Termite Residential Services

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage in the US each year - that's more than fires, hurricanes and tornadoes combined! Termites are tough, determined, and highly efficient. Since, most of their work is invisible, you rarely see any evidence of termites until the structural damage is done and something gives way.

Subterranean termites, which is the most common in Tennessee, live in colonies in the soil, from just down under the surface to as much as 12 feet down. Each colony is built around a king and queen whose sole job is reproduction. Worker termites move between the colony and sources of food (wood fibers and other forms of cellulose), which they eat, digest and share with other members of the colony. These workers rarely break through the surface of wood; they hollow it out from the inside.

There are currently three options for combating termites:

Traditional Liquid Pre-treat - With this method it is important to have proper planning ahead of time before any footing, slab, or any concrete has been poured. At the minimum a traditional pre-treat involves treating the footers and any entry points of the slab such as plumbing and electrical. Depending on the needs of the project the entire area below the slab will be treated as well.

Bora Care Pre treat - This method lends itself to a little more of a time margin. (As opposed to having to schedule before concrete pours). It is performed after the roof has been installed. The bottom two feet of the framing is treated with borates, which soak into the wood thus protecting it from termite attack. (This method would not be applicable to metal frame construction).

Termite Baiting System - With this method the "treatment" is not performed until the structure is finished and the landscape is complete. Then bait stations are put in the ground around the structure. These stations are then monitored, and baited when necessary to eliminate any termites that may come into the area of the structure.