Termite Control In Fredericksburg VA

Are There Termites In Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg

Because of the location of their colonies, Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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.

Termite Control In Fredericksburg, VA

Miche Pest Control provides termite control services in Fredericksburg, VA, and the surrounding areas. We get rid of termites fast by combining termite bait stations with direct treatment of areas with termite damage and live termites, providing fast relief from termite infestations as well as lasting protection from existing and future termite populations. Included in your first termite control service from Miche Pest Control:

• Spot Treatment Of Areas With Termite Damage
• Spot Treatment Of Areas With Live Termites
• Installation Of Termite Bait Stations For Lasting Protection

This service plan provides year-round protection from subterranean termites. We use products that are registered with the EPA, and labeled for use around homes, hospitals, daycares, and pet kennels. The first service is designed to get rid of an existing termite infestation, and immediately starts working to keep termites from coming back after they've been eliminated. The bait stations are loaded with enough bait to last a year - that's why we do at least one service per year, and more if you need. If you're having issues with termites in between regular services, just let us know and we'll go back out in between services at no extra cost.

Problems Termites Can Cause On Properties In Fredericksburg, VA

Termites are small insect pests that feed on wood and are capable of causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to your Fredericksburg property. Although one termite looks too small to cause much damage, it's a different story when a whole colony works together to eat through your home or business structure. Termites are silent destroyers, which means they can get into your property and cause extensive damage without being detected.

When termites invade your Fredericksburg property, they can cause serious problems, including:

• Severe structural damage caused by termites tunneling through the structural wooden elements in your home, which is often costly to repair.
• Damage to other items that contain cellulose, such as furniture, insulation, books, and paper.
• Weakened foundation and structural beams, which can lead to structural collapse.

Termites are active year-round, which means you need year-round termite control services. At Miche Pest Control, we are committed to finding the right solutions for all of your pest control needs. We utilize proven methods of termite control and treatment to eliminate current infestations and prevent them from returning to your property. Stop termites before they can cause irreparable damage to your Fredericksburg home or business by getting in touch with the skilled pest technicians here at Miche Pest Control.

How To Lower Your Risk Of Termite Damage In Fredericksburg, VA

Eliminate Wood/Earth Contact

Property owners in Fredericksburg, VA should eliminate wood in contact with the ground. Earth to wood contact provides termites easy access to food, moisture and shelter while remaining out of sight. All wood siding, as well as wooden door and window frames, should be a minimum of 6 inches above ground level. This can be a laborious effort, since getting rid of wood to earth contact may require pulling soil and/or mulch away from the foundation, regrading the soil, removing wood lattice work, and it may even require replacing posts or stairs embedded in concrete, since they usually extend all the way through the concrete to the soil.

Prevent Moisture From Accumulating Near The Foundation

Termites need moisture to survive. They are attracted to moisture, and more likely to damage wood if the soil next to it is consistently damp. Water can be managed with gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks. Properly grading the soil, sloping it away from the foundation is a must, and any leaking faucets, pipes, and A/C units should be repaired. If your home has poor drainage, you may need to have drains installed.

Reduce Crawl Space Humidity & Moisture

Crawl space vents should be kept free of obstruction, including leaves, dirt, and debris. Vegetation around the vents should be cut back at least 3 feet. Installing vapor barriers can reduce the moisture from water evaporating from the soil, and will help reduce the condensation of moisture on joists and subflooring.

Keep Firewood Away From Foundations & Crawlspaces

Firewood, lumber, cardboard, newspaper, and other materials containing cellulose serve as a food source for termites. When found, termites will return to feed, and in addition to being a food source, these materials can offer shelter and hidden entry into your home. Vines and ivy should be avoided, and removed when possible. Remove stumps and dead roots from around and beneath buildings, and remove any form boards left from when the building was constructed.

Limit The Use Of Mulch Around Your Home

Excessive mulch around your home can contribute to causing termite infestations. Not only is most mulch made of wood, which termites love to eat, but it retains the moisture termites need, and it can help protect them. Even non-wood mulch can attract termites, since it helps retain moisture since the soil. When mulch is used, it should be limited to no more than a couple inches, and kept away from wood siding or door & window frames.

3 Things Everyone In Fredericksburg VA Ought To Know About Termites

Termites are destructive pests that unfortunately thrive in our area of the country.  These wood-eating pests will cause extensive damage to your property. They will sustain their large colonies by eating away at the structural integrity of your home or business. Though termite infestations are often impossible to prevent, certain measures can help you make your home or business less appetizing. Furthermore, there are tell-tale signs of infestation, and if you recognize them in or around your home or business, you need to contact a professional immediately.

Here are three tips to help you avoid and recognize a termite infestation:

1. Termites enter into structures through spaces only 1/16th of an inch, allowing them to enter inside of almost any structure they come across.

2. Termite swarmers or winged reproductive termites swarm from a mature colony to find a mate and create a new colony. A termite swarm is a clear indication of a termite infestation in a home or business. However, it can take 4-10 years for this to occur.

3. Termites are attracted to moisture and thus seek out decaying or water-damaged wood.

To prevent problems with termites, it is important to reduce excess moisture in or around your home, seal all entry points into your home, and partner with Miche Pest Control. By working together, we will keep destructive termites from choosing your home as their next food source. Contact us today to learn more about our termite control services.