termite treatment and extermination

Termite Infestation: A Serious Problem

Termites are ant-like, small, social insects that differ from ants and live in colonies.  They are considered as the top threat to homes in the US. The risk of termite damage is greater than flood, wind, or fire.  They can ruin the foundation of your home in just a few years. The signs and symptoms of other pest infestations are visible. But, the infestation of termites is not even noticeable in the initial few years. As they do not come with a warning, they cause severe damage to your home once you notice the infestation. 

Termites are not as visible as other dangers. These hungry pests are found in almost all US states. But the problem is not so strong in some regions in North and West. It is estimated that termites cause more than $6 billion damages in the US every year. These wood-destroying insects are strong enough to damage the structural timbers of a home, which include wall studs, subfloors, ceiling supports, floor supports, and posts. They can also damage non-structural components such as furniture, carpets, paneling, and drywall paperboard. 

Termite Treatment and Other Information

​Types of Termites

There are three major types of termites. They are subterranean termites, damp wood termites, and dry wood termites.  Live in the soil, subterranean termites build some of the largest nests.  These are the most destructive type and they are found heavily in the US. They destroy home and wood very fast. Damp wood termites are found in wood that contains high moisture content. They are found in homes very rarely because of very low moisture. They are commonly found in damp woods. Dry wood termites are the most common species that damage homes in the US. They are typically found in timber, hardwood floors, and in wood. Compared to subterranean termites, dry wood termites cause damage slowly. Therefore, subterranean termites are very dangerous and they require immediate treatment. ​


Common Signs of Termite Infestation

Most homeowners overlook the signs of termites. Swarms of winged termites are often misidentified as flying ants. It is also very difficult to see the mud tubes along a foundation wall. Therefore, if you are living in a termite-prone area, you should seek the help of a professional for inspecting your homes, which is essential for preventing and treating termite damage on time. The following are the common signs of the presence of termites:

• Loose tiles
• Floors that sag or buckle
• Sagging or discolored sheetrock on the walls or ceiling
• Wood that sounds hallow while tapping
• Jammed windows or doors
• Damaged wood
• Peeling or bubbling paint
• Tiny pinpoint holes in drywall
• Laminate floors that sag or bubble up ​

How to Uncover, Prevent, and Control Termites?

Small shelter tubes, insect wings, sagging floors or doors, crumbling drywall, and small holes in wood are some of the most obvious signs of termite infestation. Even if you do not notice these signs, it does not mean that the condition or termites are not there. Regular inspection by highly experienced, licensed professionals is essential for protecting your home from these dangerous pests. Highly qualified pest management professionals will have proper knowledge and training in termite behavior and biology to identify, treat, and prevent termite infestations. 
A house that is infested with termite looks the same as other houses. Termites build nests hidden inside walls that cause damage for years. Termite control experts can spot the signs activity before the problem becomes very serious. If you left the problem untreated or unnoticed for years, your home may suffer significant damage.

Termite damage can range from superficial, minor damage to major structural damage, which can cause the collapse of floors or ceilings.  Therefore, early detection of termite infestation is very crucial for minimizing the risk.

Resolving a Termite Problem

While certain pest problems can sometimes be handled by the homeowner, it is not recommended for termites, which require specialized techniques and procedures.  Done incorrectly, these procedures can exacerbate the problem and actually increase the termite population, or worse, you could do damage to your house.  Furthermore, if you are buying a house, your lender may require a certificate, from a licensed professional, that the house is free of termites.  

In general, though, certain chemicals can be used for removing a termite population.  However, using some chemicals in your locality is prevented by law. You must be very careful while using chemical treatments because only a licensed professional can do these types of jobs. Permethrin dust and arsenic dust can be used for termite removal. Termite remediation can also be done by using some cost effective methods such as electrocution, orange oil solution, and exposure to sunlight. However, a highly experienced pest control expert can prevent this dangerous problem without any hassles.
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Please call us for a free consultation if you have (or believe you have) a termite problem.