What Every Radford Resident Should Know About Termite Control
01/17/2022
Find out what you need to know about termite control in Radford. ...
READ MORE >
The meaning of the American Dream for many is to own their own home. This is the biggest and most exciting purchase and investment a family will make. Much care will go into the selection of the style of home, the location and the purchase price. A critical step in the choice of which home to buy will involve a thorough inspection of the home prior to commitment to own. This inspection is usually done by a certified home inspector and should include inspecting for infestation and possible damage from wood eating pests.
There are certain insects that can cause extensive damage to houses and other wooden structured buildings in Northern Virginia. The most notable of these wood destroying insects are carpenter ants, subterranean termites and powderpost beetles. While a pre-purchase inspection is vital, regularly scheduled pest inspections after purchase is also highly recommended.
Carpenter ants are one of the larger species of ant measuring 3/8 to ½ inch in length. They are black in color although they occasionally will have a dark red appearance. One notable characteristic is that the carpenter ant does not eat wood. They feed on other insects as well as sweets and other human consumables. The destruction from carpenter ants comes from them tunneling into wooden structures and creating galleries and nesting areas. The parent colony of carpenter ants may very well be outside with several satellite colonies nesting inside the wooden structure of the home.
Termites pose a constant threat to homeowners as they can show up anytime. Unfortunately, these silent destroyers may be working and eating away at the home for a long time before there is any visible signs of damage. Every home, regardless of the type of construction, has cellulose-based materials and becomes a feeding ground for those foraging termites. The subterranean termite is the most common and their nests are usually formed outside in the ground. Mud tunnels are formed out of the ground and up the side of the foundation to a point of entry through which they travel to forage for food.
Powderpost beetle is a term that references several species of wood eating insects. Some powderpost beetles like the luyctid prefer hardwoods and want relatively new wood. Any wood older than 5 years is normally not targeted. Also, rafters, studs and other pieces of framework are usually pine or other softwood and again, not enticing to the luyctid powderpost beetle. However, the anobiid powderpost beetle will attack both hardwoods and softwoods, placing every wooden portion of the building in jeopardy. As with other wood destroying insects, early detection is necessary.
As you can see, the presence of any of these wood destroying insects means a potential of serious damage. Be sure to consult with American Pest for a thorough inspection prior to purchasing your new home.
01/17/2022
Find out what you need to know about termite control in Radford. ...
READ MORE >
12/17/2021
Termites can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Find out what termite damage looks like in Virginia homes, as well as how to avoid it, by re...
READ MORE >
10/20/2021
What's yellow and white and orange all over? None other than these sneaky insects with a penchant for wooden objects! ...
READ MORE >
08/20/2021
What has six legs, two antennae, and insatiable hunger for wooden items in your home? If you said termites, you'd be right!...
READ MORE >
Protect your home and family from nuisance and potentially damaging pests with a Preferred Care home pest control plan. Starting at $49/month
Don't let the bed bugs bite a second longer. Contact American Pest for the most comprehensive bed bug control in the industry. Learn More
Our certified rodent control pros will put an end to your frustration by getting rid of rats and mice inside your home. Learn More
Say goodbye to wood-destroying termites in your home when you contact American Pest for expert termite control. Learn More
Trust American Pest to deliver professional backyard tick control services that are guaranteed to get results. Learn More
Don't spend the warm-weather season indoors, find out how American Pest's professional treatments get rid of mosquitoes. Learn More
Fill out the form and recieve feedback in less than 5 minutes. For immediate service please call.