Homes and businesses situated throughout the Newtown, PA area need termite control to protect against one primary type of termite: the eastern subterranean termite. So much so, these areas have been classified as a TIP Zone #2 (Termite Infestation Probability), indicating moderate to heavy termite activity.
WHAT DO TERMITES LOOK LIKE?
Subterranean termites are social insects that dwell in colonies. These colonies are divided mainly into three castes or social groups, each with a specific function or task to perform, which consist of workers, soldiers, and reproductives (consisting of kings, queens, and secondaries).
Thus, the eastern subterranean termite can best be described according to its class, as noted below:
•
WORKERS:
Workers are wingless. They are typically grey or off-white in color. They have rounded heads and grow to about 1/8-1/4 inch in length.
•
SOLDIERS:
Soldiers are wingless. They have yellowish heads. Soldiers grow to about 1/4 inch in size. •
REPRODUCTIVES:
Reproductives have winged bodies. They are usually dark-brown or black in color. Reproductives will grow to about 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length.
WHERE DO TERMITES LIVE?
Unlike ants, termites do not roam around out in the open. Eastern subterranean termites live mainly outdoors within the soil and require ground contact or other sources of moisture for their existence.
Subterranean termites construct pencil-size or larger tubes from the ground known as mud tubes, which provide mobility, protection, and assist in creating a suitable environment.
HOW TERMITES GET INSIDE
Subterranean termites typically gain entry into homes and businesses where wooden portions of the structure are accessible to them, which include posts, frames, steps, etc.
Additionally, termites can enter through cracks in foundations and stone or brick surfaces as small 1/32 of an inch -- half the thickness of a penny.
Once inside a heated structure, termites can remain active throughout the year and maintain their activities 24 hours a day.
WHAT DO TERMITES EAT?
Due to the rare bacteria-produced enzymes contained within the stomach, termites are able to consume a variety of items containing cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, books, drywall, and insulation. Termites may also consume roots, stumps, and mulch.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY TERMITES
Each year over 600,000 homes experience termite damage in the United States. It is estimated that this damage exceeds more than $5 billion annually.
A typical colony can consist of 60,000 to over one million workers. It is estimated that 60,000 termite workers could totally consume a 2" x 4" board approximately 2.3 feet in length within a year.
Much of the damage caused by termites involves the destruction of wooden structures, doors, beams, cabinets, paper, and furniture.
Unfortunately, most damage caused by termites is not covered by the typical homeowners' insurance policy according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
HOW TO DETECT TERMITES
Some of the "tell-tale" signs of a termite infestation include:
• Look for drooping or bowing drywall • Check drywall for pinpoint holes • Inspect for uneven flooring • Check floors for ill-fitting tiles • Inspect areas showing peeling paint • Check for hollow-sounding wood surfaces • Inspect basement or exterior walls for mud tubes • Check bathrooms and basements for mildew odor
HOW TO PREVENT TERMITES
In addition to scheduling routine annual inspections from a licensed pest control provider,provided below are some precautions that homeowners can take to help ensure against a termite infestation:
• Seal openings around the structure such as plumbing and service lines • Remove landscaping mulch • Remove dead trees, stumps, and roots near the structure • Ensure wooden siding is at least six inches above the ground • Repair leaks in basement • Inspect lumber and firewood for termite activity • Keep firewood, lumber, or piles of paper from foundation or crawl space
HOW WE TREAT FOR TERMITES
Newtown Termite & Pest Control is a certified Termidor® exterminator. We utilize the nation's #1 termiticide when treating homes or businesses. Our technicians apply the product to the exterior of the structure. Once applied, Termidor® becomes undetectable and begins killing termites by contact and indigestion.
Independent testing conducted by the USDA detected no termite damage in concrete slab structures treated with Termidor® 80 WG for more than 15 years following the treatment.
For effective termite extermination our experienced technicians apply the Termidor along the foundation or exterior of the home or business. Once applied, the termiticide blends into the soil and is transferred to termites as they come in contact with the agent. The termiticide is also transferred among the termite colony as infected termites come in contact with other termites. Termidor kills termites both by ingestion as well as by contact.
Ourtermite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences.
OUR TERMITE TREATMENT WARRANTY
Area homes and businesses have been trusting Newtown Termite & Pest Control. since 1993. We are a family owned and managed termite control provider, with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Combined, our certified, company-trained technicians have over 50 years of field experience.
Our termite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control we stand behind our work with our renewable, transferable, triple guarantee:
1: If, within one year of your first treatment, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
2: If, during the first five years of your service contract, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
3: If, during the first five years or any year thereafter, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we'll retreat for FREE ... EVEN IF YOU SELL THE HOME!
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that the first step in effective termite control is to have your home or business undergo a full termite inspection at least every two to three years.
That is because termites, often referred to as the "silent destroyers" can go unnoticed until visible damage occurs.
Having your Newtown area home or business professionally inspected by a certified technician is the best way to help detect the presence of termites and prevent extensive damage.
