Prevention and Mitigation Tips

The Facts:

Your home is the largest investment you may make in your life. Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage.

Since termites are a constant threat to your home, here are some things you can do during the year to help maintain the effectiveness of King George’s termite treatments. Small steps make a big difference in termite prevention and sustaining an effective termite treatments. Start by eliminating moisture conditions and termite food around your home. These simple steps make your home a less attractive target, helping deter termites.

Eliminate Moisture Problems

• Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units
• Divert water from foundationKeep gutters and downspouts clean
• Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
• Get rid of standing water on roof
• Keep all vents clear and open
• Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes

Remove Termite Food Sources

• Keep firewood, lumber or paper away from foundation or crawl space
• Get rid of stumps and debris near house 
• Place screens on outside vents
• Check decks and wooden fences for damage 
• Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil

Termite Warning Signs

Some indications you may have a termite infestation:

• A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
• Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces.
• Discarded wings from swarmers.

What are the warning signs of termite and pest infestation?

Termites mostly feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, soil and animal refuse. Know the signs of termite damage

Subterranean termites dwell underground in loose, damp soil and are more common to our area. Interior damage may not become apparent until infestations are full-blown. Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

Subterranean termites also access above-ground food sources through mud tunnels they create from saliva, mud and feces. These tunnels are located near the foundation of infested homes.

Drywood termites build their colonies within wooden structures on which they feed. They can be found inside of walls or furniture. Drywood termite infestations may only become apparent after a colony has burrowed so deeply into an infested item that the veneer cracks and the maze-like tunnels beneath become visible. Such damage is common in antique furniture pieces and older homes.

Rodents multiply swiftly, and infestations may be extremely difficult to exterminate. It is advised that anyone experiencing a rodent infestation contact us for free estimate and consultation.