Subterranean termites – the danger underground

Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars of damage annually and are notorious for their destructive habits. Termites, aid in breaking down cellulose substances (cellulose is what wood is made of) in the environment, turning them into nutrient rich material. This behavior makes them a homeowners worst nightmare.

Subterranean termites are social insects forming large colonies that move together. As the name implies a subterranean termites home is underground, working and winding their way through the soil. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the differences in behavioral characteristics of subterranean termites versus other types of wood destroying organisms (other creatures can damage the structure). Familiarizing yourself with these traits can prove to be helpful in identifying signs of a possible infestation, as well as knowing what to look out for and where.

Your local Truly Nolen expert can provide a free termite inspection to help you identify the type of termite that may be posing a threat to your home, as well as diagnose the level of activity present. Accurate identification of possible entry points, from the exterior leading into the interior of your home is critical. Seeking out and determining how termites are entering your home, provides a good foundation on which your Truly Nolen termite control professional customizes an effective treatment plan for your home.

No Home Structure Type is Safe!

Termites do not discriminate against home construction type and will eventually find their way inside any type of structure if the right conditions exist. Even homes constructed of concrete provide no match for a termites determination when attempting to invade your home. Although subterranean termites live below the soil, their tunneling capabilities allow them to weave and tunnel their way until they find an appropriate entry point.

So how exactly do subterranean termites enter a home?

1. Mud Tunnels - Although the common way of entering the home is at ground level, subterranean termites also construct mud tunnels that allow them to reach entry points above the ground. These entry points can include even the smallest cracks and crevices in brick mortar and concrete slabs, (termites only need 1/64th of an inch) allowing them to travel through the interior of the foundational walls. The mud tunnels will usually be visible on exterior walls.
2. Wood-to-Ground -  Structures that allow for wood-to-ground contact make the perfect roadway for termites to enter. Wooden support beams and posts, wooden decking and steps, doorframes and more all provide ample opportunities for subterranean termites to find their way indoors. Additional wooden structures built onto the homes also provide possible entry points as homes built on concrete slabs are closer to the ground.
3. Expansion joints - In-between the concrete slabs of your home and the beginning of the brick and mortar, there are joints that may sometimes expand, allowing for a small enough gap to allow termites to enter. In fact many expansion joints are often separated by a type of cork material, termites have no problem moving through these.
4. Wall fractures - small fractures in the concrete foundation or brick mortar running throughout the perimeter of your home also provide the ideal entry point for termites to enter, feeding off of the insulation and wooden framing on the interior of those walls.

Think Your Home Might Be at Risk? Contact Truly Nolen for a Termite Inspection Today!

Unlike other pest control companies, Truly Nolens termite treatment application methods extend beyond the conventional. Our termite control professionals go the extra mile to treating concrete slabs, as well as the perimeter of your home.

The areas that are left untouched by most other pest control companies include: Crawlspace foundation, crawlspace pier and foundation voids. Truly Nolen leaves no space unturned; our Total Termite Protection TTP plan incorporates all areas that are potential entry points for termites with exterior slab and concrete application methods such as:

• Thin-walled, light weight stainless steel rod injections systems that do not disturb the integrity of the slab, yet delivers an effective treatment application. The multi-directional tip of the injection rods ensure that a 360 degree coverage area and improves the flow and reach of the treatment product.
• Liquid treatments that ensure slabs and foundations are also protected, as well as the nearby soil where termites are known to flourish.

Truly Nolen provides a complete and thorough treatment for all termites not just subterranean termites with one of the best guarantees in the business. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free termite inspection and let our experts inspect, identify, treat and monitor your home to keep it termite free!