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Hopper Termite & Pest Inc. is a pest management company that started in 1963. We are based in the northern Arkansas region and service homes and businesses in the Twin Lakes region. We can treat your home for any common pests, but termites are one of our specialties!

Not sure what a termite is? Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that live in large colonies and feed on wood. Really, they feed on cellulose-based plant materials, so this incorporates more than just wood, and can affect any type of house or building structure, despite the construction material. Many times termites are mistaken with other pests like carpenter ants, so it’s important to identify the difference and see which one you are actually having problems with!

Termites can completely infest your house and cause severe damage, sometimes without you even knowing about it. Different types of termites cause different types of damage, so it’s important to know the difference!

• Subterranean termite colonies can number into the millions. They devour softwood and tend to eat along the grain. This will cause a distinct honeycombed pattern in the wood. Eliminating subterranean termites as soon as the infestation is discovered is vital because of how quickly they can cause large amounts of damage due to their massive numbers.
  
  

• Drywood termites chew both along and against the grain, so they excavate large sections of wood. The damage is usually less than subterranean termites because their colonies only number into the thousands and can take years to reach that number. It is still imperative that they are eliminated quickly to prevent further structural damage.

• Also, make sure you know the difference between a Carpenter Ant and a Termite. We explain this in detail in another article on our site.

Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. can help you identify which types of termites you’re dealing with, assess the damage, and eliminate these pesky insects from your home or business. Contact us today for a FREE PEST EVALUATION!

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A TERMITE PROBLEM

Unfortunately, termite infestations can go on in your home for quite a while before you even become aware of the damage they’re causing. There are several signs to look out for that will help make you aware of a possible termite problem.

• Light clinking or banging noises may come from the walls- this is from the termites banging around in there and loudly munching on your wood. If you hear odd noises, press your ear to the wall and see if it sounds like there are small creatures moving around in there!

• Seeing flying termites- if you happen to see even just one or two flying termites, this is not a good sign. Sometimes you will just find the discarded wings from these flying termites and that’s probably a good time to start checking to see if you have a real problem.

• Another sign is hollow sounding wood. Termites usually eat the wood from the inside out, so if you are knocking on any wood around your house and it gives a hollow sound, you may have a termite problem.

It’s better to catch the infestation early before they cause more damage to your home. Even if you’re not really sure if you have an issue, it is smart to call Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. to come and do a free evaluation for you.

HOW DOES HOPPER GET RID OF TERMITES?

First, we conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Our inspectors are certified by the state. After a thorough evaluation of your property, we will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your situation, your structure’s construction, where it is situated and the degree of infestation.

At Hopper Termite & Pest, our professional technicians are trained in the latest treatment technique, including our Green First Program, and use the most up to date equipment and environmentally responsible materials, such as Termidor®, to solve your problem.

What is Termidor? It is an insecticide that we apply that causes termites that contact it to transfer it to every other termite in their colony.  The Termidor is engineered to be slow-acting, so the termites have ample time to spread it throughout their entire termite population. This material eliminates the colony in 3 months or less – 2 to 6 times faster than the best bait systems.

HOW TO PREVENT TERMITES IN YOUR HOME

There are several steps you can take to prevent or repair existing termite or carpenter ant damage.

1. Rid your yard of dead trees and stumps. Decaying wood is a main food source for termites and can quickly attract a colony. Keep firewood or construction materials as far away from your house as possible, and check for signs of pests before bringing these items into your home.

2. Take care not to have woody shrubs or spread mulch too close to your home or any other structures. This creates an environment that is ideal for the attraction of termites.

3. Have your home regularly inspected for termites. It is a good idea to have a yearly termite contract to keep your home termite free and to catch any potential damage before it becomes a problem. HopperTermite & Pest offers this valuable, convenient service. Use our simple contact form to request more information or to set up your appointment.

Is that a termite or a carpenter ant nest? Do ants fly out of holes in the ground? Why does that ant look so weird?

When it comes to pests that can potentially destroy your home, many homeowners are on high alert when they come in contact with anything that resembles wood damage caused by a termite. While the termite is the most destructive wood eating insect, there are other pests that are also known to damage wood. They include the wood borer, bark beetle, carpenter ant, and carpenter bee.

Most of these other wood damaging insects are more of a nuisance. However, the carpenter ant is an insect that homeowners should also put on their radar. They don’t exactly cause the amount of damage that termites cause each year, but they are known to cause pricey damage if their numbers are not managed.

And when it comes to getting rid of bugs and pests in your home, the first thing is to know what kind of pest you are dealing with. Here are some differences to help you distinguish between a termite and a carpenter ant.

THE DIFFERENCE IN DAMAGE BETWEEN A CARPENTER ANT AND A TERMITE
Yes, termites do cause more damage than carpenter ants. However, it is how they cause the damage that is the cause for concern. Termites consume wood and products containing wood. Wood is their primary source for survival and they eat wood 24/7/365. They don’t even sleep between rounds of eating.

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood. The damage they cause to wood is due to them creating tunnels. Because carpenter ants must leave their wooden tunnels to find food, homeowners are more likely to actually see a carpenter ant. And since termites never have to leave, you may never even realize that you have a termite problem until it is too late.

THE DIFFERENCE IN APPEARANCE BETWEEN A CARPENTER ANT AND A TERMITE
Carpenter ants and termites are very different in appearance. Like most ants, carpenter ants have a cinched waist. These ants are usually black or brownish-black in color. You may also see them flying around during the times of year that they are swarming.

Termites don’t look anything like ants. They have a more rounded like body and are pale in color. And because they stay within their colonies and inside the wood they are consuming, chances are high that you are actually seeing a carpenter ant. However, most people do see termites when they are swarming and looking for a nice area to set up their next colony. Since carpenter ants also swarm, people often get the two confused.

CARPENTER ANTS AND TERMITES ATTACK YOUR HOME DIFFERENTLY
Termites and carpenter ants both live underground. Subterranean termites tunnel underground in search of food. When they come to a wooden structure that is above ground, they create mud tubes to gain access. These mud tubes can be seen in crawl spaces, on the exteriors of your home, and even on interior walls.

Carpenter ants leave their underground sanctuary in search of food. Unlike termites, they don’t rely on moisture and mud tubes in order to gain access.

HOW TO GET RID OF CARPENTER ANTS AND TERMITES
So, you think you may have a carpenter ant or termite colony in your home. What do you do? For carpenter ants, you want to start out by sealing up all of your food, clean surfaces, and make sure that the dog’s food is put away and sealed after they eat. Like most ants, carpenter ants are in search of food. By sealing up food and any small crevices, you can prevent most bugs from coming inside including carpenter ants. If you think you have a termite problem, it is best to call the best professionals. You don't want to risk your home.

Preventing and getting rid of pests are two different things. If you think your home or business has been infested with carpenter ants or termites, please give Hopper Termite & Pest a call today to set up a FREE PEST EVALUATION. Our trained technicians can easily tell the difference in termite damage versus damage caused by carpenter ants. Whether you are in Arkansas or Missouri, we can create a plan of action to get rid of these bugs before major damage is caused.

To learn more about termites, download the termite guide located on our homepage. 

Buying a new home can be stressful. Many spend hours researching and going over the details such as finding the perfect neighborhood or how close their job is to a potential new home. However, many don’t necessarily think of pests and termites when they are about to move into a new home.

The good news is that you don’t have to worry. Here are some ways that a simple phone call to Hopper Termite & Pest can help prevent termites and termite damage in your new home. 

PREVENT TERMITES IN NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
When it comes to building a new home, people go the extra length to make sure everything is perfect. From the type of flooring to put in each room to the type of door handles, there are a lot of things to consider and decisions to be made before the keys can be handed over.

One thing that can get passed up in all the planning of your dream home is protecting your future home from termites. This is especially important if your home is constructed primarily of wood. If you want to play it safe, you can have your new home pre-treated for termites as it is being constructed. This allows wood that is normally covered by drywall, insulation, and other building material to be treated to better aid in termite prevention.

TERMITE INSPECTIONS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN
Not everyone starts out with a brand new home. There are many who buy homes that are already built. During the process of purchasing a new home, buyers sometimes experience overwhelm with all of the things they need to do in order to get their mortgage loan approved.

One of the required tasks is setting up a termite inspection. At Hopper, we perform hundreds of these inspections each year. Not only do we have the experience, but our inspectors are highly trained, qualified, and licensed by the state. Our inspectors are also trained to look for more than just termites. We also look for other wood eating insects such as carpenter ants and carpenter bees that can also cause major damage to wooden structures.

HOMEOWNERS HAVE THE FINAL SAY IN TERMITE TREATMENT
If you are in the process of building a new home, it’s important to communicate with your contractors. When it comes time to pre-treat and spray the home for termites, many contractors will either use a company they consistently use or someone who is cheaper. If you have a choice or preference for a termite company, it’s important to let your contractor know.

You also have a choice if you purchased a pre-built home. If the previous owners had a termite treatment contract prior to you purchasing the home, you should know that you do NOT have to stick with the same company for termite protection. The choice for termite treatment is up to the current homeowners.

GET RID OF TERMITES WITH HOPPER TERMITE & PEST
Whether you need a professional termite home inspection in order to proceed with closing on the home of your dreams or you think you may have termites, give Hopper a call today to schedule a termite inspection. After a thorough inspection has been completed, we will go over the best termite treatment plan options that are designed specifically for your structure, where it’s located, and the degree of infestation.

When treating termites, we use the most up-to-date equipment and environmentally responsible materials, such as Termidor®, to get rid of termites. Depending on the level of infestation, other suggestions may be made in order to fully treat and get rid of termites.

To learn more about our Termite Protection Plan, visit http://hopperenvironmentalservices.com/services/termite-treatment/blog. And if you have any questions about getting your property inspected or how to get your home pre-treated as it is being built, then feel free to give us a call at 1-888-863-0206. 

Termites. Most people don’t even think about termites or the damage they can cause until they become homeowners. And still, many don’t pay too much attention to these pests until the damage is caused. Termites don’t bite or annoy you when you are trying to eat outside. They don’t make horrible noises or send you to the hospital after a sting. Instead, these tiny creatures focus on eating 24/7. And when the untreated wood in your home comes in contact with a termite colony, it could mean disaster.

In order to get rid of termites, you need to know more about the pests that you could be dealing with. Here are a few facts about termites and how Hopper Termite & Pest can help.

Fact 1: TERMITES LIKE TO EAT MORE THAN JUST WOOD
Most people know that termites primarily eat wood. However, you may be surprised to learn that they also eat other things. Termites are attracted to the cellulose that is found in wood and other organic products such as trees and plants because it is what gives termites their energy and fuel.

While they don’t eat concrete or plastic, termites have been known to eat through materials to get cellulose-rich products. In addition to regular wood, termites will also consume anything that is made of wood such as paper, some fabrics, and cardboard.

Fact 2: TERMITES NEVER SLEEP
What? Could you imagine the things you could accomplish if you didn’t sleep? Unlike the human body, termites do not require sleep in order to carry out day-to-day functions. Their main function is to eat, eat more, and find more to eat. In fact, the only time that termites are not eating is when they are in between colonies and trying to find a great place to settle down...and eat.

And while these simple organisms are programmed to eat 24/7, their lifespan is actually longer than most other insects. In fact, termites can stay alive for about 2-3 years eating away.

Fact 3: TERMITES COLONIES CAN HAVE MILLIONS
Termite colonies are huge. Many subterranean termite colonies can reach numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Some termite colonies can even reach into the millions. Unlike other insects, termites are friendly to other termites. If one colony meets up with another colony at a food source, they won’t attack.

Fact 4: TERMITE DAMAGE CAN BE PREVENTED
Termites are very destructive insects. These “silent destroyers” can come in and destroy your home and property before you even realize what is happening. So, what can you do to prevent termites from destroying your home? There are a few things that can be done. 

Use pre-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood - If you are about to start building a home or structure, it is advised that you use pre-treated (pressure treated) lumber. Pre-treated lumber is infused with chemical preservatives that keep the wood from decaying. The preservatives also keep away insects such as termites and carpenter ants.

Cedar and redwood are types of wood that are naturally resistant to termites. Whiles these types of wood may not be the best for building the structure of a home, they are great for outdoor projects.

Eliminate moisture - This is a big one. Eliminating excess moisture anywhere in the home is a great way to keep termites and other pests and rodents from coming into your home. Check faucets, pipes, and exterior AC units for leaks and moisture build-up. It’s also a good idea to check the exterior of your home after it rains to see if there is puddling or water build-up close to the home. If there appears to be excess water, try to figure out a way to divert the water from your home.

Use exclusion techniques - Using exclusion techniques is a great way to prevent damage caused by termites. It is also equally as helpful when trying to prevent or get rid of other bugs and rodents that keep coming into your home. Make sure that all windows and doors have been sealed properly with weatherstripping. It’s also a good idea to look around your home’s exterior for gaps and holes to seal up. While looking for cracks, make sure to make note if you see any mud tubes. Finally, if you have a lot of plants and soil around your home and at the base of your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that there is about a 2’ gap between the soil and any wooden structures.

CALL HOPPER TERMITE & PEST TO GET RID OF YOUR TERMITE PROBLEM
These are just a few facts about termites. While these facts are fun to read, it’s no fun discovering that you have a termite problem. Luckily, help is only a phone call away. If you are ready to get rid of termites or want to prevent termites from causing a costly mess, give the professionals at Hopper Termite & Pest a call today. Our technicians understand termites and know just how to find them and get rid of them.

Don’t be one of the 600,000 homes affected by termite damage each year. Call today to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE. 

If you are a homeowner, then there is no doubt that you have been told to get a termite inspection. In fact, many do so before purchasing their home or a commercial property. However, many put off the initial termite inspection until disaster strikes.

Don’t think you need a termite inspection? Take a look at these THREE important reasons to get a termite inspection. They may just change your mind.

TERMITE DAMAGE CAN COST YOU THOUSANDS
The main reason termite inspections are pushed so much is due to the fact that a termite infestation can cause a homeowner or business owner thousands of dollars in repairs. Just think about it. A subterranean termite colony can eat an estimated 15 pounds of wood in a week. If this happens to be the support beams or joists that hold your home together, you could be out of a home until the problem is fixed. In addition to wood, termites also enjoy dining on plastic, plants, plaster, siding, and insulation.

Most people think that their homeowner's insurance will cover termite damage if structural damage is caused. However, the reality is that there are no homeowner insurance plans that will cover damage to your home or other building due to termite infestation and damage.

TERMITES ARE PROS AT STAYING OUT OF SIGHT
Termites are known as a silent destroyer. You may never know that your home is under attack by these pests until it’s too late. This is why it is so important to have a termite inspection before you move into a new home or notice any signs that you may have termites in or around your home.

Subterranean termites live in colonies underground. When searching for food, they tunnel. This is where they can come in contact with your home. Have you ever noticed mud or dirt-like tunnels on the sidewalk or on the side of a house? Sometimes these tubes are visible but are usually located right under the soil. These are called mud tubes or termite tubes. Subterranean termites use these tubes to get around when they are above ground searching for food. Once termites reach your home, their size allows them to tunnel through the foundation and even the inside of the walls.

TERMITES NEED TO BE INSPECTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS
What do you do after the termite inspection is completed? If there are no signs of termites or termite colonies, many people decide to just take their chances or call their local pest control company if they suspect termites. However, this is a bad idea. Not only is it important to have a termite inspection completed, but it is equally important to have a termite treatment plan put together.

At Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc., we recommend having a termite inspection on a yearly basis. Why? As mentioned above, termites can cause damage quickly. The sooner you discover termites and take care of the problem, the better the chance that you will lower the amount of money needed to repair termite damage.

HOPPER TERMITE & PEST, INC. CAN PROVIDE A TERMITE TREATMENT PLAN JUST FOR YOU
At Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc., we know what it takes to tackle your termite problem. Give us a call today to set up your termite inspection from one of our state certified inspectors. If termites are present after our a inspection, we will make recommendations and present a termite treatment plan to get rid of the termites on your property. Our termite treatment plans are created and tailored for each individual situation. From the type of structure to the degree of infestation, Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. works hard to eliminate pests and provide superior customer satisfaction. We even have a one year guarantee against termites infestation.

If you believe you have termites or want to inquire more about Hopper’s Termite Treatment Plan, give us a call today at 1-888-863-0206. And don’t forget, our service area spreads throughout the Ozarks. You can get quality pest control services in Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Mountain Home, Bull Shoals, Yellville, southern Missouri, and anywhere in between. Don’t settle for less, call Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. today. 

Termites. This one pest can cause thousands of dollars in damage if allowed to remain in your home. In fact, these small bugs cause an estimated $5 billion dollars in damage to American homes and businesses each year. Since many home insurance plans don’t cover damage caused by termites, it’s important to look for signs of termites and call in the professionals to exterminate any before your home becomes severely damaged.

Do you have termites? Here are a few signs to look for in your home.

WOOD DAMAGE
Damage to wooden structures is probably the number one sign that your home could be infested with termites. Outwards signs of termite infestation or termite damage resemble water damage. Look for floors that are sagging or floors that feel spongy. Large infestations can also cause a mildew, musky smell.

Termites can also cause windows to stick or not open properly if they are tunneling near a window sill. The same also goes for doors.

WINGS
Subterranean termites tend to swarm during the spring season. In fact, many homeowners confuse swarmers with flying ants and tend to not pay them any attention. As they are out looking for a new place to call home and build up their colonies, they shed their wings. If you notice more than the average number of insect wings located in a central location such as light fixtures, doorways, and windows, you may have termites in your home.

MUD TUBES/TUNNELS
One of the most common tell-tale signs that termites have invaded your home is the tube/tunnel they create. These tunnels look like hardened mud and are usually as wide as a pencil. These tunnels are how termites travel from underground to infested wood areas like your home. They can usually be spotted running near the foundation of your home.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF TERMITES IN YOUR HOME
Subterranean termites like damp, dark, and warm places. They can be found underground, but sometimes they tunnel their way to the surface in search of more food. While it is well known that termites love to eat wood, they also feast on dead plants and trees. Some termites even eat paper, plastic, and drywall. For this reason, it is very important to look for termite-friendly locations in your home. Because of moisture, termites love kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

THE BEST TIME TO GET RID OF TERMITES IN ARKANSAS
Any time is a good time to get rid of termites. However, termites are less active during winter months. The colder weather causes termites to stay closer to their nest and closer to food sources. Because of this, termites are more predictable, easier to locate, and exterminate.

CALL HOPPER TERMITE & PEST, INC. TODAY!
Don’t wait until termites have caused thousands of dollars in home and property damage. Professionally trained technicians, such as the technicians at Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc., can spot signs of active or previously active colonies of termites in and around your home in Arkansas and southern Missouri.

After the initial inspection, Hopper can provide a termite treatment plan just for you. With our Termite Protection Plan, we treat your home or business with a liquid barrier treatment or install a termite detection and baiting system. Then we provide an annually renewable warranty against termite infestation and, in most cases, against any damage caused by termites thereafter. A trained technician will thoroughly inspect your home for termites each year while covered under our Termite Protection Plan.

Protect your home. Protect your investment with Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc.