Termite Control In Alexandria VA

Are There Termites In Alexandria VA?

Yes. Subterranean termites threaten homeowners across the country, as they’re found in every state in the US except Alaska. Subterranean termites can cause the most damage of any termite species. These termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes,” to reach their food sources and protect themselves from open air. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Over time, subterranean termites can critically damage a building structure, sometimes causing a total collapse.

Subterranean termite infestations can occur on the inside or exterior of the home. There are several telltale signs of a termite infestation. One sign is the presence of mud tubes on the exterior of the home. Mud tubes look like long tunnels made of wood and soil, which the termites construct to protect them from drying out as they travel. Other signs of a subterranean termite infestation include soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped, darkening or blistering of wood structures, uneven or bubbling paint, and small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest. Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills also indicate that termite swarmers have entered and infested the home.

Identifying Termites In Alexandria

Because of the location of their colonies, Alexandria residents may have termites and never even see them. Termite activity is often relegated to foundations, walls, and the far reaches of any other wooden structures on your property. That said, here are the most common termite species you’re likely to encounter and how to identify them:

• Subterranean. Generally found in and around foundations, the subterranean termite is a milky white color and has pronounced antennae.
• Dampwood. Typically attracted to wood that has been made vulnerable due to water damage or fungus, the dampwood termite soldiers have a yellowish-brown gradation color while the swarmers have jagged wings and are a darker reddish-brown.
• Drywood. The drywood swarmer has even, metallic-colored wings, while the soldier is wingless, brown and cream-colored, and has large pincers.

No matter the type of termite you’re dealing with, Miche Pest Control has the solution for you. We provide property owners with all-encompassing termite control solutions that are geared at removing any activity present as well as preventing termites from returning to your property. We use the Sentricon Termite Baiting System, which speeds up the removal process while also proactively keeping new termites away. Don’t leave termite control to chance; contact us today for more information.

Learn About Subterranean Termites, The Kind Of Termites Found In Alexandria VA

Subterranean termites are a species of termite that nest underneath the ground. Termites are social insects and have a complex social structure. They live together in very large colonies and the members of the colony are divided into castes. Which caste a termite is part of will determine what they look like and what job they perform. Workers make up the majority of the colony. They have soft, white bodies, are blind and wingless, and grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length. Worker termites are responsible for gathering food. Soldiers have short legs and elongated, yellow-colored heads. Soldiers use their powerful jaws to defend the colony. The reproductive members (queens and kings) are the largest termites of the colony. They are dark brown to black in color, and are the only members of the colony that have wings.

Termites feed on wood and other organic items that are made of cellulose. Their diet is very beneficial in nature, as they help to feed on and break down decaying wood and other organic matter. Termites leave their nests and travel underground, or through mud tubes that they have created to forage for food. While out foraging for food, it is common for termites to find their way inside of homes. Termites move inside through cracks in the foundation, or through wood that comes into contact with soil such as porch steps, wooden trim, and wooden shingles. Once inside, termites will invade the structural wood found behind walls voids, under floors, and above ceilings in order to gather food for their colony. Termites can work unnoticed for months, or even years. Unfortunately, it is usually that once their damages are realized that the infestation is discovered.

Preventing problems with termites can be difficult, but the following tips can keep them away from your property and out of your home or business. Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other organic debris from your property. Termites are moisture seeking pests. Use dehumidifiers, properly ventilate crawlspaces, and remove water damaged wood from your building to help reduce moisture levels. Additionally, maintain your home’s gutters, place weather stripping around windows and doors, and fix leaky pipes or fixtures. Limit soil-to-wood contact on your property, and seal cracks in the foundation. It is also a good idea to leave a barrier between your home’s foundation and any soil or mulch.

Warning Signs Termites Leave Behind In Alexandria VA

Termites are silent destroyers, which means they can get into your property without your knowledge and cause significant damage without being detected. When it comes to dealing with termite infestations, it’s important to identify their presence and remove them as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for these warning signs to determine if termites have infested your Alexandria home or business:

• Mud tubes: Termites prefer to avoid light and need moisture to survive. They build mud tubes that extend from their nests to wooden structures. 
• Swarmers: When a termite colony matures, it sends out winged reproductive termites to establish satellite colonies nearby. Termite swarmers are a strong indicator that termites are living on or around your property. 
• Discarded wings: Once termite swarmers find a suitable place to build their colonies, they will shed their wings. You can often find discarded termite wings around exterior walls, windowsills, and doorways. 

Protect your Alexandria property from termites by reaching out to Miche Pest Control today for termite control. We’re happy to find the right solution for all of your pest control needs.

How Much Damage Can Termites Do In Alexandria VA?

A home is the average homeowner’s largest investment; in Alexandria, the median home value is approximately $600,000. The most common termite species in Virginia is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. Subterranean termites nest underground, leaving their nest to feed on wood - they can enter buildings through gaps and cracks less than 1/16th of an inch. Once inside, they remain hidden in the walls of the home, feeding until the damage becomes extensive enough to be noticed. Termites eat wood 24/7, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Over time, subterranean termites can critically damage a building structure, sometimes causing a total collapse. Subterranean termites threaten homeowners across the country, as they’re found in every state in the U.S except Alaska.

Even a smaller colony, at 60,000 workers, has the ability to eat 1/5 ounce—or 5 grams—of wood each day. At this rate, a “small” subterranean termite colony could completely consume 2.3 feet of a 2x4 wood board in one year alone. Over time, subterranean termites can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. Subterranean termite colonies can grow quickly and can often go years undetected, allowing them to cause costly and significant damage without homeowners even having a single clue.

Guide To Avoiding Termite Damage In Alexandria VA

Termites are seriously destructive. These wood-eating pests may be small, but they have the potential to cause large-scale property damage. The best thing you can do to prevent termite activity is to be as proactive as possible. We've rounded up some of the most helpful tips for minimizing your exposure to termites:

Be mindful of wood sources: Examine all wood before bringing it onto your property, avoid wood-to-soil contact, eliminate rotting or moisture-damaged wood, and store woodpiles a good distance from the foundation.

Eliminate access and entry points: Repair your structure's rotted areas, use weather stripping for all doors and windows, and eliminate cracks and crevices around the perimeter.

Reduce excess moisture sources: Use dehumidifiers and vent fans in moisture-rich areas, repair leaks and plumbing issues, and keep downspouts extended away from the structure.

While these are all great places to start, none of these efforts are guaranteed to prevent termite activity. The best protection you have to fight termites is professional pest control services. Miche Pest Control provides specialized termite control solutions that rid your property of these wood-eaters and guard you against a future infestation. Reach out to us today to get started!