TERMITE CONTROL Roanoke va and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia You’ll see online Do-It-Yourself (DIY) treatment plans for termite control, but a professional exterminator has the knowledge, skills and equipment needed to tackle these pests.

Generally, termite control will involve: pesticide tanks, soil treatment rods, masonry drills and pumps .

. large quantities of termiticide , a liquid pesticide injected along the house foundation, under concrete and into walls. Termiticides have undergone extensive testing by the EPA to ensure people, pets and the environment will not be harmed during or after application around a home. Termiticides create a long-term barrier to keep termites from entering. Termites in the house don’t survive since they can’t return to their underground soil bunker.

, a liquid pesticide injected along the house foundation, under concrete and into walls. Termiticides have undergone extensive testing by the EPA to ensure people, pets and the environment will not be harmed during or after application around a home. baits – paper or cardboard containing a chemical to kill termites — may be used in addition to termiticide. Green Service Green pest control services available

Signs of Termites

Although infestations may occur quietly, termites are likely active if you see any of these signs:

A swarm of termites near the house . Between March and May when temperatures warm and rain increases, you may see winged termites (or discarded wings) around the house foundation, porch or patio.

. Between March and May when temperatures warm and rain increases, you may see winged termites (or discarded wings) around the house foundation, porch or patio. Mud tubes on foundation walls or floor joists. Mud tubes with pencil-size diameters are the tunnels termites use to travel between your house and their underground bunker.

Mud tubes with pencil-size diameters are the tunnels termites use to travel between your house and their underground bunker. Termite droppings (frass) . A mound of wood-colored material that looks like sawdust or coffee grounds indicates termites are nearby.

. A mound of wood-colored material that looks like sawdust or coffee grounds indicates termites are nearby. Soft or blistered indoor wood . As the termites gnaw through wood, they’ll leave a honeycomb behind. This thinning process creates soft spots, blisters, and hollow sounding wood, particularly in flooring, stairs, or on baseboards.

. As the termites gnaw through wood, they’ll leave a honeycomb behind. This thinning process creates soft spots, blisters, and hollow sounding wood, particularly in flooring, stairs, or on baseboards. Cracked paint on indoor wood. Termites need only a credit card gap to enter wooden surfaces. Cracked or bubbled paint can be an indicator they’re in your house.

Termite Prevention

Before needing a pest control company in Roanoke VA, ideally you should make your home less inviting to termites by following these steps:

Trim greenery away from the house , maintaining a 12-inch gap between the shrubs and exterior walls.

, maintaining a 12-inch gap between the shrubs and exterior walls. Use pine needles or pea gravel instead of mulch to remove a termite food source.

to remove a termite food source. Minimize moisture that attracts termites by pointing sprinkler heads and gutter drains away from the house and fixing any leaking outdoor faucets.

by pointing sprinkler heads and gutter drains away from the house and fixing any leaking outdoor faucets. Maintain wood siding or windows with sealers and caulks to prevent water entry.

with sealers and caulks to prevent water entry. Ventilate crawl spaces and install vapor barriers to keep moisture away from joists and subflooring.

Termite Control and Real Estate

Did you know you need a termite inspection if you’re buying or selling a home in Roanoke, Salem, or Smith Mountain Lake (including Moneta and Glade Hill)? It’s called a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report and has specific guidelines for inspection and treatment of pests like termites.

Your house is your biggest investment and the WDI report helps reassure you (as a buyer or seller) that your house is pest-free. Termites feast on structural wood, but will also eat paper, books, insulation and any other material containing wood pulp. Working with a professional exterminator experienced in termite control will provide peace of mind, especially since you can’t always tell if your house has termites.

Contact Killinger Pest Solutions for more information about our approach to termite and pest control. We’re committed to protecting your property and your health by using proven treatments. If you’re buying or selling a home, we’re certified in WDI inspections. And if you’re dealing with a current termite infestation, we’ll develop a plan to deliver a solution within your budget and protect your real estate investments. Termite Control Roanoke VA