Termites and Termite Treatment

Termites are among the earth’s most destructive organisms, capable of destroying the structure and integrity of your home. Tru-Spec® recommends that you visually inspect your home often for termites to determine if infestation is present and whether you need to seek assistance from a qualified termite inspector. An inspector can assess damage to your home and help determine the appropriate course of action.

There are many signs of termite infestation, which can be detected in the spring and autumn. Check for swarms of winged adult termites. Also, check your foundation walls periodically for mud tubes ¼- to ½-inch wide, a sign of infestation. Homeowners also should check for mud protruding from cracks between boards and beams. Physical characteristics of termite-infested wood include a hollow sound upon tapping, extreme softness when probed with a knife and sponginess when pressure is applied.

Properly identifying termites will help determine if you have swarms of these insects in and around your home. Termites vary in size from ¼ to 3/8-inches long. There are three castes or types of termites in each colony—reproductives, worker and soldiers—all of which are destructive.

There are two types of reproductive termites—primary and secondary. Primary reproductive termites are black to pale yellow-brown in color and have fully-developed wings that are pale gray or brown. Secondary reproductive termites are white or cream in color and have short wing buds, rather than mature wings.

Worker termites are white to grayish-white in color and wingless.

Soldier termites have large, well-developed brownish heads with strong mandibles, are whitish in color, and are wingless.

Upon signs of infestation, Tru-Spec® recommends calling an exterminator as soon as possible. Although Tru-Spec® is no longer accepting new clients for home treatment, Tru-Spec® will continue to monitor and treat existing homes under contract.

For those individuals who have had their homes treated or plan to have them treated, Tru-Spec® recommends that a professional inspection be conducted once per year to ensure that there is no current termite activity.

Inspection Points:
Outside Walls
Basement
Foundation Walls
Door and Window Frames
Attic
Floors and Stairs