Termite Extermination

Since man first started establishing permanent settlements, termites have been one of the biggest structural threats a community can face. The insects work slowly, gradually chewing through wood and leaving little trace until it’s too late to save the structure. Today, property owners in the United States lose billions of dollars annually to structural damage from the tiny beasts. Millions of dollars are also spent treating this scourge.

What You Should Know About Termites

Subterranean Termites are the most common form in West Virginia. The bugs hide in the soil, where they're protected from predators, and excavate tunnels to reach their food source: wood. They live in underground colonies of tens of thousands of bugs and gnaw through wood that comes in contact with the soil. As you're working in the office or resting in the comfort of your home, these creatures are working 24/7 to chew their way in and take over your sanctuary. Drywood, Dampwood, and Formosan termites are found in the Western States and are typically not as damaging as Subterranean termites.

Damage

Subterranean Termites chew day and night, feasting on the cellulose inside the wood. The signs they leave behind are barely noticeable until it's too late. They can take out entire walls that need to be replaced, costing homeowners thousands. In some cases, they can compromise the building's structural integrity altogether, causing it to collapse in on itself. If they're paying close attention, property owners might notice tubes made of mud and soil leading up to wooden structures or trees. Those are the mud tunnels the insects travel in, which protect them from predators and keep them from drying out. You also might notice small pieces of feces that look like sawdust. In the spring, wings that shed from the swarming termites might also start to crop up. The worst thing you could find, though, is damaged wood. First, you'll likely see the paint around it start to form bubbles. The wood might sound hollow if you knock on it lightly. Sometimes, it could darken as termites rage through the structure. If you see these signs, you should call Enviro-Tech Pest Services immediately. 

Choosing The Right Company

It takes a lot to outsmart termites. They've had 55 million years on earth to perfect their destructive craft and protecting against them is no easy task. Slipping up and forgoing treatment isn't an option if you want to keep them from chewing through your home or business. When choosing a pest management company to protect your family from the devastation termites inflict, go with the best. Enviro-Tech Pest Services ranks among the top companies in the entire United States, and we're located right here in West Virginia. We've been in the business for over a decade. In that time, we've learned the best way to tackle pre-treatment, inspections, control, and other aspects of termite prevention and exclusion. We do that while remaining fully committed to environmental consciousness. A termite problem is not one to wait on so give us a call today for a free estimate.