in nests near or below ground level in structures out of reach of these control methods. The primary methods of controlling these termites are the application of termiticides or baiting programs.

Use of termiticides or baits should be supplemented with the destruction of their access points or nests. To facilitate control of subterranean termites, destroy their shelter tubes whenever possible to interrupt access to wooden substructures and to open colonies to attack from natural enemies such as ants. For dampwood termites, if infestations are small, destroy accessible nests by removing infested wood. Removing excess moisture from wood will also destroy dampwood termite nests.

The Johnson Group Termite Management Systems

Except the 60 years proven track records, the Johnson Group also equips the most innovative and exclusive technology in termite management. We introduce FLIR® Thermographic Camera for Termite Activity Diagnostics; Termatrac® - the microwave detecting device; and Borescope Termite Inspection as a standard inspection & treatment tools and requires no additional costs from you.

Service scopes

1. Eliminate existing termite colonies by either liquid termiticides or termite baits, or combinations of both.
2. Protect wood made items from termite attack.
3. Create an effective barrier and protective zone from future invasion.

Johnson Group delivers the world's best value in termite control. You’ll receive written specifications, an inspection report and customized treatment programs after your consultation/inspection. During warranty period, if termites happen to return following your treatment, we promise to re-treat the problem at no additional charge.

Innovative devices

FLIR® Thermographic Camera - locating termite activities

Infrared thermography is the easiest and quickest method to detect heat and moisture in structures or buildings. An infrared camera shows exactly where the problems are and helps focus termite professionals' attention allowing them to properly diagnose areas with termite activity.

Thermal Camera helps our professionals quickly scan large areas to pinpoint

1. water intrusion, find moisture beneath the surfaces
2. mud tubes (mud shelters)
3. nesting locations

Termatrac- Termite Detecting Device

Termatrac is a breakthrough development in the detection of termites, invented and developed in Australia using technology similar to radar, Termatrac is the exciting answer to detecting termites through timber, plaster board, brick or masonry with no interference to the building material or termite activity. With no drilling, tapping or prodding, Termatrac is the answer to termite detection without termite defection! With Termatrac, the pest professional enjoys the advantage of accurate detection and customer peace of mind.

Termatrac, explained simply, emits signals which penetrate the material that is being searched. If these signals are interrupted by termite activity, the liquid crystal display will alert you to this activity. Termatrac relays this information to the technicians, so that they can pinpoint the termites in an instant. Then our technicians can:

• Track the extent of their activity without disturbances
• Track termites to entry point
• Locate nests via entry point
• Determine the most suitable treatment procedures

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Portable Video Borescope- Borescope termite inspection

Equipped with CMOS image sensor, 3.5" TFT LCD monitor,  10 meters length 5.5mm diameter probes, borescope gives enough flexibility to use for various inspection needs.

With the help of borescope, our technicians can perform all inspection jobs that  other companies cannot. The palm-sized video borescope is equipped with an LED light source, TFT display, camera and recorder, it can let you SEE THROUGH what is actually moving underneath the floor and walls.

Borescope termite inspection enable our technicians to see into areas that are otherwise inaccessible for visual inspection. Our trained professionals use this device to pinpoint the source of termite infestation and entry point points into a structure, such as mud shelters adhering to the underside of a filled porch or raised wooden floor, or termite activity behind finished walls.

Typically, a hole (~5mm) is drilled and the optical lens is inserted into the desired viewing areas. The 10 meters long optical cable allows viewing of the immediate area around the point of insertion or up to a distance of 10 meters long.

(Portable Video Borescope)

Termatrac, explained simply, emits signals which penetrate the material that is being searched. If these signals are interrupted by termite activity, the liquid crystal display will alert you to this activity. Termatrac relays this information to the operator, so that they can pinpoint the termites in an instant. Then you can:

Quality Materials

(either termiticide application or termite baits application or combinations of both)

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Premise® SC200 Termiticide by Bayer

HK Pesticide Reg. no. 2P256(SC)

Premise® by Bayer (Application of Termiticide)

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Advantages

• Treatments that everyone can live with-except termites (the active ingredient Imidacloprid has very low mammalian toxicity to humans and other warm-blooded animals).
• Termites do not detect imidacloprid and will freely tunnel into treated soil/wood. However, they soon stop feeding, become disoriented, sluggish and eventually die about 4-6 weeks after termiticide application.
• Termites exposed to imidacloprid-treated materials can transfer lethal concentrations to unexposed nestmates.
• Success without smell, no odor and airborne residues

Why Premise

1. Killing- Premise® allows termites to enter the treatment zone, but after a short distance they are affected by the chemical and control is achieved immediately. They become disoriented and dysfunctional, stop feeding and are no longer able to coordinate their tunneling through the soil.
2. Prevention- Premise® continues to move slowly in the soil for several days after application, ensuring more even distribution. This will create a continuous barrier with no breaks and weak spots.

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Premise® is now registered for exterior perimeter termite treatments.

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Perimeter label allows you to focus your treatments where termite infestations are most likely to occur Less Intrusive. No inside treatments required unless there are active termite infestations found during inspection Less drilling required, compared to conventional treatments Less labor and chemical required Complete exterior perimeter treatment of the home required

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There's proof to back it up Bayer compiled research from 2003-2006 in over 3,000 structures in 22 states: Over 40 PMPs and 23 University Researchers participated in the study All termite species were represented Showed Premise provided greater than 98% control of termites.

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Dustmitex™ - a borate based liquid termiticide for wood treatment
HK Pesticides Reg. No. 2P297 SP

Advantages

• Borates are inorganic minerals mined from naturally formed deposits in the earth.
• Active ingredient is Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), commonly used foe most wood treatments.
• Borates cause mortality in termites by interfering with digestion. Borates also are toxic to many species of wood-destroying insects and fungi, and unless exposed to constant rewetting, maintain their preservative qualities for decades.
• They are non-staining, odorless, and low in mammalian toxicity (about the same as table salt).

Why borate based liquid termiticide

1. Subterranean termites have a difficult time penetrating through or tunneling over wood surfaces treated with borate.
2. High mortality and feeding deterrence occurs when termites attempt to penetrate the surface of borate-treated wood.

Exterra - Termite Interception & Baiting System
HK Pesticides Reg. No. 2P281 (P)

The Exterra Termite Interception & Baiting System is designed to intercept foraging termites and to concentrate termite feeding in Exterra Stations. In-ground Stations containing timber interceptors are embedded in the soil around the perimeter of your building.

The stations are inspected on a regular basis until termites are intercepted. At this point Exterra Requiem Termite Bait is added to the In-ground Station. Requiem is a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor. A key component of a termite's exoskeleton is the substance chitin. Without chitin termites cannot complete their natural moulting process. If they do not moult they die.

This results in the elimination of the colony whilst avoiding the use of toxic chemicals in the environment. When the colony has been eliminated, the Requiem Termite bait is removed and fresh timber interceptors are placed in the Stations. These Stations continue to be monitored on a regular basis.

Where termites are located feeding within your building(s), Above-ground Stations containing Requiem Termite Bait are installed. This may require inserting small screws and the creation of small access holes to enable termites to enter the Station. These Stations are removed once the colony has been eliminated, or if no feeding occurs. International studies have shown that Requiem has a very low level of mammalian toxicity, even at very high levels of exposure, so it does not pose any risk to you, your family, the environment or your pets. For your further security it is safely contained within tamper-proof stations at all times.

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Proven track records in termite control

Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong- Provision of Termite Control to Pre- and Post-construction buildings.
Johnson Group was the only service provider to provide termite treatment services to different site areas in Penny's Bay.

Service locations include:

• Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
• Disney's Hollywood Hotel
• Main Street
• Tomorrowland
• Space Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear
• Disney Storybook Theatre

Hong Kong Housing Authority
Johnson Group is the authorized service provider to provide termite treatment services to different properties under Housing Authority since 1997.

**Reference sources: UC IPM Online