Information

Although sometimes bothersome, termites are a very important part of nature’s cycle. When a tree dies and falls, hungry termites eat the wood, expediting the decaying process. Nutrients are dispersed into the ground, feeding the root systems of other trees and helping them grow. YOUR problems start when these hungry termites mistake your home or business for a tree. For them, wood is wood and there is no difference between a dead tree and the wooden formations that make up your structure. In the Delaware Valley, Subterranean Termites are the biggest threat. These insects live deep in the soil and can enter through cracks in the foundation. These cracks can be very small, down to 1/64th of an inch… about as thick as a sheet of paper!

Prevention

There are a number of steps that you should take to reduce your chances of encountering termites in your home:

1. Have your home inspected by a professional yearly.
2. Avoid wood to ground contact (six inches between wood siding and soil).
3. Downspouts should drain at least five feet from the foundation.
4. Eliminate standing water in basements, crawlspaces, and around the foundation.
5. Foliage and tree braches should be trimmed back and away from the structure.
6. Move wood piles away from the structure.
7. Wood fences in contact with the structure should be treated.
8. Wood form boards left in place around foundation should be removed or treated.
9. Avoid using wood mulch in gardens next to the structure.

Control

At Tri-County, we are constantly searching for the most effective, scientifically advanced, methods. Currently, Termite treatments by Tri-County are performed using Termidor, the most advanced and reliable product available. For more information on Termidor click here.