Termite Control & Inspection

Collectively, termites are responsible for $1 billion in property damage per year infecting no less than 350,000 homes annually. Unlike major calamities covered by insurance, termite damage is rarely covered. Who knew such tiny critters could be responsible for so much chaos!

Triggered by warm weather and rainfall (commonly Michigan), termites work non-stop; 24/hrs a day, 7 days a week. No sleep. Just constant destruction.

People commonly believe termites limit themselves to eating wood. Although wood is their primary diet of choice they are equal opportunity destructionist. Once they enter your home they will eat through paper, carpet, pool liner, books, filtration systems and clothes without warning.

Before you get a termite inspection, you want to be able to identify if there are termites in your home or place of business.

There are several kinds of termites but there are three that are most prominent in the Kern County area which are Subterranean, Drywood and Formosan.

Subterranean termites find their home mostly below ground level in rich, dark soil. They vary in color from dark-brown, to black, to creamy-white depending on their colony status.

They build large colonies beneath consisting of well-built, solid tunnels

Drywood termites are identifiable by small piles of fecal matter most notable on windowsills. Drywood termites have large mouths with teeth as wide or wider than the size of their head.

They build their colonies in the wood itself. You will find them most prevalent in attic wood. They need little to no moisture to thrive.

Lastly you have the Formosan termites. Believed to have been imported over in to the U.S during the 1940’s after World War II, these termites are more aggressive when defending their nest and territory.

Granted we understand that spotting termites can be quite difficult sometimes because of their remarkable ability to remain concealed and undetected. Usually people notice termite infestation long after extensive damage has been done. Nonetheless if you suspect termite issues it’s good to know how to identify them to reduce damage.

Sometimes if a buyer is being offered a lower than usual asking price for a home or business then you should be suspicious of possible damage and cover all bases. Follow your gut and pay the small expense to get a proper termite inspection report before money exchange hands. It’s likely the seller is aware of the damage and is hoping someone takes the problem off of his hands without revealing the problem to the potential buyer.

Usually inspection reports are the standard condition of a sale but if it goes unnoticed until after the sale you will be responsible for repairs, reconstruction and in some cases total tear-downs.

If you intend on living in a high-risk area, a can of bug spray isn’t going to make the cut. We strongly advise you seek professional termite treatment to proof and seal your intended living arrangements. Doing so will save you from shelling out thousands of dollars for pest control.

If you still need professional help, call Rochester Pest Control.

248-111-1111