Termite Exterminator
Near YouTermite Inspection · Liquid Treatment · Bait Stations · Fumigation

Key differences: Termite swarmers have equal-length wings and straight antennae. Flying ants have pinched waists, bent antennae, and unequal wings. Termite frass looks like tiny pellets; carpenter ant frass is coarser and mixed with insect parts. Mud tubes are only produced by subterranean termites — never ants. If you are unsure, describe what you are seeing when you call — a specialist can help you identify before coming out.

Most standard homeowner insurance policies do NOT cover termite damage — it is classified as a preventable maintenance issue. Some policies cover sudden, accidental damage but not gradual termite damage. Termite bonds (annual treatment and monitoring contracts from pest control companies) sometimes include damage guarantees — ask your exterminator specifically about this when you call.

Liquid soil treatments typically last 5-8 years depending on soil conditions and product used. Bait stations require ongoing monitoring and bait replacement — they are an annual program, not a one-time fix. Fumigation eliminates the active drywood infestation but provides no residual protection from re-infestation. Annual monitoring contracts are the most reliable long-term protection strategy.

For bait station installation and liquid soil treatment — no, you can remain in the home. For whole-home fumigation (tent fumigation) — yes, you must vacate for 48-72 hours, and all food must be removed or sealed in special bags. Your exterminator provides a full preparation checklist and re-entry clearance before you return.

A new subterranean termite colony takes 3-5 years to reach a size where damage becomes visible. Formosan termites are much faster — they can cause significant structural damage within 2-3 years. Drywood termite colonies grow more slowly but are harder to detect without inspection. This is why annual inspections matter — early detection is far cheaper than treating extensive damage.

A termite bond is an annual service contract with a pest control company that includes annual inspections, monitoring, and treatment if termites are found. Some bonds include damage guarantees — the company pays for damage discovered while the bond is active. They are especially important in high-risk states (Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, California) and are typically required for home sales in those areas.

Yes. Subterranean termites forage up to 300 feet from their colony. A colony in a neighbor's yard or home can absolutely spread to yours through soil. This is why treatment focuses on creating a chemical barrier in the soil around your foundation rather than simply treating the wood — it stops foraging workers before they reach your structure.

From outside the wall, you may see sagging drywall, paint that bubbles or peels, or baseboards that crumble when you press them. Knock on walls — hollow sounds where solid wood should be are a red flag. Inside the wall (if opened), termite-damaged wood looks like it has been eaten from the inside, with a honeycomb pattern of galleries running parallel to the wood grain.