New Technology Protects Birthplace of America from Termites

Swarming season arrives in Philadelphia 

PHILADELPHIA – May 31, 2005.  As termite swarming season descends upon the great city of Philadelphia, there isn’t a need for the nation’s birthplace, Independence Hall, to be concerned about subterranean termites because it has the latest high-tech termite baiting system in place. 

During termite swarming season, billions of winged termites leave their colonies in search of a new home.  This behavior, commonly known as swarming, is the most obvious indication of a termite problem.  

However, this will not be a problem for Independence Hall and surrounding buildings at the site, because the threat of termites is being addressed with the latest technology available – the Sentricon^® Termite Colony Elimination System with ESP™ technology.  This technology will protect the historic site from subterranean termites for years to come. 

Tom Reardon, owner of Reardon Associates Ltd. Of Wilmington, Delaware, has installed the newest electronic technology to help protect this historical structure from the destruction of any new termite colonies that may invade the area.  “The Sentricon System uses advanced technology that electronically monitors for subterranean termites,” says Reardon.  “It’s a high-tech way of protecting one of our nation’s most historic structures from the destruction of termites.”

A highly trained pest management professional called an Authorized Operator, an expert in termite biology and behavior, installs, services and continues to monitor the system electronically for new colonies.  When new colonies are detected, the system stops the termites from attacking properties by eliminating the colony.       

“In addition to protecting Independence Hall, the Sentricon System is also protecting local landmarks including Congress Hall, the Printing Office at Franklin Court and the Deshler-Morris House, where President George Washington spent his summers,” says Tom Reardon.  “We’re honored to be servicing and protecting such important historical structures.” 

Preserving such important places is the mission of the National Park Service, according to Acting Superintendent Dennis Reidenbach of Independence National Historical Park.  “Protecting these special places from insect damage is as important as protecting them from fire,” he said.  “That’s why we award a contract for pest control.”

According to Reardon, termites can be hidden for years before a swarm becomes visible, so annual inspections by a pest management professional are critical.  Homeowners’ insurance rarely covers termite damage, so in between professional inspections, homeowners should watch for other signs of termites and keep a close eye on areas conducive to termite activity.  Signs of termites include mud tubes, damaged wood and discarded termite wings.  

The Sentricon System was installed in 1999 at Independence Hall as a preventative measure from subterranean termites because caretakers were aware of the termite threat in the area.  Just one month later, during the first inspection of the monitoring devices, subterranean termites were found.  The termite baiting process was initiated and the termite colony was eliminated several months later.

The National Pest Management Association estimates that termites cause $5 billion in property damage annually.^  Tom Reardon of Reardon Associates, recommends homeowners have an annual inspection, because in Philadelphia alone, one out of 33 homes has had a termite problem.

The Sentricon System protects other national treasures, including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Vernon and the Alamo.  For more information about termites, visit www.signsoftermites.com.

^ According to the National Pest Management Association

^>2004 Ipsos-Insight; in select high pressure termite markets across the U.S.

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