At Pest Pros of Michigan, our team of subject matter experts is equipped with the knowledge and years of experience necessary to tackle the challenge of subterranean termites in Kalamazoo. While termites play a vital role in our ecosystem by breaking down dead wood and enriching the soil, they unfortunately don’t discriminate between fallen trees and the wooden structures of our homes. This oversight by nature can lead to significant financial strain for homeowners, with termite damage in the U.S. costing about $5 billion annually in repairs and restorations.
In Kalamazoo, MI, the risk posed by termites is particularly pressing due to the prevalent threat of subterranean termites. Understanding this risk is crucial for homeowners to protect their property. Pest Pros of Michigan offers specialized termite services designed to control and remediate termite activity effectively, ensuring that termites don’t stand a chance against our expert interventions.
Termites are a significant problem due to several critical factors:
Structural Damage and High Repair Costs
Termites feed on wood, which can lead to severe structural damage to homes and buildings, including weakening of the wooden support structures, floors, walls, and furniture. The damage not only compromises the integrity of a building but also results in high repair costs. In the United States, termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually, which is generally not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies.
Difficult to Detect
Termites are cryptobiotic, and can be notoriously difficult to detect as they often remain hidden within walls, floors, and other inaccessible places, eating away at wood from the inside out. By the time homeowners notice the damage, the infestation can be extensive.
Because of these issues, effective termite management and prevention are crucial for property owners to protect their investments and ensure the safety and longevity of their buildings.
Detecting subterranean termites early can help prevent extensive damage to your property.
Here are four signs that may indicate the presence of subterranean termites:
Mud/Shelter Tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to protect themselves from predators and maintain a humid environment for their colonies. These tubes are typically found on exterior and interior walls leading up from the ground and can also be present in crawl spaces.
Wood Damage
These termites typically consume wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you tap infested wood, it may sound hollow, and areas may feel soft when prodded with a sharp object.
Swarmers
The appearance of winged termites, or swarmers, inside your home can indicate an active infestation. These termites are reproductive and emerge to start new colonies. While swarming can occur outside, swarmers inside the home are a clear indicator of an infestation.
Discarded Wings
After swarmers have flown, they shed their wings, often leaving small piles on windowsills, in spider webs, or other areas around the house. These wings are all similar in size and shape, distinguishing them from other insect wings.
Termite FAQ’s
What makes subterranean termites different from other termites?
Subterranean termites require contact with soil to maintain moisture, unlike other types, such as drywood termites, that can live solely in wood. They build distinctive mud tubes to protect themselves from exposure and to retain moisture while they travel between their colony and food sources.
How can I tell if I have a subterranean termite infestation?
Look for signs like mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding wood that may crumble on probing, swarmers (winged termites) inside the home, or piles of discarded wings near windows or light sources.
What are the risks of subterranean termite infestations?
These termites can cause severe structural damage to homes by consuming wood from the inside out. They often go undetected until significant damage has been done, potentially leading to costly repairs.
How can I prevent subterranean termite infestations?
Preventive measures include maintaining a dry foundation, using termite-resistant wood in construction, regularly inspecting your home for signs of termites, and keeping wood structures away from soil contact. Professional termite treatments and barrier installations can also be crucial in preventing infestations.
Case Study
Uncovering and Resolving a Catastrophic Eastern Subterranean Termite Infestation
This experience was a sobering reminder of the destructive power of termites and the critical role that pest control professionals play in protecting homes, investments, and peace of mind.
Don’t Let Termites Take Over Your Home!
If you suspect you have a termite problem, don’t wait. Contact Pest Pro for a professional inspection and effective treatment. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and tools to eliminate bed bugs and restore your peace of mind.
From Our Blog
Termites: Michigan’s Not-So-Secret Enemy
There’s a saying in Michigan amongst people in our industry… it goes like this, “you either have termites, have had termites or are going to have termites.”
Why Pest Pros?
- We Get the Job Done Right: Pests hide in the toughest spots. With over 40 years of combined experience, we know where to look and how to tackle the problem.
- Safety & Expertise: We use only high-quality, EPA-approved products and invest in ongoing training for our technicians. Your family’s safety is our priority.
- Guaranteed Results: Our proven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach eliminates pests and prevents them from returning. If they do, we’ll come back at no additional cost.
If the Pests Come Back, We Come Back
Pest Control Treatment Includes
In Depth Inspection
Our pest specialist will perform a in-depth inspection of your home; we are looking for conducive conditions that pest thrive in. You tech might fight signs of rodent activity, active ant trails, or moisture-related issues.
Preventive Pest Service
Your pest service program will include monitoring stations for pest activity and target applications for pest found. Slow release granular application around your home and a protective spray barrier to stop pest from moving in.
What Pests Want
Yes, we give pests what they want: Food! Our pest specialist carry a variety of food that pests cannot resist, and they know how to carefully apply the right solutions in common nesting spots for effective elimination.
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Testimonials
“Jason came out to provide a termite estimate. Due to his confidence, knowledge, and professionalism I hired him on the spot. About an hour later he had us set up to begin exterminating our termites with monitoring stations. I went with Pest Pros not because they offered the lowest cost estimate, but because of Jason.”
– Krystal Scott-Rhodes
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“These guys are awesome! On time, personable, friendly, honest and knowledgeable. I am so glad I called a local business like Pest Pros that I know will not try to take advantage of me. Would highly recommend Jason and this business! Thanks guys!”
– Kristen Miller
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“I had an awesome experience with Pest Pros and Hayden! He was professional and very thorough. I think he did an awesome job addressing our ant concerns and seemed very knowledgeable. I had a bunch of questions and he took the time to answer all of them. Thank you!”
– Katie
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