Termite Control Services
Termites
In our region we deal with the Eastern Subterranean Termite. These are small, foraging insects that live in large colonies. They are considered a social insect and have established levels of hierarchy in their colonies. The subterranean termites feed on the cellulose found in wood mulch, wood, soils and debris. Termites come in several species with only about 10% of the species considered as pests. They are considered pests because they cause serious damage to wood / timber framed structures when they infest.
Subterranean termites live in colonies underground and are among the most prevalent termite species found on the eastern portion of the U.S.A. They are considered wood destroying insects and can account for a five billion dollar per year industry in the U.S.A.
Why do they infest structures?
Even in the cold months of the year in our region, subterranean termites live in the soil under and around our homes. The majority of the time, the worker caste of termites in a colony are foraging for the cellulose material found in wood and wood debris. (cellulose).
Around here it's fairly common to uncover termites in the mulch surrounding your home or in debris, or a nearby pile of wood. With an active colony in close quarters to our homes these termites will forage for food by gaining access through hairline cracks in the foundation. If the cracks extend below the surface of the grade termites have an easy route to the wood framing in our buildings. When the termites have established that there is a food source suitable to them, they will continue to expand the colony and the damage in our buildings. Not only will termites ingest wood, they'll use the paper facing on drywall, and any other cellulose building material to survive on.
Because termite activity is 'behind the surface' an infestation can go on undetected for quite some time.
Although it is nearly impossible to prevent termites from entering our homes or businesses, there are some controls we can all put into place to stay a step ahead:
- Termites are attracted to moist soils: control pooling water from downspouts or poor drainage areas.
- Termites forage just below the surface of the soil - keep wood trim and wood debris from contacting the soil/ground. Never store firewood any closer than 15 ft. from the main structure.
- Moist wood mulch attracts termites: As mulch continues to compost / breakdown, it should be raked out and removed / replaced each spring.
- Tree stumps: when trees or shrubs are removed, remove their root systems as well. Leaving roots and stumps to decay will provide an adequate food source for termites.
Termite Inspection
Our technicians will thoroughly visually inspect those readily accessible areas of your home or other building. The trained professionals on our staff have a keen eye for the signs of a termite infestation.
At Pilot Termite & Pest Control, LLC, we perform more real-estate transfer Wood Destroying Insect Inspections than any company in the region.
Termite Treatments
Our termite treatment plans are guaranteed and have proven to be a very effective way for home and business owners alike to protect their investments.
Our plans include interior and exterior protection by creating a barrier system thus keeping termites at bay.
When possible we apply the treatment directly to the termites. Our applications not only create the protective barrier around the building, but the treatment also focuses on the colony and the control of colony growth by disrupting the insect’s growth and development.
Other Pests Designated as Wood Destroying Insects
At Pilot Termite & Pest Control, LLC we understand that "life is too short to be bugged”. Our services for the control of household pests including Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Wood Boring Beetles are designed to keep these wood destroyers from impacting the structure of your home or business any further. Contact us today for an inspection and estimate for treatment.