Termites

Item: Pointe Pest Control
Rating: 5
Author: insiteadvice

Live Termite-Free with Pointe!

Pointe Pest Control is committed to keeping your home pest-free in every season. Our team of experienced and state-certified technicians are dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services for the Western Illinois and Eastern Missouri areas. If a pest problem is not completely resolved after a visit, our technicians will return until it is eliminated.

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Small But Mighty

Hierarchy of a Pest

The main reason why termite infestations escalate so quickly is because they are eusocial insects. This means they live in a nest with their colony, all of which are produced from the reproductives. These are the winged termites that leave their previous colonies and mate to start new ones. The new queen lays up to 30,000 eggs a day and lives for 15 to 20 years. Once the nymphs molt a few times and grow into adults, they merge into one of 3 main castes under the queen.

The reproductives, or swarmers, are the smallest caste. They will stay in their original colony until they embark on their journey to mate and find a new home in a cellulose-based material. Once they arrive, they shed their wings and continue reproducing as the colony grows and the nest expands. Soldier termites make up the next caste, and their name is appropriate for their role. These termites have strong mandibles that can fight off small invaders. Soldiers stand guard outside the tunnels and only let the termites with the colony’s pheromones pass through. The largest caste is the working class: worker termites. They complete most of the jobs in the colony, like constructing tunnels and rooms, feeding the young, cleaning the nest, and foraging. Both soldiers and workers are blind, so they rely completely on touch and smell for survival.

Types of Termites

Out of the forty termite species in the U.S., two can often be found in Missouri and Illinois.

Eastern Subterranean Termites – Reticulitermes flavipes

This is the most common species in Missouri & Illinois and its surrounding states. The general species of subterranean termites all keep their colonies below ground, with the soldiers immediately going to guard any sudden holes until the workers can patch them. Eastern subterranean termites are flat and about 1/8 of an inch long, and work for the entirety of their two-year lifespan. The reproductives are slightly larger and darker in color, and primarily swarm in the spring. True to their name, these termites invade buildings through cracks in the flooring or cement.

Drywood Termites – Kalotermitidae

These termites are more common in the southern coastal areas, but they are known to travel in furniture that they invaded. Drywood termites are 1/4 of an inch to 1 inch long, with a thick waist and short legs. They are white or brown in color, and are most active on warmer days. Their living preferences are made clear with their name; the swarmers search for dry wooden materials, like furniture and framework to tunnel into. The typical worker caste is absent in drywood termites since the young do all of the work before becoming adults. Although 2,500 seems like a relatively small number for a termite colony, these industrious insects cause millions of dollars in damage annually due to the difficulty in detection.

Pointe Pest Control has been solving pest problems for years, and our experienced technicians are here to ease your termite concerns with our EPA-approved treatments.

Call a Termite Expert Today!

Initial Inspection

We begin by inspecting the area for signs of damage in order to find the main nest.

Baits and Barriers

Termites will run into the created boundary of barrier treatments and be unable to continue.

Termite-Free Guarantee

If your termite infestation is not completely resolved after our treatments, our technicians will return until it is eliminated.

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Results of an Invasion

Infrastructure damages from termites cost billions of dollars annually, mainly because termite invasions often go undetected for months or even years. Since they enjoy cellulose-based items, houses and many objects inside provide the exact food and shelter that termites desire. Termites tunnel deep inside the material they invade because they actually eat the cellulose that the workers gnaw through. This is how the colony sustains such large numbers; they have secure shelters and plenty of food for everyone. Thankfully, no matter the species, there are many warning signs of an invasion. Some of the most common ones include droppings (frass) near the wood, winged termites flying around the house and favoring certain areas, mud tubes on surfaces, discarded wings, and hollow-sounding wood. If you see any of these signs, contact Pointe Pest Control for an appointment as soon as tomorrow. We are here not only to provide thorough inspections and proactive treatments, but also to give tailored advice for how to keep your home termite-free.

Preventing the Damage

The idea of a termite infestation is stressful since both their ideal food source and shelter is a house of any kind. It does not matter if the chores are done or if there are a few crumbs left on the counter from dinner. If termite swarmers find a way inside, they will take it. Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can take against termites.

One of the most important is to repair any leaks in and around the home. Many species prefer damaged wood, so any wood that has moisture-damage or decrepit is at a higher risk for invasion. Similarly, seal any gaps and cracks in the house. Caulk and copper mesh are often best for smaller patch jobs. Keep all gutters and vents clear, and trim back any plants or trees from the house. Check any exposed wood, like fences and beams, for damage periodically. Firewood stacked outside is one of the most common targets for infestation. Keep the pile elevated above ground, and secure the top with a tarp or similar covering. Store firewood at least five feet away from the house to prevent termites from using it as a freeway straight into the home.

Pointe Tackles Termites

Termite treatments may be intimidating to those who have never received these services before. These are often more detailed and intensive than the general pest treatments. At Pointe Pest Control, our technicians strive to make this process as smooth as possible while treating the whole colony. We begin by inspecting the area for signs of damage in order to find the main nest.

The type of treatment we use depends on the size and location of the infestation. Our most-frequently used treatments include baits and barrier treatments. Since termites live in massive colonies, bait can be extremely effective once the workers get to it and spread it around their nest. The industrious nature of termites means they will run into the created boundary of barrier treatments and be unable to continue. Some barrier treatments are also coated with termiticide, or termite pesticide, for additional efficacy. Whether you are looking to prevent termites or stop a current infestation, Pointe Pest Control is here to serve you!

Our technicians take the proper care to ensure that the termite issue is resolved, while simultaneously prioritizing the safety of you and your family. We only use the amount of pest treatments necessary to solve the problem, and our techs will point you to the exact areas that received treatments. If you want personalized, caring termite control services, contact Pointe Pest Control today.

Extremely happy with the service

He dusted to discourage web building and also put pest control granules around the house to deter the likes of termites and ants. I am extremely happy with the service. This was my first experience with Pointe Pest Control and they have definitely earned my continued business.

Charmaine Mortensen

Arlington Heights

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Termites

Termites

Live Termite-Free with Pointe!

FREE PEST CONTROL QUOTE

Small But Mighty

Hierarchy of a Pest

Types of Termites

Call a Termite Expert Today!

Initial Inspection

Baits and Barriers

Termite-Free Guarantee

Results of an Invasion

Preventing the Damage

Pointe Tackles Termites

Extremely happy with the service

Free Pest Control Quote

Contact Us Form

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customer care

Email Us

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services

customer care

Email Us

Get Directions