Take Care of Termites – Know the Facts
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.
- Rid your yard of dead trees and stumps. Decaying wood is the 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.
- 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.
- 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.