Termite Identification & Prevention

What You Need To Know About Termites In Georgia

termites in the dirt

Learning the basics about termites is vital if you call Georgia home. These pests live in large populations throughout our region and across the U.S., causing billions of dollars in damage each year. A professional home pest control technician can help you identify and control termites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Termites

What are termites?

Adequate rainfall and warm temperatures make Georgia a place where termites want to live. The southern United States is where termites live in vast numbers. It isn't a matter of if termites will get into our homes in our region, but rather when!

Termites are social insects that live and work cooperatively in large groups. Subterranean termites are most common in Georgia and throughout the rest of the U.S. They nest underground, and the workers leave the nest each day to forage for food. Termites feed on the cellulose found in wood and other organic matter; the subterranean termite's preferred food source is wet or decaying wood. 

Are termites dangerous?

Termites pose the biggest threat to our structures. People rarely come into contact with termites, but structures invaded by these wood-eating pests are under daily attack. Termites cause more than five billion dollars in damage and prevention costs across the United States each year. If you think you don't need to guard your home against termites because your insurance company will take care of the repairs, think again! Most insurance companies view termite damage as preventable and won't cover repair costs.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Three things promote termite damage: wood, wood making contact with the ground, and moisture. Properties with fallen trees, old wooden fences, woodpiles, logs, or outbuildings in decay provide termites with reliable food sources they can't pass up. Pieces of wood making direct contact with the ground like deck posts, wood shingles, and porch steps offer termites easy entry and exit points.

Since subterranean termites have high moisture needs and prefer to feed on wet or decaying wood, leaky pipes, poor ventilation, gaps around windows, roof damage, and damage to siding will create moisture issues that attract termites.

Where will I find termites?

Subterranean termites nest underground in damp soil. Workers move through the ground or inside mud tubes to their foraging sites without much notice. Unlike ants or other insects, you won't see them trailing across your lawn, through gardens, or on the surface of decks.

Termites like to feed on structural wood hidden behind walls, siding, wood trim, and under floors inside our homes. Since moisture is key to a termite's survival, wood near windows, doors, sinks, and tubs is most likely to be invaded by hungry termites.

How do I get rid of termites?

For the best termite control in Marietta and Lawrenceville, turn to the local experts at ProCare Pest Services. Because we are a local company, we all live in the areas we serve, giving us a deep understanding of the termites that call our region home.

We will begin with an inspection to look for termites and problem areas on your property. Our professionals will then develop a treatment plan involving bait stations and/or liquid treatments. With the implementation of our quarterly visits, we will help you maintain a property that is free of termites throughout the year.

To learn more about our effective termite control services, please speak with one of our friendly and helpful experts today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Doing everything to guard your property against damage from wood-eating termites is vital when you call Georgia home. Below is a list of things you can do to prevent problems with termites in and around your house.

  • Schedule regular termite inspections.
  • Remove tree stumps, fallen trees, and scrap wood from your yard.
  • Maintain a 12-18 inch barrier between the soil and your foundation.
  • Seal cracks in your foundation.
  • Replace wood mulch with a non-organic material like rubber mulch or crushed rock.
  • Address moisture issues by repairing leaky pipes, hoses, and faucets.
  • Reduce humidity levels in your home by ensuring adequate ventilation and using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

To learn more about our termite control opinions, contact us today.

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