Termites In Atlanta: A Comprehensive Guide To Identification And Control

Termites are small insects that feed on cellulose, a prevalent organic compound in plants that exist in a variety of materials, including wood and many paper products. Termites have a digestive system containing a mix of bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms that process cellulose into absorbable nutrients. Equipped with powerful mandibles (jaws), termites will chew through many types of materials found in homes, such as drywall and some plastics. 

What are the kinds of termites in Atlanta that usually invade homes? Two of the most commonly encountered types of termites are drywood termites and subterranean termites. As adults, drywood termites have a body that typically exceeds 3/8 of an inch long and appears in shades of white, cream, or brown. 

The much smaller subterranean termite has a body length of roughly 1/8 of an inch and appears cream, brown, or black. Based on their similar physical characteristics, homeowners often misidentify termites as ants. 

Are you wondering how to stop termites that are eroding wooden parts of your home? Once a termite infestation begins, these pests often pose challenges for individuals who try ousting them. Pest management professionals like Solstys Environmental now have various treatment options. After contacting our experienced Atlanta pest control experts, we will conduct a professional termite inspection and explain the best course of action. 

How Termite Infestations Start

Drywood termites usually target dry, unpainted areas of wood, such as those commonly found in the frames of attics, wood floors, and support beams. Subterranean termites have a much greater need for moisture and often infest damp and humid basement and crawlspace areas.

Termite infestations typically worsen over time as these creatures erode wooden structures. The most frustrating part is that, due to the damage being internal, it can be hard to realize what’s happening.

How To Identify Termite Damage

How do you know you have termites? Often, termite activity begins inside wood structures, making it less likely that property owners will detect the infestation in the early stages. Termite damage is often evident along interior walls with peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper.

Floors also might begin sagging and sound increasingly creaky when walked on. In response to internal shifts, doors and windows might become more difficult to open or close as well. 

Effective Quality Prevention Is Key To Successful Termite Control

What to use for termite prevention? There are a host of best practices that homeowners in Atlanta should implement for effectively preventing termites, including: 

• Any wood that exists on the base of the home should not make direct contact with the ground soil below. 
• Fix any water leaks promptly, such as those involving garden hoses, spigots, or plumbing. 
• Keep firewood, lumber, or other vegetation away from the area near the structure.
• Fill any cracks or gaps in your foundation to keep them from getting inside.

Keep in mind that you can avoid the most significant termite damage that results in the need for costly repairs when termite activity is detected early on. Therefore, homeowners should recognize the importance of regularly inspecting the wooden parts of their homes.  

The Most Effective Termite Control For Properties In Atlanta

How do I get rid of termites? Contacting a professional termite control company is usually the best way of responding to these concerns. 

Local homeowners that contact Solstys Environmental for professional termite control solutions will quickly recognize our commitment to uncovering the root causes of termites. Our termite control technicians will identify any sources of water that are contributing factors to the problem, such as areas of standing water.  As an organization that uses strategies found in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methodology, you can expect that we will choose solutions that achieve a balance between effectiveness and safety. 

We often use bait traps, monitoring stations, and other advancements that exist in the pest control industry. Our team recognizes that your home represents a sizable investment; therefore, efficiently expelling damaging termites from the premises is a critical task. Contact our office today for further details.