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Termites on a rock

Termite Treatment

What are Termites?

Termites are small, wood-eating insects notorious for causing significant property damage. These pests are attracted to wood because it serves as their primary food source. Termites consume wood for its cellulose; a complex sugar that termites can process thanks to a specialized, highly evolved digestive system. Given their affinity for wood consumption, an infestation can result in the structural compromise of a property owner’s home or building. To make matters worse, termites often consume wood from the inside out, making their presence even more discreet. The bottom line is that, despite their minuscule size, they pack a large wood-eating punch, often at your property's expense.

Termite Property Damage Statistics

Needless to say, if you're a property owner, termites are bad news, and such a sentiment is further supported by the jarring statistics included below:

  • One in four homes has termites
  • Termites cost US homeowners over $5 billion a year in property damage (Consumer Affairs)
  • Termites are active 24/7, 365 days a year
  • A single colony of subterranean termites can be home to as many as 1 million individual termites.

For these tiny vandals, the statistics above are almost like a collective achievement of the pest species at large. Interestingly enough, despite the species' shared appetite for wood (and property damage), not all termites are built the same. Indeed, there are about 2,000 species of termites worldwide, with about 50 of those species occurring in the United States alone.

What are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Termites rank among the most challenging pests to detect. As we've noted, their small size isn't the only subtle aspect of their presence; the signs of their activity can also be discreet. For instance, termites typically consume wood from the inside out, thereby leaving little evidence on the visible surface. Fortunately, there are a slew of signs that can alert you to termites (beyond damaged wood), as well as effective methods for identifying damaged wood in the first place. Those signs are listed below:

  • Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build protective mud tubes, which are about the width of a pencil, to travel between their underground colonies and their food sources. These tubes are often found on foundation walls, floor joists, or other parts of the house. Additionally, these mud tubes may be constructed from a combination of soil, saliva, and fecal matter (or frass).
  • Hollow-Sounding Wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you tap on an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow due to parts of the wood having been eaten away.
  • Frass or Termite Droppings: Interestingly enough, subterranean termites (including formosans) don’t typically leave behind visible frass, opting to recycle their droppings for the construction of nests and mud tubes instead. The same applies for dampwoods as they consume wood so thoroughly that little frass is left behind. Drywoods, on the other hand, are noted for leaving their frass behind in piles near infested wood.
  • Discarded Wings: After swarming from their nest to start a new colony, termites will shed their wings. Finding piles of tiny wings inside your home, particularly near window sills and doors, is a common sign of a termite infestation.
  • Cracked or Distorted Paint on Wood Surfaces: As termites consume the wood beneath the surface, paint or varnish may become bubbled, cracked, or distorted.
  • Swarms of Termites: One of the most obvious signs of a termite problem is a swarm of the insects themselves, often seen during their mating season.
  • Termite Noise: Soldier termites can sometimes be heard tapping their heads inside your walls. This soft clicking sound is used as a signal to alert other termites of danger.
  • Tight Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows: As termites devour wood, their excrement creates a protective environment that traps heat and moisture. This can cause wood to warp, making doors and windows difficult to open. However, there is also the possibility (and likelihood) that actual structural damage is causing the door or window to work poorly.

At Black Diamond Pest Control, we have performed over 1,000,000 termite inspections to date. Furthermore, our termite inspectors have a minimum of 4 years working as termite technicians before becoming inspectors. A professional evaluation is always the best course of action if you suspect you have a termite infestation. Black Diamond’s termite inspectors, for example, are trained to identify the specific type of termite infestation and recommend the best course of treatment to protect your home or business.

Our Termite Treatment Options and Their Costs

Every customer's treatment comes with a full warranty to prevent future infestations, and with our 99.87% success rate, we ensure that you're covered now and later by backing our termite treatment services with the strongest warranties in the industry.

Termite Treatment Options

If your property is currently experiencing an active termite infestation, then our termite treatment stands as the most suitable option. This service represents our most fundamental offering in termite control. The process is straightforward: an infestation is identified, and our exterminators eliminate it.

Our treatment options are designed to match the complexity and versatility of each customer's unique pest control needs, allowing us to customize our methods for whatever kind of situation we may encounter. In exterminating a termite infestation, our skilled termite technicians will determine and implement one of the following procedures:

  • Liquid Chemical Treatments: This method involves the application of specially formulated liquid chemicals to target termite-infested areas, creating a protective layer in the soil. It effectively eradicates existing colonies and protects you from new (or future) infestations, ensuring long-term termite control.
  • Borate Treatments: Borate treatments involve the application of borate-based products directly to wood surfaces, providing a long-lasting protective barrier. This method eliminates existing termite colonies and prevents future infestations by making the wood inhospitable to termites.
  • Mechanical Methods: Mechanical termite control includes physical barriers and structural modifications to prevent termite access. This could involve altering the landscape, repairing structural vulnerabilities, and installing physical barriers in key entry points. It's a non-chemical approach that complements other treatment methods for a comprehensive termite management strategy. This process is better suited for new structures and is installed while being built.
  • Baiting Systems: Exclusive to the ongoing plans offered by Black Diamond, baiting systems represent the pinnacle in environmentally friendly termite control. This method utilizes strategically placed bait stations around your property to eliminate termites. The bait interferes with the termites' ability to eat and reproduce through the inability to molt, leading to the eventual collapse of the colony. This system effectively eradicates existing infestations and is a cornerstone of Black Diamond's continuous monitoring and termite management strategy.

Note: In employing the various procedures mentioned above, the Black Diamond difference lies in our ability to offer any and all termite products available on the market. From the liquid treatment Termidor to baiting systems like Sentricon, our access to top-of-the-line termite-treating solutions is unmatched.

Yet, just as the treatment procedures above vary, so too does the pricing of our treatment offering. After all, termite infestations are not all created equal; some may be more severe than others. That's precisely why we offer free estimates following an inspection of your termite infestation to determine a fair, competitive price. We offer the best warranties and prices on the market.

Ongoing Plans (Preventative)

Termites might be a persistent issue at your property. While eliminating an active infestation is crucial, you may also seek lasting protection to prevent future outbreaks. Our ongoing termite plans are tailored to address these continuous needs, offering long-term peace of mind against termite troubles.

We realize that when it comes to termite control, however, one size does not fit all properties or customer needs. Therefore, we are excited to offer a variety of ongoing termite treatment packages:  

  • Termite BASIC Plan ($22/month): This plan includes regular inspections and monitoring to detect any signs of termite activity early on. The focus is on early detection and intervention, which is key in preventing large-scale infestations.
  • Termite ULTRA Plan ($375 initial fee) ($17/month): The Termite ULTRA plan offers more comprehensive protection. It includes the use of the Sentricon termite control system, which utilizes strategically placed bait stations around your property to eliminate and prevent infestations thoroughly.
  • Termite Shield Plans: Black Diamond may offer different levels of Termite Shield plans, which could include combinations of monitoring, liquid treatments, baiting systems, and preventive treatments. These plans are designed to provide a protective barrier against future termite infestations and often include regular inspections, treatment as necessary, and ongoing maintenance of baiting systems.
  • Customized Ongoing Protection: Some properties may require a more customized approach based on size, location, construction type, and past termite history. Black Diamond Pest Control can create a tailored plan that might combine various elements of their services to offer the most effective and comprehensive ongoing termite protection.

These ongoing plans are designed to provide peace of mind, knowing that your property is continuously protected against the threat of termites. Regular inspections and treatments as part of these plans help in the early detection and elimination of termites and prevent future infestations.

Why Black Diamond?

  • Approaching 1 Million Termite Services Performed: This impressive number signifies vast experience, a deep understanding of termite behavior, and effective treatment methods. Quickly approaching a million termite services performed, Black Diamond has honed its skills and strategies, ensuring each client benefits from this extensive history of successful interventions.
  • Over 3,000 Reviews in Counting: Our headquarters location alone, located in Jeffersonville, IN, and serving the greater Louisville area, has surpassed 3,000 reviews on Google. Of which, over 95% left five-star reviews. Across our other 13 locations, we’ve achieved a cumulative 875 reviews.  
  • Dedicated Termite Division: Specialization is key in pest control. Our dedicated termite division means that we have a team focused solely on termites and equipped with specific knowledge and tools for the job. Black Diamond goes above and beyond with monthly and yearly training to stay up-to-date, ensuring our employees are always fully versed on the industry’s latest trends, technologies, and treatments. This focus allows for more effective and efficient termite management, setting us apart from generalist pest control services.
  • Family-Owned Since 1940 (84 Years in the Industry): Our long-standing presence in the industry, spanning over eight decades, is a testament to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Being family-owned adds a personal touch to our services, ensuring that every client is treated with care and every job is done with a dedication that only a family business can provide.
  • High Success Rates of 99.87%: Our superior success rate is a direct result of our advanced techniques and procedures. We continuously update our methods based on the latest research and technology, ensuring that our treatments are not only effective but also the most advanced in the market.
  • Ranked 42nd by Pest Control Technology (PCT) in the Top 100 Largest Pest Control Companies in North America: This ranking is a significant achievement and showcases our position as a leading player in the pest control industry. Being in the top 100 reflects our scale of operations, quality of service, and the trust our customers place in us.
  • Our Termite Warranties are the Strongest in the Industry: Our warranties offer unparalleled protection and peace of mind. They are a reflection of our confidence in our services and commitment to customer satisfaction. This strong warranty coverage ensures that our customers feel secure in their investment and trust in our ability to handle their termite problems effectively.

Our Termite Treatment Locations

We offer termite treatment at all our locations.

Don't let termites threaten your home or business. Contact Black Diamond Pest Control for expert termite treatment. Call us at 1-877-DEAD-BUG or visit our website to schedule your free termite inspection today. Protect your property with the best termite treatment services available in your area.

Note: When calling 1-877-DEAD-BUG, you will be connected with your nearest Black Diamond Pest Control location!

Q:
How do I know if I have termites?
A:

If you have termites, you may notice one or more of the following:

  • Swarmers: Termites often swarm in early Spring and after a rain shower to start new colonies. The swarming event can be brief, so even if you do not see flying termites, you are likely to see the discarded wings around window sills, doors, heating vents, bathtubs and sinks after a swarm takes place. Termite swarmers use their wings to move away from their original colony. Their wings break off and they pair up and find locations with a wood source where the male and female can begin a new colony. Whether you see the swarm or think there might have been one, call Black Diamond asap!
  • Live insects: keep an eye out for soft-bodied, light-colored insects about the size of a grain of rice. Termites avoid light, so they are seldom visible in open areas.
  • Mud tubes: Foraging worker termites, the ones that eat wood to feed the rest of the colony, must stay in moist conditions and away from natural enemies like ants. To get across barriers between the soil and the wood above, termites construct small, meandering mud tubes from moist soil and excrement. The tubes are about the diameter of a pencil, though they can become wider. Tubes can be seen on foundation walls or inside walls, on plumbing pipes and spanning crawl spaces between the ground and the subfloor. These termite highways are a sure sign that termites are or have been in the home.
  • Damaged wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out along the grain, so damage often isn’t visible until it becomes significant. Termite inspectors often will tap to listen for hollow-sounding wall studs, baseboards and floors. If the wood gives way, it may reveal a hollowed-out honeycomb pattern. The wood also will include some mud similar to mud tubes, plus live termites.
Q:
Are termites active year-round?
A:

Yes. Termites never sleep—they are always eating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Termites swarm in the spring. The "swarmers" emerge from their nest, then land to shed their wings and mate to begin new colonies. Swarming termites are a sure sign that there is an infestation nearby.

Q:
How do I know if it is a termite swarmer or a flying ant?
A:

Swarming termites and ants look similar and are easily misidentified. The clearest way to distinguish them is to examine the wings. Termite Swarmers have two sets of wings of equal length. The front pair of wings on a swarmer ant is longer than the back pair. There are other distinguishing characteristics: An ant will appear to have two indentions and three sections on its body, whereas a termite appears to have one indention and two sections on its body. Ants also have a joint in their antenna while termites do not. But here’s the biggest difference: Ants are usually just a nuisance. Termites damage your home.

Q:
Do you offer termite warranties?
A:

Yes, we offer one of the strongest warranties in the industry. It is a life-time renewable warranty. Please call to learn more.

Q:
What are termites? What do termites look like?
A:

Termites date back more than 120 million years to the time of the dinosaurs, and are one of the only creatures that can digest cellulose, the primary structure material of plants. They live in colonies that consist of multiple castes with different jobs; the workers, the soldiers, the alates, and a queen paired with a king.

Workers do most of the labor, and are hard to spot at only an eighth of an inch, but their white, soft bodies and lack of eyes are quite recognizable. The soldiers have a similar build but are much larger, and their massive orange heads are capped with large pincers for defense. The queen is the largest of them all at an inch or more, with a tiny front half and a massive, elongated abdomen for producing eggs. Her king is much smaller at around half an inch, with a dark coloration. There are also the alates that are sent out seasonally to form new colonies, and these breeding termites, or "swarmers, "are what most people see that alerts them to an infestation when they swarm in the spring. They have two pairs of wings to fly and dark shiny bodies unlike most termites, and this hardier build is a survival mechanism as they search for a mate and a suitable location to initiate their own colony. These winged termites have a straight waist, straight antennae and their two sets of wings are equal in size.

Q:
What does termite damage look like?
A:

Eastern Subterranean termites emerge from the soil to infest homes and other structures. They are very sensitive to low humidity, so they bring soil with them as they move through a structure, creating their signature mud-lined shelter tubes. Damaged wood will also be lined with the same mud mixtures that will increase as the termites chew into new areas.

Q:
Does Home Insurance cover Termite Damage?
A:

Typically, termite treatment and damage is not covered under home insurance policies. Insurance companies consider it to be preventative maintenance and will usually require the owner to cover 100% of the cost to treat and repair associated damage.

Q:
What attracts termites to a house?
A:

Wood, moisture, foam board insulation, cracks in the foundation, construction debris, mulch, darkness, warmth, wet weather, etc.

Q:
How long do termites live in a house?
A:

Termites can infest a house as long as there is wood or wood by-products to consume, and no effective termite control measures have been taken. Colonies can grow to over a million within a few years.

Q:
How do I prevent termites?
A:

Eliminate wood contact with ground, reduce moisture near the foundation and in crawl spaces, never store firewood or wood debris against or beneath the home, and have the home treated by Black Diamond for termites.

Q:
How fast can termites cause damage?
A:

The amount of time it takes for a termite colony to cause damage is determined by several factors. The size of the colony is one of the largest factors when considering how quickly damage will be done. The larger the colony, the more structural damage they can do and the faster they can do it. A single termite eats about 2% of its body weight in wood daily, and a colony of 60,000 workers can eat a whole square foot of lumber in one month. As such, even a moderate size colony can do massive amounts of damage in as little as six months. On average, it can take three to five years for a termite colony’s damage to become visible. At this point, the colony will have dealt thousands of dollars of damage.

Q:
Will termites go away on their own?
A:

Termites will infest a home until there is no food source left in the home.

Q:
Do termites bite humans?
A:

No, termites do not bite humans.

Q:
What is the cost of service?
A:

Service costs depend on a number of different factors. This can be the type of treatment needed, the size of the area being treated and the time needed to properly treat the pest problem. Call 877-DEAD-BUG to speak to a helpful Office Agent for more information. You can also schedule a free estimate with an Eradication Specialist.

Q:
How quickly can I get a service scheduled?
A:

We aim to get every customer's infestation as quickly as possible. Most service calls are completed in a 24-48 hour period.

Q:
How do I get started with termite treatment?
A:

Call our office at 877-DEAD-BUG or use our online chat to speak with a representative about starting services.

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