The Solution To Total Termite Control For Chesapeake Properties

If you own a property in Chesapeake, Virginia, you likely know about the risks that termites pose to your property. Termites are tiny insects that can cause extensive damage and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if you don't have protection. They feed on cellulose within wood, paper, and other organic materials. The key to protecting your home or business from termites is to take preventive measures and to know the warning signs of an infestation. Today, we will discuss the life cycle of a termite colony, the evidence of termite damage, the causes and factors for termite infestations, and who you can call for total termite control in Chesapeake. If you need immediate assistance with termite pest control in Chesapeake, call us at any time. We are here to help.

The Life Cycle Of A Termite Colony

Before discussing termite control, it is essential to understand the unique life cycle of a termite colony. Termites live in colonies that contain different castes, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives. The colony's queen is responsible for laying termite eggs, which hatch into larvae that eventually become workers or soldiers. The worker termites are responsible for feeding the colony, while the soldier termites protect it from predators such as ants. The reproductives are responsible for creating new colonies. When reproductive termites reach maturity, they may leave the colony and search for mates. After finding their mates, the couples will create new colonies.

The life cycle of a termite colony can take several years, and the size of the colony can range from just a few hundred to several million individual termites. The queen can lay thousands of eggs every day, which can quickly lead to a massive infestation.

As you consider termite control, it is helpful to understand how termites in Chesapeake encroach upon your property. They're not just passing through. They send out reproductives (called swarmers), the swarmers mate, and colonies are formed. The few that survive the process will make nests near or on your property. Once they're nesting in the ground, you're not likely to see them unless you know where to look and how to identify termites when you see them. Let's look at warning signs and termite identification.

Know The Warning Signs Of Termite Damage

A termite inspection is critical for protecting your property. But, detecting a termite infestation in the early stages can be difficult. Look out for termite warning signs to prevent significant structural damage to your property. Here's what you're looking for:

Mud Tubes: Termites construct mud tubes on the exterior of structures as a path to travel from the soil to their food source. They typically make these tubes on foundations. The presence of mud tubes is often a sign of an active termite infestation. Break off a piece and check back later. If the tube is repaired, you have active termites. 

Winged Termites: As we pointed out, termites that are in the reproductive stage are known as swarmers. They have wings and are often seen swarming around windows and doors. If you see winged termites inside your property, it's highly likely that there is an active infestation nearby.

Termite Wings: When termites mate, they shed their wings. These wings are white and have a stretched teardrop shape. You may find them littered about on your back deck, walkway, or driveway. You may also find them on window sills and in spider webs. These wings all have a uniform size, unlike the wings left by flying ants. 

Hollow-Sounding Wood: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving the outer surface intact. As a result, when you tap on a piece of infested wood, it sounds hollow. If you hear a hollow sound, it's possible that termites have already caused significant damage to the wooden structure.

Sagging Floors or Ceilings: When termites consume wooden structures, they can weaken the structural integrity, which can result in sagging floors or ceilings. It is not good to detect termites in this way because the damage is likely extensive. 

Visible Damage to Wooden Structures: Termites will consume any wood they come across, including wooden furniture, wooden window frames, and wooden flooring. If you notice visible damage to any of these wooden structures, it's essential to investigate the cause and take action to eradicate the termite infestation.

Workers: You might see worker termites if you're working in your yard. They may come up to feed on wood sources, such as dead branches. A worker termite is 1/8 of an inch long and pale in color. When you see them, you won't see them for long. They will quickly go into hiding.

Early detection of termite damage is key to preventing significant structural damage to your property. If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to contact a professional termite control company as soon as possible. A trained professional can accurately assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate termite control measures. If you're in Chesapeake, contact Hawk Mosquito & Pest for advice and service options. Our technicians have the training and experience to provide you with a solution that will get the results you want.

Causes And Factors For Termite Infestations

While it's essential to know the warning signs of termite damage, it's also crucial to understand the factors that contribute to a termite infestation. Termites are attracted to moisture and food sources such as wood, paper, and cardboard. Many Chesapeake properties have all these factors, making them an attractive target for termites. The following are some common causes and factors for termite infestations:

Moisture: Termites thrive in areas with high humidity levels and moisture. Leaky pipes, drainage issues, and standing water around the property can all attract termites. Consider the dense vegetation next to your home or business. Trimming your vegetation, and removing weeds and unwanted grass, can reduce moist conditions.

Wood and cellulose-based materials: Termites feed on cellulose-based materials, including wood, paper, cardboard, and even plant-based materials. If your property has wooden structures, termites are more likely to infest it.

Soil type: The type of soil around your property can invite a termite infestation. Soil rich in organic matter and high in moisture content is ideal for termites. There isn't much you can do about this.

Climate: Chesapeake has a humid subtropical climate which is perfect for termites to thrive. The warm, humid weather provides a conducive environment for termites to live and breed.

Property design: The design of your property can contribute to termite infestation. If your property has a lot of wooden structures, crawl spaces, or basements, it may be more prone to termite infestation. You can make many alterations to reduce the food sources that attract termites. We highly recommend picking up dead branches and storing them in a bin, replacing wooden structures with other materials, such as vinyl. Consider every kind of food termites may eat in your yard.

To prevent termite infestations, it's essential to address these factors. Repairing leaky pipes, improving drainage, and fixing any moisture issues can go a long way in preventing termite infestation. Additionally, using termite-resistant materials when constructing new structures or renovating can also help prevent infestation. If you want protection you can count on, it is best to contact a termite control professional. Professional termite treatments actively eliminate termite colonies without any intervention on your part.

The Pros To Know For Total Termite Control In Chesapeake

If you're a property owner in Chesapeake, Virginia, you know it is essential to protect your property from pests. Termites, in particular, can cause significant damage and lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. That's why it's essential to know which local termite company to turn to for total termite control. Consider Hawk Mosquito & Pest.

Hawk Mosquito & Pest has years of experience dealing with termite infestations in Chesapeake. We use the Sentricon® System with Always Active™ technology, a proven and effective termite control solution, to eliminate termites and prevent future termite infestations.

One of the benefits of using Sentricon® Always Active™ is that it targets the entire termite colony, including the queen, which means it can eliminate the colony entirely, preventing future infestations from occurring. The Sentricon® System is also non-intrusive and environmentally friendly, making it a safe option for your family and pets. There is no better option for long-lasting and targeted control of termites. Let our certified Sentricon® Installers make sure your Sentricon® System is properly installed around your home or business for protection you can count on. 

The best benefit in having Sentricon® installed is that you'll know when termites attack your property. There is no price tag that can be put on that. Liquid termiticides may work, but you won't know when your termite protection has thwarted an attack. With Sentricon®, you will. That will reassure you that you've made the right decision in getting this essential protection for your property.

Along with using Sentricon® with Always Active™, our technicians leverage their experience and training to give you valuable insight regarding your property and the specific conditions that are conducive to termite activity. You can use this advice to understand your termite control needs.

Are you experiencing a termite problem in Chesapeake or do you want to prevent termite damage from occurring? Why not contact us? Hawk Mosquito & Pest has the experience and expertise to detect and eliminate termites effectively by using Sentricon® Always Active™, which will provide peace of mind for you and your family.