Subterranean Termites

A full-size colony of Subterranean Termites can do severe damage in a very short period of time.

Dampwood Termites

As the name would indicate, these pests live in damp or moisture-damaged wood.

Termite activity and the damage they cause are a real concern throughout Western Washington.

If Dampwood Termites are identified, a treatment is not necessary, as Dampwood Termites require constant high levels of moisture. When they are found damaging a building, it is the result of a moisture condition; correct the moisture condition and the Dampwood Termites cannot survive.

When Subterranean Termites are discovered damaging your home or business, it is important that the correct treatment is performed to eliminate the infestation.

Treatment methods to resolve Subterranean Termite infestations are determined on a case-by-case basis. The area of infestation, the extent of the infestation, the size of your home, and the environment around you home are all factors that must be considered when determining the best course of action.

Control of Subterranean Termites is an entirely different process than controlling other insects. Because the majority of the colony lives underground, it’s useless to simply treat the wood they are infesting. The treatment must be focused on the soil under the structure. By establishing a chemical barrier between the soil and the wood structure, we can prevent Termite colonies from accessing your home.

The most recommended Subterranean Termite treatment is called Exterior Perimeter/Localized Interior (EP/LI) Structural Termite Treatments using the product Termidor HE. This requires a full exterior perimeter foundation treatment. Wherever soil is against the foundation, we will use one of two tactics. We can dig a small trench about two to four inches wide and about four inches deep, treat the trench and then refill the trench with the soil which was removed. Alternatively, we can rod and inject material directly into the soil. The surrounding landscaping and soil type will determine which method is used.

Wherever a cement slab contacts the exterior foundation, we will drill a hole the size of a dime approximately two to four inches off the foundation, one hole every 18 inches. These holes are then used to inject material directly into the soil beneath the slab. The holes are then plugged and patched with standard patch cement.  We do patch the holes but do not match the color. These holes will be visible after the treatment is completed. If you have concerns with this please discuss this with your technician at the time of the initial inspection to see if alternative treatment methods can be implemented.

We will also treat any areas in the crawlspace under the home where termite activity is noted. In those situations, we may treat the soil around pier pads/support posts that contact the soil as well as the soil along the interior side of the foundation. This way, anything that might serve as a path for the Termites is treated. Basements sometimes require a different approach, which your technician will discuss with you at the time of the inspection.

Lastly, we may perform a small local treatment at the spot of visible activity inside the home, if necessary and safely accessible. These treatments can consist of drilling and injecting infested wood members, foaming of wood members or wall voids, drilling of an interior slab with soil injections, or surface applications to exposed wood members. Each situation is unique and we will put a solid plan together to protect your home.

The materials that are used are designed and labeled for applications in, under, or around your home, and they provide complete colony elimination. Your technician will discuss all treatment options with you at the time of the inspection, and select the safest and most effective treatment methods for your home.

All of our Exterior Perimeter/Localized Interior (EP/LI) Structural Termite Treatments come with a Five-Year retreatment warranty. Contact us today to schedule a pest evaluation and see what treatment options are right for you.