It’s Always Termite Season in Georgia
Pool floats, river rafting, fresh tomatoes from the garden, and of course hot and sunny days, these are the signs of summer here in north Georgia. Here at Canton Termite, we are enjoying the season but are also hard at work because, for us, this is a very busy time of year. Not only are the ants, roaches, and all manner of flying insects busily buzzing around, but the subterranean termites are continuing their life’s work…munching wood, and building colonies. These hard-working insects never take a break and can be a problem throughout the year. We just often notice their presence more in the spring and summer months.
Termites are known to be elusive in the sense that the homeowner often does not know they are present until the damage is substantial. This is why prevention is so vital to the Georgia homeowner. Termites feed on wood and so any product containing cellulose can be a target for these pesky feeders. With termite damage, it isn’t uncommon to find drywall that is discolored, small holes present in the drywall, paint that peels, and areas that are actually eaten to the point of being hollowed out. Most of the time the termite is hidden away and an invisible enemy, but springtime is often marked by termite swarms as the colonies seek to expand and reproduce. It is important to note that by this point in the summer, the majority of swarming insects are ants and not termites. But don’t forget, termites are always working away, even when we can’t see them. Prevention is critical.
There are many useful steps you can take to protect your home from these ruthless and expensive invaders. At Canton Termite, we believe your home is your greatest financial investment and deserves a company who has the knowledge, experience, and innovative mindset to do the very best job possible. Our initial treatment process includes a thorough inspection of the home to find any existing problems or conducive areas. During this inspection, a detailed graph is created to ensure good communication between the homeowner, the inspector, and the service personnel. Next, a thorough treatment of the outside perimeter is performed with our state-of-the-art soil injection equipment, creating a continuous barrier around the home. In addition to this, it may be necessary to treat critical or infested areas with specialized techniques to ensure thorough service is done or to eliminate existing infestation. Finally, the home is set up on a yearly inspection program to provide continued protection. This inspection is necessary to keep your home’s protective barrier strong in case of changing conditions such as breakthrough infestations, shifting soil chemistry, home additions, foundation modifications, and the simple and ongoing passage of time itself.
Our experienced inspectors are looking for the tell tale signs of mud tubes built by the termites in order to protect themselves from the heat and drying effects of the summer sun. These tubes go from the foundation up to the siding of the home. If possible, we check the basement areas and crawl spaces as well to ensure the most efficient and well-rounded inspection is performed. If we find water damage, termites could be drawn to the area since this is an invitation to termites to come enjoy the amenities! Food and water all in the same place is an offer they don’t often turn down here in the South.
As a homeowner, there are additional steps you can take to ensure that termites aren’t feeling “at home” in your home.
Keep any wood products such as piles of firewood farther away from your home. Termites can use these piles as a food resource and then if close enough, make their way to your home’s structure as the next feast. Make sure any plants are kept trimmed and away from the foundation and walls of your home. This preventative measure is good advice for keeping a lot of insects away. If you are doing an outdoor building project or renovating, be sure to use pressure-treated products. It is rare for termites to eat wood that is chemically treated. Always tell your termite inspector about any new projects you have done to your home or plan to do so that any necessary additions and changes can be made regarding your termite protection. Another important step you can take as a homeowner is to make sure you have good ventilation, and the home is sealed properly. As stated earlier, moisture is a sure welcome sign for termite colonies to sit down and stay a while. Windows, doors, and vents are important areas to watch. Remember that termite swarmers are sometimes seen in the springtime, so be sure to let your termite company know immediately if you see anything suspicious. Lastly, your most important protection is having a trusted company as a partner in your home protection fight.
Canton Termite is a family-owned, small-town business with vast experience and a reputation built on years of honest business practice. Our employees are the best in the industry and well-deserving of the five-star reviews given by our happy customers. They are hard-working, friendly, and knowledgeable. Give us a call and see for yourself!
Our office number is 770-479-1598, and our website can be found at cantongeorgiapestcontrol.com
Happy summer!
