How Bad is a Termite Infestation in Dale City, VA? How Do I Get Rid of Termites?

Termites have been more than a nuisance to people for centuries.  They are very destructive and can contribute to costly repairs.   To the locals in Virginia, the subterranean termites are known to infest homes and businesses.  Termites can creep into your home or business under the ground through the soil and work their way in.  Once inside, they will create a colony, and left unnoticed for 5-7 years, other colonies could be made and continue their assault through your home, yard and eventually spilling into your neighbors homes.  Termites are no easy thing to get rid of, especially from the layman’s perspective. Having CSI Home & Commercial Services on your side can guarantee removal of termite infestations. Today we at CSI Home & Commercial Services would like to relate to you what you need to know about termites infesting Virginia homes and businesses. 

VA Termite Infestation Probability

Virginia is located on the TIP (Termite Infestation Probability) Moderate to Heavy Zone for termite infestations.  This means that regardless of where a home is located in the state, there is a strong probability for a termite infestation. With a high rating, newer homes are required to have more termite control features to meet with building codes.

What Kind of Termites are in Virginia?               

Though the subterranean termites are native to the area, and are most likely the culprit to infestations, drywood termites can be transported to Virginia in wooden products carrying them, such as; furniture or wine crates.  Once they have arrived, they can potentially set up colonies.  There are three major termite groups; subterranean, drywood, and dampwood.  There are some distinctive physical characteristics you can spot to help determine which classification is in your home. 

What Does a Subterranean Termite Look Like?

Subterranean termite alates, or swarmers, are dark brown or black in color.  They range from ¼” – 1/2” in length and come equipped with 2 pairs of wings, close to equal length.  Workers are wingless and are cream colored.  Workers are tiny, never exceeding more than ¼” in length.  Soldier termites are also void of wings, but do have large mandibles, or jaws, as they are the colony’s defenders.  Their heads are usually a bit darker than their creamy-white bodies, looking a bit browner. 

Where Do Subterranean Termites Nest?

The subterranean termites build their nests underground.  The damaged wood they are consuming usually has accrued some soil or mud buildup within the tunnels they have eaten out on the wood.  Subterranean termites will feast on softwood, or other cellulose materials,  so the wood will looked layered as they leave behind the hardwood.  They will also feed going with the grain as opposed to across it, making their presence more obvious.  Subterranean termites do not always nest underground, in well established colonies, and favorable conditions, they have been known to create nests above the ground as well.  There has to be sufficient moisture for the nests to be supported. They will construct large mud tubes, to give them ability to find food in higher places, along with building up above ground nests. 

Termite Swarmers in Spring Season

Swarmers consist of reproductive males and females, they are the ones with wings, and once they have matured, they will fly off to create new colonies.  Their activity is in the spring, which is when they are more noticeable.

Termite Inspections & Treatment               

If you discover or suspect you have an infestation, call your dependable professionals at CSI Home & Commercial Services.  Our specialists are masterfully trained to efficiently remove the termite infestations so you can get your home restored.  Call us today to schedule your appointment!