Termite Control, Inspections and Extermination
In and around Front Royal and Winchester areas
No home is safe from the threat of attack by termites. You need and exterminator who knows how to service your home with a termite inspection. An estimated $5 billion of damage every year in the United States is caused by termites with over 5 million homes having some type of termite problem. Subterranean termites live in colonies underground, where they search for cellulose and moisture sources by tunneling in mud tubes. They infest structures through these tubes extending up foundation walls, through cracks in concrete floors or through wood in contact with the ground.
Why are professional termite inspections by a qualified Exterminator important?
- Homeowner’s insurance typically does not provide protection against termite damage
- Because of their subterranean nature, evidence of termite colonies or damage may not be visible to the untrained eye
- No home is safe from a termite infestation
- Termites cause more damage to homes each year than fire and floods combined
One of our frequently asked questions is, “Is this a termite or an ant?” Below are two illustrations to help you see the difference between ants and termites. You can also read our suggestions on how to defend your home against termites.
Is it an ant or a termite?
| Is it a termite? |
Or an ant? |
 |
 |
| Winged termites (left) are usually only 1/8 inch in length, and have straight antennae and no waistline. Their wings are long and of equal length. Ants (right) are often several times larger and have elbowed antennae with three distinct body segments, and slim waists. Both insects need to be treated by a Exterminating Company. | |
Here is a helpful video to help you identify if you may have a termite problem. Call our exterminators for a termite inspection and possible extermination, if you think you may have termites.
The Truth About Termites
Excerpted from the NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests, available through the NPCA Resource Center.
- More than 365,000 homes will need the fire department this year. But over 2 million homes will require termite treatment and extermination
- Homeowners insurance will help recover losses from fires, storms and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to carry insurance
against termite infestation. You will need and exterminator to inspect your home for termites and a termite extermination if any are found
Where Can You Find Termites?
Termites can be found in almost every state as well as Mexico and parts of Canada. They feed on wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard, boxes and a variety of other items. Even building with steel framing and masonry walls are targets because of the wooden door and window frames, cabinets and shelving within the buildings.
A termite colony is large, composed of the queen, soldier termite king, winged reproductive swarmers, soldiers and workers. Worker termites are small, creamy white insects. They are the most numerous and the cause of all the termite damage. A property owner seldom sees the worker termites, but in the spring or fall he may see swarming “winged reproductives.” This form of termite can easily be confused with a winged ant.
Your termite control specialist (exterminator) can provide protection from termite infestation.
How Termites Enter The Home
The most common termite, the subterranean, builds its nest in the ground. These termites construct mud tubes which are used to explore for food and connect their underground nest to that food source. They can enter a building without direct wood contact with the soil through such tubes. Our exterminators are trained to find termites during their inspections.
Termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints, hollow bricks or concrete blocks around plumbing. They can find their way into a structure through an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch.
Any building, whether constructed with slab, basement or crawl space foundations, can be targets for termite infestation.
Detecting and Controlling Termites is a job for the Professional such as Best Exterminating, Inc.. A thorough inspection by a termite control specialist is the first and most important step in protecting your property. “Experienced” eyes by our exterminators can locate the specific areas in your structure where termite attack is likely to occur.
Then the Best Exterminating technician will design a treatment plan for your house that will control any current infestation and establish a chemical barrier around the structure to inhibit further termite entry.
|
Other Termite Problems
In certain areas of the country you may encounter different types of termites, such as Formosan, dampwood, drywood, etc. If your home is infested with one of these termites, it may require different or more extensive treatment procedures including wood treatment and fumigation.
Commonly Asked Questions About Termite Treatment and Extermination
What is a termiticide?
It is a type of chemical used for the control of termites. Each is extensively tested for effectiveness by the U.S. Forest Service and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Will the wood in my home be treated?
Direct treatment of the wood is seldom done since the soil application procedure will eliminate the majority of subterranean termite problems. If required, there are special products available to the professional to effectively remove termites from the wood.
Will there be an odor?
There might be a slight odor from the treatment but it should only last a short period of time.
Are termiticides a danger to my health?
Studies show that when termiticides are applied according to label directions no adverse health effects occur to persons applying the product or to occupants of the treated building. Our exterminators are careful and can answer any questions you have during the termite inspection, treatment and extermination process.Best Exterminating values its customers and is always just a phone call away to answer questions: (540) 635-8930.