Subterranean termites generally develop and infest from colonies in soil. Most commonly they enter a building through structural wood or foundation walls adjacent to the soil. In cases of structures built partly or completely on slabs, infestation occurs through expansion joints, cracks and utility and sewer pipe openings.
Inspection
Termite inspections are one way in which infestations can be detected. Without regular inspections, a termite infestation can remain undetected for years.
Some key signs that are used to indicate termite infestations include:
- Swarming of adult termites
- Presence of mud tubes
- Identification of termite feeding activity
Control
Once termite activity is confirmed it is prudent to take action to eliminate the concern. There are two primary approaches to controlling termite activity and your Service Specialist should be able to assist you in making the best decision for your situation. These two methods include a traditional chemical barrier type approach and a termite bait program. Each has distinct advantages over the other. One caveat when it comes to termites is that it is not recommended that this be a DIY approach. Termites can be especially difficult to treat and oftentimes require specialized equipment to appropriately treat structures. This equipment and the experience needed is frequently found only through the services of a professional pest control specialist.
Annual Contracts/Warranty
Although the materials applied to control termites are effective there are many factors which may impact the ability of treatments to provide control over the long term. Changes to landscaping, soil movement, room additions, and other practices can affect the treatment applied. Therefore annual inspections to ensure a reinfestation has not occurred are generally recommended.