Termites Control

Quality Termite Exterminator in Tennessee

Important Termite Information

Termites are usually between ¼-inch to ½-inch long. Their antennas come straight out of their heads, and their bodies are soft. Termite coloration ranges from white to light brown in color.

There are around 2,000 known termite species in the world. However there are a few that are common in the U.S. and pose the largest threat to homeowners:

Termite Characteristics in Middle Tennessee

Subterranean termites: These termites are found in every state in the
continental United States and live in moist secluded areas in colonies of up to 2 million members. They are by far the most destructive termite species in the U.S.

How Do Soil Treatments Work Against Subterranean Termites?

Soil treatments are highly effective in combating subterranean termites, primarily because these destructive pests reside in the soil. Here’s a breakdown of how this method works:

1. Barrier Creation: The process begins by digging a trench around the perimeter of your home. This trench is essential as it serves as the application zone for the treatment.
2. Application of Termiticide: The key to soil treatments lies in the use of termiticides—chemicals specifically designed to eradicate termites. The termiticide is applied directly into the trench, saturating the soil and creating a chemical barrier.
3. Refilling the Trench: After the termiticide application, the trench is refilled with the treated soil. This step ensures that the protective barrier remains undisturbed and effective.

By following these steps, soil treatments form a continuous, treated zone around your home. This barrier prevents subterranean termites from crossing into untreated areas and gaining access to the wooden structures of your property.

In summary, soil treatments work by creating a chemical blockade in the soil, which surrounds your home and keeps subterranean termites at bay.

In each termite species, there are three different castes or classes. Castes
are separated by duties and appearance. It takes a lot of work to run a termite colony!

Workers: Worker termites collect food for the colony. They build and maintain structures like mud tubes and nests, meaning these are the termites that cause structural damage to your home. These generally look more like larvae.

Soldiers: Soldier termites have the heavy responsibility of defending the nest. Ants pose the biggest threat to the colony, so termites go after ants more than other pests. While a soldier’s body looks similar to a worker’s, their heads and mandibles are bigger, making it easier for them to attack.

Alates (Flying termites): Alates have the potential to be kings or queens of new termite colonies. They don’t actually cause damage, but seeing these winged termites is a sure sign you have a termite infestation. These flying termites have dark exoskeletons and two sets of long wings 

Termites Damage in Nashville, TN

Termite Damage

Each year, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage. These tiny pests form in large colonies and can cause serious damage to your home. If you’re seeing them, you definitely need termite treatment right away.

Termites use these cylinder-shaped pathways to travel along exposed areas while foraging for food. These might look like branches of dried mud attached to the side of poles, house foundations, metal fences, and other places.

Swarmers

Swarmers are winged termites that a well-established colony produces once or twice every year. They can be easily mistaken for winged ants, but if you see swarmers in your home, it’s a sure sign a colony is close by.

Why Contact Professional Termite Exterminators Instead of DIY Treatments?

When facing a termite infestation, it may be tempting to handle the problem on your own. However, enlisting professional termite exterminators is strongly recommended for several reasons.

Expertise and Experience

Professional exterminators have extensive training and experience dealing with termites. They are well-versed in identifying the specific type of termite invading your home and the most effective methods to eliminate them.

Advanced Technology

Professionals use state-of-the-art technology that is often unavailable to the general public. This technology not only eradicates existing termites but also prevents future infestations, safeguarding your home in the long term.

Comprehensive Inspections

Experts perform thorough inspections to identify the extent of the infestation, including hidden or hard-to-reach areas. DIY treatments often miss these crucial areas, leading to recurring problems down the line.

Custom Treatment Plans

Professional exterminators create customized treatment plans tailored to your specific situation. They consider factors such as the size of the infestation, the type of termites, and the structure of your home to devise the most effective strategy.

Safety

Many DIY treatments involve chemicals that can be harmful if not handled correctly. Professional exterminators know how to use these treatments safely, minimizing risks to your family and pets.

Long-Term Savings

While professional services may seem expensive upfront, they often save you money in the long run. Effective termite control prevents costly damage to your home, avoiding repairs that can run into thousands of dollars.

Peace of Mind

Hiring a professional provides peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that experts are handling the problem, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life.

In summary, while DIY termite treatments might seem convenient, the benefits of hiring professional exterminators far outweigh the initial cost. Their expertise, advanced technology, and comprehensive approach ensure effective and lasting protection for your home.

Trelona Bait Station

Since termites eat wood from the inside out, damage is difficult to detect. It might show as bubbling wallpaper or hollow and weakened wood.

Powered by the active ingredient Novaluron, Trelona ATBS provides ongoing structural protection through colony elimination.

How to Treat Termite Infestations

When facing a termite infestation, there are several proven methods to consider. Each approach targets termites differently, depending on their habitat and the extent of the infestation.

Soil Treatments

Soil treatments are highly effective against subterranean termites, which live underground. This method involves digging a trench around the home, applying a termiticide to the soil, and then refilling the trench. The treated soil creates a protective barrier, preventing termites from reaching the structure.

Wood Treatments

Wood treatments serve both as a preventive measure and a direct solution to combat termites already present. Borate-based chemicals can be applied to existing wood to kill and deter termites. For new constructions, treating the wood prior to building can stave off infestations. Additionally, certain woods, such as cedar and redwood, naturally resist termites, making them a good choice for building materials.

Bait Systems

Bait systems are another powerful strategy to eliminate termite colonies. This approach involves placing bait stations around the home’s perimeter. The stations attract termites, which then carry the poisonous bait back to their colony, effectively eradicating it. Monitoring these stations regularly is crucial to ensure ongoing protection and to detect any new termite activity.

By employing these methods—soil treatments, wood treatments, and bait systems—you can address and prevent termite infestations effectively.

How Can Wood Treatments Deter and Prevent Termite Damage?

Proper wood treatment is essential for preventing termite damage and ensuring the longevity of your wooden structures. Here’s how you can effectively safeguard your wood:

1. Liquid Treatments: Applying borate-based chemicals to wood can be highly effective. These liquids penetrate the wood fibers, creating a barrier that both kills existing termites and deters new infestations.
2. Pre-Construction Treatments: Treating wood before construction begins is a proactive approach. This involves applying protective chemicals to the wood, ensuring it is termite-resistant from the outset.
3. Natural Resistance: Certain types of wood, like cedar and redwood, naturally resist termites. These woods contain chemicals that are unpalatable to termites, making them less likely to be infiltrated.