Termite Season: When and What to Expect

Termite Season: When and What to Expect

You probably aren’t too concerned with termites just yet, with the recent icy weather here in Georgia and the Southeast. BUT…prevention is key to preventing termite damage and now is the time to get prepared.

In the South, termites start swarming in early Spring. So if you don’t already have a termite control plan, it’s time to think about getting one. While swarming termites do not cause structural damage, it’s a sign that a termite colony is hard at work nearby. This could mean severe structural damage to your home that will result in hundred and thousands of dollars in repair costs. So what’s the solution?

Termite Prevention

There are several methods of termite control and deciding which termite treatment is right for your home can be overwhelming. After all, we’re talking about protection for one of your largest investments! And since termite damage typically isn’t covered by homeowners insurance, it’s important to not only have your home treated, but to have a solid termite warranty.

Termite Treatment Options

If you have a really good understanding of how termites work, you could attempt DIY termite control. There are several options for this from traditional liquid barrier treatments to termite baiting systems. This can be a difficult task if you have any slabs attached to your home or a basement. A liquid barrier must be complete with no breaks in order to keep termites out. Want a pro? Keep reading.

Liquid Barrier Termite Treatment

Some pest control companies will recommend a liquid treatment if you have active termites or damage. This provides instant and long-term termite protection. Make sure your termite company includes a good warranty with your treatment, ideally one that covers termite re-treatments and any damage caused post-treatment.

Borate Wood Treatment

This type of termite treatment is ideal when your home is in the construction phase. The wood frame is treated with a product called borates, elements from the earth, that will give you permanent termite protection and also help ward off common household pests.

Termite Baiting Systems

Baiting Systems are proven effective at eliminating entire termite colonies underground around your home, less invasive than liquid treatments, ideal for new and existing construction, and usually come with a lifetime warranty. It’s also the environmentally-responsible way to protect your home from termites, by eliminating the use of hundreds of gallons of chemicals. With Sentricon Always Active, our preferred choice for baiting systems, monitoring devices are placed in the ground strategically around your the perimeter of your home. The devices have a bait tube inside that termites are attracted to. Termites will find the stations, eat the bait and share with their colony, resulting in colony elimination.

Other things you can do to prevent termites:

1. Keep mulch away from your home’s perimeter. This is a food source for termites.

2. Keep any items made of wood away from your home. Firewood, cross ties, that construction project you’ve been working on…all are potential food sources for termites.

3. Keep your gutters cleaned. Termites love moisture so keeping the ground around your home dry is key.

Signs of a potential termite infestation:

If you see a swarm of “flying ants”, it’s probably termites. Find out more on how to tell termites from ants here.

Termite swarmers will usually leave behind small transparent wings. If you see anything like this around your home, call an exterminator.

For more specific information on termite control in your area:

Atlanta Termite Control

Savannah Termite Control

Nashville Termite Control

 

What Are Your Termite Treatment Options?

You have termites…now what? What are your termite treatment options?

So you’ve called your termite extermination company out to your home and they confirmed your suspicions that yes, you have termites! There are many different termite treatment options so how do you know which one is right for your home?

Each termite infestation is unique, just like each home is unique. What works for your neighbor’s home may not work for yours. By working closely with your licensed termite professional, you can develop a customized termite treatment plan that is right for your situation.

So what are some of the termite treatment options?

  • The Sentricon Termite Baiting System – This termite baiting system is an environmentally friendly option to preventing and eliminating termites. Termite monitoring stations are placed around the perimeter of your home. Termites take the bait and share it with other termites. When the bait is ingested it helps to control the termite colony.
  • Liquid Termite Treatments – Liquid Termite treatments can be used inside, outside, and even on the structure. The method of application depends on the type of structure. Termites come into contact with the product, ingest it, and share it with their colony.

Regardless of what type of termite treatment you choose, it’s important that you maintain ongoing termite control. Your trusted termite exterminating company will help provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that your home stays free of termite infestations.

Northwest Exterminating offers free termite inspections.

Pest Control Among Top 8 Outdoor Jobs

Looking for a job where you can enjoy the great outdoors?  Pest Control may be just the answer that you’re looking for.  Fox Business recently released an article with the Top 8 outdoor jobs that are “growing or are poised to grow”.

Seeing as how pests are everywhere…it’s a pretty stable business to be in.  Pest Management Technicians, as well as, Termite Service Technicians both made the list.  To read the full list click HERE.

Interested in a career in pest or termite control that will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors?  Visit our Careers page to see our career opportunities.

Did we mention we were recently named #7 of the Top 100 Top Work Places for medium sized companies by The AJC?!?!

2012 Angie's List Super Service Award Recipient!

We would like to give a great big CONGRATULATIONS to our Alpharetta, Buford, Smyrna, and Newnan service centers that each received the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award!!
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According to Angie’s List “The Super Service Award is given to companies that have achieved and maintained a superior service record on Angie’s List. Approximately 5% of companies on Angie’s List meet the minimum eligibility requirements to be considered. Eligibility requirements include maintaining an “A” rating overall…”

We are so proud of these teams and their hard work and dedication to Northwest Exterminating and our customers.  We would also like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to go online and leave us a review regarding your experiences with Northwest.  We are always striving to not only be the best in pest and termite control but the best in customer service as well.

Thanks again!

Adam Vannest: The New Director of Pest Services

Northwest Exterminating is proud to introduce Adam Vannest as our new Director of Pest Services.  As Director of Pest Services, Adam will be responsible for all of the ongoing pest control training and development at Northwest.  Adam has a strong commitment to excellence and continuing education; this passion will help Northwest to further their commitment to creating healthier living and working environments.

Adam is a graduate of Kennesaw State University where he studied Music Education.  Adam grew up surrounded by family members in the pest control industry.  So it was no surprise that after graduation Adam decided to follow in their footsteps.   Adam joined the Northwest family in 2007 and most recently served as the Monroe Service Center Manager.  He soon became a Georgia Certified Operator in both WDO and HPC categories.  Through his hard work, dedication, and involvement in civic organization, community events, and associations, Adam has helped Northwest to be the leader in pest and termite control.

Adam currently resides in Monroe with his wife, Elica, his son, Leo, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a daughter in October!

Northwest is excited to have Adam on board in his new role!

You can contact Adam at [email protected]

Blogs by Adam:

How to Rid Yellow Jackets Using Glue Boards
10 Ways to Make Sure Your Home is Not Attractive to Rodents

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