Termite Control

Residential & Commercial Termite Inspections And Treatment For Tidewater, Hampton Roads & Southside Virginia

Typical Types of Construction

1. Slab Foundation: meaning the home was built on a concrete slab and there is no access to the underside of the home
   
   
2. Crawlspace Foundation: meaning the home has been elevated on foundation block allowing access to the underside of the home. Typically a snug fit, thus the name, where one would have to crawl to fit under their home.

Termite Warranties & Annual Inspections

The subterranean termites we experience here in Coastal Virginia are known to be as active as any of the other termites experienced along the coastal southern states. Termite pressure in the coastal Virginia area is very heavy as compared to other areas of the country making our Tidewater, Hampton Roads, and Southside Virginia homes at high risk for termite activity/damage.

90% of termite inspections are “Visual”. Inspectors are looking for clues and signs of possible termite activity. Some signs of activity may be termite mud shelter tubes, termite stains, insect wings or body parts, bubbling paint, bubbling sheetrock, dirt specs on walls, hollow baseboard trim and or moldings. Inspectors also look for environments that are conducive in promoting termite activity. Finding an “active” termite is rare as they are cryptic insects by nature. Termites have very little defenses against predators such as other insects and are also affected by UV light and lack of moisture.

Conducive conditions that top our list for termite activity are as follows: standing water, leaky pipes, leaking toilet wax seals, leaking shower pans, wood discoloration, falling or damaged insulation, lack of or damage to the moisture barrier, disconnected ductwork, exterior moisture damage to door jambs, windowsills, siding and other structural components, wood and/or siding to ground contact.

Taking annual wood moisture readings and recording these on our inspection reports give us solid metrics to gauge the health of the structure. Should the wood moisture readings start to rise, we can offer proactive steps to both stop the high moisture levels and take control of the airflow and moisture conditions in the crawlspace.

On our inspection reports, we state the following to help customers understand the seriousness of elevated crawlspace moisture content:

FOR THE HEALTH OF YOUR CRAWLSPACE, the wood moisture content (WMC) of the crawlspace components are recorded, i.e. girder, joists, and subfloor. BE AWARE: A wood moisture content of 18% or greater promotes wood decay and insect infestation. Corrective action should be considered in any areas where the reading exceeds 18% to avoid possible damage to structure.

Termite inspections should be done annually and even semi-annually whether a home is on a slab foundation or a crawlspace foundation. Annual termite inspections should look at all aspects of the structure to include garage, interior and exterior, detached structures as well as the crawlspace.

Proactive termite inspections can prove extremely valuable towards stopping termites sooner than later from doing damage.

Once completed, annual termite inspections are sent to the customer. This report contains the moisture readings and notes about additional concerns. Technicians take photos of any areas of concern and will review them with the customer as well. The report and photos are available for viewing online in the customer portal.

Annual Termite Warranty Inspection

Termite Treatment

National Exterminating provides a wide range of termite treatment starting with a Termite Pre-Treatment done for new construction, Full Termite Treatments with Warranty, Termite Booster Treatments and Trelona Monitoring System.

Termite treatments on existing homes consist of using top quality termiticides applied to the soil and voids by drilling masonry block, brick veneer, concrete expansion joints. Additionally, we treat the exterior soil around the homes foundation perimeter, digging approximately 6” wide by 6” deep trench and applying a barrier of treatment. This technique is typically called a “Trench and treat” method of termite treatment.

A Termite Booster treatment is the re-application of chemical to hotspots such as dirt filled porches, garage expansion joints and the exterior perimeter of soil. A booster treatment is recommended every 10 years or so to maintain maximum protection from the heavy termite pressure in the coastal Virginia area.

A great secondary defense against termite pressure on our Tidewater, Hampton Roads, and Southside Virginia homes is installing the Trelona Active Now termite monitoring systems around the home or structure. This system is designed to intercept foraging termites and hold them in a bait canister while they consume an active termiticide. A slow kill mechanism in the active ingredient allows the termites to transfer the poison back to the nest infecting the entire termite colony and eliminating it.

National Exterminating’s inspectors can review your home's needs and design a system of termite protection that best fits your budget and level of termite protection.