Why You Need Termite Protection Right Now

Why You Need Termite Protection Right Now

In February, we talked about getting ready for spring termites. Spring is when most subterranean termite colonies send out male and female winged reproductives to mate and establish new nests. We talked about the role moisture plays in attracting swarmers to a home and gave steps you could take to make your home less attractive. Then, in March, we talked about Termite Awareness Week and shared facts that property owners in Tennessee should know about termites, especially after the mild winter we just had. Now let’s talk about what you need to know in May that will help you protect your property.

The warm and humid weather of May makes it the perfect time for termites to be active. These are cold-blooded insects that slow down when it’s cold and speed up when it’s warm. They’re also moisture pests that need a lot of moisture to survive and thrive. May gives them the perfect conditions to grow their populations and establish new colonies quickly. If you didn’t take the steps we suggested in February and March, your home is at an even greater risk of a termite infestation. And the worst part is, you’re not likely to know it.

By nature, subterranean termites are sneaky. Even if we were to explain how to detect the presence of these wood-destroying pests, you may still not be able to see the warning signs. Subterranean termites are able to elude detection from even qualified professionals such as Certified Home Inspectors. And even an experienced termite control professional can miss termites during an inspection. Sometimes a professional has to get into a crawl space and use a flashlight and a mirror to check every cinder block pier under a home. If every detail of an inspection is not performed perfectly, termite shelter tubes, evidence of swarmers, and other subtle signs can be missed.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we employee highly-trained, certified professionals who do a thorough job of inspecting homes for termites, but they don’t have to with the Sentricon® System with Always Active™. Sentricon® with Always Active™ takes all the guesswork out of detecting and eliminating subterranean termites. Like its name implies, this system is always active. When termites come to feed, this system immediately begins the process of using worker termites to eliminate the colony that sent them. When they take the bait, your certified termite control professional will be able to easily tell.

Don’t let subterranean termites destroy your property, get your termite protection in place today.

Everything You Need To Know About Termite Awareness Week

Everything You Need To Know About Termite Awareness Week

Termite Awareness Week was implemented to spread awareness of termites. It will run from March 11th to March 17th and can help everyone! With termites causing billions of dollars worth of damage each year, being aware of them can be one of your best defenses. Often times the damage is not covered by homeowners insurance and is left up to the homeowner themselves, which can be expensive and hard work. Termite Awareness Week can help you learn how to keep your home safe from termites.

Did you know that the total weight of all the termites in the world is more than the total weight of all the humans? It’s true, and during Termite Awareness Week you can learn more interesting facts on social media by using the hashtag #termiteweek! Termite Awareness Week will also shed light on many DIY prevention methods that are safe, reliable, and affordable. Being both diligent and vigilant can help the fight against the termites. Knoxville alone is home to countless termites! Getting rid of them should be a top priority. Sometimes termites are going to find their way in and if they do you should immediately call professional pest control. Termites are an extremely hard pest to eradicate and getting professional help can ensure that they are taken care of entirely.

How Can Russell’s Pest Control Help?

Here at Russell’s Pest Control, we are both educated and experienced in taking care of termites. Our termite control is efficient in keeping homes and buildings free of termites so you don’t have to! We will start with a free, in-home pest evaluation. This is where we will be able to determine exactly what we are up against, what we can do to get rid of them, and how we can prevent them in the future. Some of the key factors we look for when conducting a termite inspection are:

  • Termite tunnels and termite tunnel stains

  • Imperfections in sheetrock

  • Baseboards that have been stained by moisture from mud

  • Actual termites

  • In crawl areas, we will also make sure to pull back insulation, check under sill plates, and conduct sound tests

To assure eradication our termite control features the Sentricon® System with Always Active™y. First, we install bait stations around your home. With the use of Sentricon® with Always Active™, our bait stations are extremely effective in stopping the molting process of termites which is crucial to their survival. If termites cannot molt, they die. Once the Sentricon® with Always Active™ bait stations, which are environmentally friendly, are installed, they start working immediately. From there, termites themselves play a major part in their eradication by introducing bait to the nests. After, we will closely monitor bait stations to stay on top of any termite activity. Even better, if you sign up with our termite control service, we will offer you a termite damage repair agreement which states that if there is any damage after Sentricon® with Always Active™ is installed, we will cover it!

When eliminating termites, having both the knowledge and tools to do so, are key. At Russell’s, we have more than 40 years worth of both! So if you find termites, don’t worry, and reach out now! Keep your Knoxville home safe, clean, and sound. Call Russell’s Pest Control for help today!

What Can I Do To Make My Home Less Attractive To Termites

What Can I Do To Make My Home Less Attractive To Termites

Termites are a serious problem in Tennessee, due to moisture and moderate temperatures in the spring. Termites live in colonies with workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Termites build their nests underground, but the workers will venture out to forage for food. They look for cellulose that is found in leaves, soil and wood. They may enter homes through small entry points found in either foundations or the exterior walls. Indoors they will be found underneath floors and walls as they feed on the wood. They will work their way through the structural wood of your home. They are particularly drawn to wood that has been previous damaged by moisture. They will travel back and forth through tunnels as they provide food for their colonies. These colonies can grow to massive populations and can form multiple satellite colonies in various places around and throughout the inside of your home, increasing populations as they expand.

Preventing termites in the first place is your best option. To make your home less attractive to termites you should:

  • Keep mulch and other vegetation at least two feet away from your home

  • Store firewood at least ten feet from your home

  • Bushes should be kept at least a foot away from your home

  • Do not leave debris, stick, or leaf piles on your lawn

  • Remove dead trees and stumps from your property

  • Keep your gutters cleaned up to allow for proper drainage

  • Fix leaky pipes and clean up leaking water immediately

These tips can be helpful, but when it comes to termite elimination and reliable protection, it can be accomplished by a professional pest control company like Russell’s Pest Control in Knoxville and eastern Tennessee. We offer a comprehensive termite service and Sentricon® System with Always Active™, that will eliminate active termite infestations and prevent any more termite activity in the future. Russell’s Pest Control professionals know how much your home and money means to you, and can help you prevent termites and the costly damages that they cause. Our termite services can allow you to rest easy knowing your home is protected from termite damages. Don’t wait, call us today!

Learn How To Identify Swarming Termites

Learn How To Identify Swarming Termites

Have you ever come home, stepped out of your car, and noticed a mass of crawling, winged insects on your windowsills or foundation walls? Would you be able to tell if that mass of insects was a swarm of flying ants or termite swarmers? In case you don’t know the difference, this article will explain how to identify termite swarmers, the damages termites cause, and what you can do if you discover your structure has been infested by termites.

A termite colony, when it matures, will send out what are called alates, or termite swarmers, to start new colonies. These swarmers only appear briefly, for around a half an hour, a couple of times a year, so they are easily missed. If you see termite swarmers, be aware that there is certainly a mature colony somewhere nearby. And, if that place happens to be your home, you need to take action before damages go beyond repair.

Visually identifying termite swarmers is very important, since termites cost United States property owners billions of dollars each year. First, when looking at a swarmer, look at the four wings. If they stack evenly on top of one another, you are looking at a termite. Termite wings are white, whereas the wings on a carpenter ant swarmer are tan. Also, notice if the wings go beyond the abdomen. If they are only slightly longer, you are looking at an ant. If the wings go far beyond the abdomen, this is a termite.  And termite swarmers are much smaller than ants, measuring around 3/8 of an inch long while ant swarmers can be 5/8 of an inch. Two other ways to tell termite swarmers are that they have antennae that are mostly straight, and they have a distinct pinch between their thorax and abdomen.

Damages Done By Termites

Termites can do damage to a structure for years without being detected, damage that looks like long grooves stacked on top of each other inside wood. This causes the wood to have a tattered look, almost like stacked cardboard edges. When termites feed on wood, it becomes brittle and hollow. But you are unlikely to see this unless you are doing renovations. If you break off a piece of wood and it feels light, it could have been eaten by termites. Similarly, if you tap on a support beam and it sounds hollow, this is another good indication.

Secondary damages of termites include peeling wallpaper, bulging walls, sagging floors and ceilings and windows and doors that don’t open or close properly.

If you see termite swarmers, or are noticing the signs termites leave behind, Russel’s Pest Control is here to help. For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

Termite Awareness Week 2017

Termite Awareness Week 2017

Did you notice the warm winter we just had? You can bet termites did. That makes this year’s Termite Awareness Week (March 12-18, 2017) even more important for folks in our Eastern Tennessee service area. We’re expecting a busy year, but we hope most of that business will be “preventative” and not “reactive” services. Here are a few points regarding termites in Tennessee, that you should be aware of.

  • Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites found in the United States. Unfortunately, Tennessee has subterranean termites.

  • While a single termite doesn’t do a lot of damage, a colony with thousands of individual termites can do a lot of damage.

  • Subterranean termites aren’t called “silent destroyers” for no reason. They can feed on a structure for years, undetected. These termites were found in the West Wing of our White House, where security and surveillance are the highest priority. If they can hide from the White House staff, they can hide from you.

  • Subterranean termites have been found to avoid detection from a certified home inspector. These are folks that are trained professionals, but they do not have the tools or knowledge to adequately inspect a home for these subtle pests.

  • Subterranean termites feed inside wood. They don’t leave sawdust as a warning sign.

  • The first warning sign of termites is swarmer termites. These are winged reproductive termites that are produced by a mature nest for the purpose of establishing new nests. If you see swarmers on your exterior walls, it is highly possibly that those termites came from a nest on your property or, worse, inside your property.

  • You can prevent termite damage. You don’t have to wait until the wheel of fate determines that your home will be destroyed by termites. It is possible to stop termites before they cause all that damage. Modern termite control protocols are not only effective, they are 100% safe for your family, your pets, and the environment. They target termites and use worker termites as a weapon against their own queen. When the queen dies, the termite colony also dies.

If you don’t have termite protection for your Tennessee home or business, now is definitely the time to get it. This mild winter we just had is likely to cause termite infestations to rise dramatically. When you get termite service, it is like getting health insurance for your home. It is a risk management investment. You may never need it, but having it could save you from financial ruin. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.

Never Too Early To Think About Termites

Never Too Early To Think About Termites

There is something refreshing about seeing signs that spring is almost here. Things like more daylight, spring ads on television or in the newspapers and warmer weather apparel making its way into stores, are all hopeful signs of the soon coming season. Immediately your mind goes to yard care, t-shirts, and a glass of iced tea. No matter what kind of a winter we have had, it is safe to say that a lot of us are usually happy to see the end of it for another year. Spring is also a good reminder that with the temperature rising so will the influx of pests. Termites are one such pest that you can be sure will be on the move this spring.

Spring is the time of the year when a termite nest has reached its limit in size and capacity. Swarms of these pests are often spotted making their way through fields and woods, and frequently neighborhoods. Often, we do not really know what we are looking at and will dismiss it from our minds as soon as we are out of sight of it. Unfortunately, these termites might just be looking for a way into your home. If they do get in, these swarmers will quickly establish a nest and get to work on building their population and eating everything in sight all without the homeowner ever knowing they are there.

The termite has a voracious appetite for anything that contains cellulose. Cellulose is found in many things in nature, including building materials that may have been used in your home, like wood. Their extraordinarily strong jaws tirelessly work their way through wood, drywall, paste, glue, and many other materials that can do thousands of dollars in damage to a building undetected until it is visible in the frequented parts of the home.

There is good news though. Homeowners can save thousands in repairs and treatment for termite infestations by working with a reputable pest control company, like Russell’s Pest Control, to prevent termites from entering in the first place. If your home already has termites, we can work with you to eliminate the current threat and set measures in place to prevent future termite damage. Russell’s Pest Control has worked with hundreds of home owners over the years, keeping their most valuable asset termite-free. Imagine the relief knowing that your home is guaranteed to be safe from termites all year-long. That peace of mind is well worth it. Call today to learn more about our quality termite services!

Why Every Home Needs A Termite Inspection

Why Every Home Needs A Termite Inspection

Termites. They are called “silent destroyers,” and for good reason. These pesky little critters can sneak into a home and start eating away at the insides of walls and support structures for months, and even years, without anyone in the home being aware of their presence. And if you think you would know if termites were eating away at your home, consider the fact that termites avoided detection in the White House. Yup. With all the security, and comings and goings in the White House, termites got into the walls and ate away at the West Wing for years, until the day termite swarmers were found crawling around on the interior walls, a mere 30 feet from the Oval Office!

Because termites are so sneaky, they end up costing property owners in the United States alone around $5 billion a year. They are simple organisms that do not require sleep, therefore, they are able to devour the wood of a home, nonstop, 24 hours a day. This is why it is so important to get a termite inspection and find these home-destroying insects before they have a chance to do irreversible damage.

How termites operate:

Termites build underground nests, and termite workers venture out from the nest in order to find food to feed the colony. Termites feed on the cellulose found in wood, leaves and soil. As they search, they do not care if they find a tree, a pile of leaves, or your home. And if they are able to get into your home through a crack in your foundation or walls, they will travel underneath floors and behind walls until they reach the wood they need to survive. They will then travel back and forth to the colony through mud tubes that they build between the soil and your home. And they will establish new colonies within your walls.

When these colonies mature, is when termite swarmers (winged termites) are sent out. But these can also go undetected, since they are only outside the walls for about a half an hour before they mate and disappear again. In fact, the only clue they leave behind is their translucent wings, which they shed after mating.

Why a home inspection isn’t enough:

Certified home inspectors are trained to inspect a home to make sure it has no defects that would cause problems for the lender when a home is being sold. While they may detect signs of a termite infestation, it is unlikely. However, professional inspectors that are specifically educated on detecting termite activity can tell if these silent destroyers are present.

Why choose Russell’s:

Our pest control technicians have a Category 7 certification (General Pest and Rodent Control AND Wood-Destroying Organisms). These highly educated technicians are specifically trained to know the signs of a termite infestation with the use of specialized equipment.

With experience in detecting and eliminating termites since 1971, you can trust Russell’s Pest Control.

Pre-Construction Termite Protection

Pre-Construction Termite Protection

Are you having a new home built? If you’re like most Americans, this will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make and one that you will be spending years to pay off, which is why it is vital to consider termite protection “before” your home is even built.

The Danger Of Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites, like the name indicates, are insects that live underground. If you decide to build a home on, or near, these termites, you could be setting yourself up for a heart-wrenching crisis. Here are the reasons why:

  • Subterranean termites are silent invaders. These pests can be go undetected for years while infesting and feeding on homes. These wood eaters come up from the soil and eat channels through the wood of a home without showing themselves until it is too late. When a termite colony matures, it will produce swarmers. But, when this obvious sign of termite infestation appears, a lot of damage has already been done. Even worse, termite swarms don’t last long, and can sometimes go unnoticed when they appear on the outside of a home. This can cause a termite infestation to grow beyond the destructive capability of a single colony.

  • Subterranean termites can already be in the ground where you intend to build your home. These insects don’t wait for a home to be built, then move onto a piece of property. They can already be in the soil, living on dead trees and other decaying wood products, and this fact makes it very important to treat the soil before constructing a home, because the last thing you want to do is have your home built on top of an existing and thriving termite colony.

  • Subterranean worker termites are made for finding your new home. These insects can tunnel through soil as far as the length of a football field in search of an appropriate food source to feed their colony. They are also simple organisms that do not require sleep. They will tunnel and feed 24 hours a day, with no need for rest.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we don’t wait for termites to attack. We offer services that will protect the entire ground surface beneath your new home and stop subterranean termites in their tracks. We also install Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System bait stations to pre-treat your property and kill off any colonies present. With proactive termite prevention, you can know that your property is safe.

Don’t wait for termites to strike. Get pre-construction termite protection from Russel’s Pest Control and protect your investment from these silent invaders.

Cold Winter Weather Makes Home More Vulnerable To Termite Infestations

Cold Winter Weather Makes Home More Vulnerable To Termite Infestations

Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but what is going on inside the walls of unprotected homes can be even more frightful. Snow, ice, and wind are notorious for leaving properties damaged come springtime, and this can leave homes vulnerable to the most destructive pests. Namely, termites. This article will alert you to the property threats that are posed by these wood-eating insects, and will give several do-it-yourself tips on how to detect and prevent an infestation.

Termites, which cost property owners more than $5 billion annually, are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability of chew through many parts of your home completely undetected. Things like wood, flooring, and even wallpaper can be destroyed silently without anyone even noticing, until it is too late. And most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage.

In springtime, termites will come out of hiding in search of mates and to find new structures in which to establish new colonies which, if we are unlucky, may be our homes. Unfortunately, these insects can be hard to spot, so it is important for homeowners to know the signs of termite activity. The following is a list of the three top things to look out for:

  1. Discarded wings. These are usually found near closed windows, doors, and other access points. When termites swarm to start a new colony, they twist off their wings upon landing, because they will never use those wings again. These wings will be white in color and uniform in size.

  2. Mud Tubes. Where the ground meets your home, these pencil-sized mud tubes will be found if you have termites. To find out if these tubes are actively being used, break off a piece and then check it a few days later. If it has been repaired, you are looking at an active termite infestation.

  3. Wood damage. Termites chew through wood, leaving behind long grooves. Over time, these grooves weaken the wood and cause costly structural damage.

Some valuable tips to prevent a termite infestation:

  • Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home, and up off the ground.

  • Create an 18-inch gap around your home between soil and wood by using crushed rock or some other material.

  • Make sure there is no standing water near your home.

  • Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around your foundation.

  • Repair soffits and rotted roof shingles

  • Repair any water leaks inside and outside your home.

  • Keep your home, especially the basement, attic, and crawl spaces, dry and well ventilated.

If you have done all you can to keep these home-destroying pests out, but you are seeing the signs of an infestation, consider having a termite inspection done. The sooner you get these creatures out of your home, the less cash you will have to shell out for repairs. Here at Russell’s Pest Control, we’ve been helping folks keep their homes pest free since 1971 and our pest control technicians have a Category 7 certification, which is classified as Industrial, Institutional, Structural Pest Control and Health-Related Pest Control. If you have a problem with termites, you can trust Russell’s Pest Control to give you industry-leading service and guaranteed protection.

 

When Should You Get A Termite Inspection?

When Should You Get A Termite Inspection?

When you’re standing on the side of the highway and your car is in a ditch, it is too late to get car insurance. If the doctor comes out with clipboard in hand and tells you you’re going to need a series of operations to correct some complicated abnormality in your body, it is too late to get medical insurance. You’re probably thinking you see where this article is going, but give it a chance. You will be surprised where we end up.

This case can be made for any unexpected disaster from hurricanes to floods and house fires to burglary. When you’re standing in the wreckage of an unexpected event, it is easy to see what you should have done to protect yourself. But there is a difference between termite protection and a termite inspection. We firmly believe that every home and business should have some form of termite protection; we are, after all, a pest control company. But not everyone needs a termite inspection. Here are the cases when a termite inspection is needed.

Selling A Home

If you’re planning on selling your home, you should make sure to get a termite inspection. Termites have been known to evade detection by certified home inspectors. These silent invaders live inside the wood of a home and often leave few signs of their presence. Make sure you have a pest professional do a certified termite inspection to prevent being left holding the bill. Like in the examples above, if the real estate agent for your buyer hands you a paper that shows that they found termites in your house, it is too late; but if you find the termites first, you can have the problem fixed and put the costs into the asking price of your home.

Buying A Home

If you’re planning on buying a home, the last thing you want to do is inherit someone else’s problem. When the papers are signed and you move in, it is too late. Don’t get stuck holding the bill. Make sure you get a certified termite inspection done on that new home before you finish the deal.

When You Suspect Termites

If you’re noticing that the fence in your backyard, the back deck, the patio, or any other wood item on your property has been chewed by termites, it is time to get a termite inspection. This damage will look like someone took a wood carving tool to these wood items.

If you notice a swarm of insects or shed wings around your home, it is time to get a termite inspection. Outside swarms are a warning of a potential infestation and inside swarmers are a sign that you have unknowingly harbored termites for years. In either case, it is important to get a professional involved.

Don’t wait till you are sitting in the middle of a disaster. Protect yourself with a certified termite inspection by calling us today. Here at Russell’s Pest Control we have the training and expertise to inspect and eliminate your termite issues quickly and discreetly.