A Termite Free Home is just a call away..
At Pointe Pest Control we take pride in protecting your home from year-round invaders and seasonal pests. Our experienced, licensed, and well-trained technicians are committed to providing your home with safe, environmentally friendly pest protection. We simply guarantee results, if pest activity persists after a service call, we will return for free until the problem has been solved.
Let’s Talk About Those Unwanted Guests
The Basics of Termites
Termites are one of the most infamous pests in existence, but not for the same reasons as other pests. They don’t transmit diseases or bite us – unless you get too close – so the dangers of termites lie in the damage they do to wooden structures. Termites eat the cellulose in wood and carve intricate tunnels to hide their colonies and keep them fed throughout the process.
There are three classes in a typical termite colony: workers, soldiers, and swarmers. Workers make up the largest class and do most of the essential tasks to help the colony stay safe and thrive. They forage for food, build and clean the nest, and feed the young. Soldiers protect the colony by guarding all of the nest’s entrances against possible intruders. They cannot see very well, so soldiers check the pheromones (scent chemicals) of each termite and fight off outside insects using their strong mandibles. Swarmers have longer life spans and are the only ones capable of reproducing. Once they fly to a new site and mate, swarmers shed their wings as they start producing thousands of eggs a day to start their own colony.
These determined pests never stop working, so they ruin houses and buildings in no time. If a termite infestation goes unchecked, the porous wood may collapse and render the house unsuitable to live in! Termites can also spread mold spores throughout the home if they chew through a moldy area, so even these wood-boring pests bring their own health risks.
Common Termite Species
Every termite species brings destruction wherever they go, but it is important to know the basic differences between each one. In Illinois, there are 3 common types of termites.
- Drywood Termites (Kalotermitidae spp.)
These sneaky pests often stay hidden for years as they chow down on dry wood found in floors and walls. Drywood termites are yellow-brown to black in color and about half of an inch long. The swarmers are most active in summer and fall when they have an easier time finding sources of dry wood. Since drywood termites do not like any moisture, they avoid soil and moisture-damaged wood. Their colonies typically have a small population of 2,500, but drywood termites are one of the most destructive pests ever.
- Formosan Termites (Coptotermes formosanus)
As opposed to drywood termites, formosan termites live in the soil and invade homes from the ground up – literally. They are yellowish-brown and about half an inch long. These termites are mainly active in late spring through early summer, and their queens produce over 1,000 eggs daily. The easiest way to know if an invasion is the work of formosan termites is to look at their nests: formosan termites create smooth galleries (not haphazard patterns) in the wood.
- Subterranean Termites (Rhinotermitidae)
Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termites in the United States, so it makes sense why they are thought to be the worst of them all. These cream-colored termites are half an inch long and mate when the weather warms up after a rainstorm. True to their name, subterranean termites spend their lives underground and create tunnels that travel up to the ground level. Their colonies grow quickly because the queen and all of the swarmers constantly lay eggs.
Dangerous Pests
Termites cause permanent damage to structures by relentlessly feeding on the wooden beams and framework. Since they stay buried to avoid the light and humans, it is difficult to find termites in the early stages of an infestation. If the termites feed on the floors, beams, or framework for enough time, they will cause that feature to collapse. Their voracious appetite causes an estimated billions of dollars in structural damages per year, most of which is not covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Know The Signs Of Termites
Termite invasions are more common after it rains because the moisture-damaged wood is much easier for them to eat. Although they are frequently seen in the warmer months, termites can be active year-round if they chew deep enough into a house or building. That is why it is important to know the warning signs of an infestation; the damage will only get worse if the termites are left alone.
The typical signs of a termite infestation include:
- Frass (droppings) at the base of a wall
- Discarded wings
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Mud tubes (packed columns of dirt) on a wall
- Discolored paint on a wall
- Squeaking or buckling floorboards
- Tiny holes in wood
- Any live or dead termites
If you see any of these signs in your home, it is time to schedule an appointment with your local pest control professionals. When it comes to termites, it’s always better to be over-prepared than scrambling for a solution.
Termite Prevention
Believe it or not, it is possible to prevent termites from destroying your home. The trick is to keep an eye out for any damage that appears without warning, as this could be the work of voracious termites.
You can also prevent termites by doing basic tasks to discourage them from invading, such as:
- Repairing any damaged wood immediately, including wooden fences and posts.
- Sealing cracks and gaps in the house’s exterior with waterproof caulk.
- Trimming back plants and tree limbs from the house.
- Inspecting every piece of wooden furniture you bring inside, especially secondhand furniture.
- Fixing any leaks in the sinks, the water inlet valve in the washer, and the water supply line in the fridge.
- Contacting Pointe Pest Control to schedule an inspection to ensure that there are no signs of termite activity.
The licensed technicians of Pointe Pest Control are experienced in solving termite problems of all sizes and species. We do not consider the job to be done until every termite in the colony is treated.
Even with treatment, you need to be careful. Remember that bed bugs are hitchhikers anything you bring out of your home can be hiding bed bugs. Your dryer gets hot enough to eliminate bed bugs, make certain that stuffed animals, clothing and any luggage has been inspected and treated for bed bugs. The last thing you want to do is get a new infestation in your home because you accidentally brought a happy little bed bug back inside. When you want bed bug elimination, you need to call in the professionals and Pointe Pest Control has got your back.
Protect Your Home With Sentricon!
At Pointe Pest Control, we understand the stress and frustration of termite issues. Our goal is to make the control process as easy for you as possible without compromising on the effectiveness of the treatments. That is why we defeat termites using the most advanced termite treatment: the Sentricon system with Always Active technology.
The Sentricon system is a set of bait-packed tubes with green discs on the top to serve as markers once the tubes are buried in the soil outside. The termite workers take the bait – literally – and share it with their colony, gradually ending the infestation. Since Sentricon is a standalone and mess-free treatment, you don’t have to lift a finger while it handles the hassle of termite control for you.
The Sentricon system is environmentally-safe, meaning it is also safe for people, pets, and plants. Since it is effective in all seasons and works in every soil, this treatment will reach the heart of the infestation and protect your home and family from destructive termites.
Our Pointe technicians are fully trained and certified to utilize the Sentricon system. After the initial application of the system, our efficient technicians will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the process and restock the bait as needed. We are happy to address all of your questions and concerns every step of the way. For more information on the Sentricon system and our effective termite control services, contact us today!
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Why Pointe Pest Control?
Pointe Pest Control is one of the largest family-owned and operated pest control companies in the U.S. We have pest control and customer service down to a science, and we know you’ll appreciate the results.
CALL (630) 581-2640
FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY
Pointe Pest Control is one of the largest family-owned and operated pest control companies in the U.S. We have pest control and customer service down to a science, and we know you’ll appreciate the results.
CALL (630) 581-2640
FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY
What We Will Cover
We simply guarantee results, if pest activity persists after a service call, we will return for free until the problem has been solved.
Ants
The fastest way ants enter your home are through the smallest cracks that you may not even see. They are in search for water and food substances stored in your kitchen or pantry.
Roaches
Cockroaches are some of the toughest bugs and seem to survive in the most unfavorable conditions. They get into your home by sneaking into luggage, attaching themselves onto your pets and even your clothing.
Rodents
The Center for Disease Control says that rodents can directly and indirectly transmit over twenty-six different types of diseases. They are some of the filthiest creatures.
Spiders
Spiders that have just hatched are tiny enough to fit through the smallest crevices in your home. And although most spiders are not a threat to your home or your health, they still have the potential to bite.
Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are best known for their annoying habit of feeding on blood to help in egg production. No matter what stage in their life cycle, mosquitoes tend to be located in standing water.
Wasp/Bees
Many times bees are mistaken for wasps with their similarity in looks and the fact that they both sting. Knowing the difference is very important when it comes to safety.
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