Termites

"In the U.S. alone, there are more than 2000 different species of termites," says Robert Unger of Suburban Pest Control. "Different specific treatments are used to deal with different kinds of termites."

HOW TERMITES ENTER YOUR HOME
All termites need is a small crack in a concrete basement, a loose mortar joint, or a tiny gap around a pipe, and their search for wood is on. In fact, termites can pass through cracks just one-thirtysecond of an inch wide.

If penetration of a surface by termites is not possible, they can easily bypass most, if not all physical barriers by building mud or "shelter" tubes over impenetrable surfaces to reach their destination. In these tubes termites can easily pass over cinder block, brick, concrete, metal, even pressure treated wood. And they can travel as far as the second floor or attic of your home.

DISCOVERING THE DAMAGE
More often than not, you won't see evidence of termites until the damage is done. Termites "honeycomb" through wood and beams slowly, methodically, rarely breaking the surface. As a result many infestations go undetected for years until you start noticing sagging floors, decayed, loose or cracked plaster. These are just a few signs that termites have been at work in your home.

TERMITE CONTROL

Prevention
Barrier Application or Baiting
Elimination

Homeowners can do a great deal to discourage termite infestations by never stacking old scraps of lumber or firewood next to or near a home and by calling a pest management professional once a year to make sure the termites haven't gained access.

Once the situation is fully assessed, a trained Pest Control Technician will place a chemical barrier to prevent additional termites from entering your home, and to control the termites already inside.