What are termites?

Termites are a species of insect that live in large social colonies and divide themselves into different castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. They build their colonies underneath of the ground or in buildings that they invade. Termites tunnel through wood (preferring wood that has been previously damaged by water) and feed on it and other cellulose materials that they come across. Termites are responsible for creating over 5 billion dollars’ worth of damage to homes all across the United States.

What do termites look like?

The workers of a termite colony are the most numerous members and have a soft body and are creamy white in color. They are wingless, blind, and grow to be about ¼ of an inch in length. The soldiers look similar to the workers but have strong jaws and have an elongated yellow head. The reproductives are winged and are the largest member of the colony and are dark-brown to black in color, and grow to be about ¼ to ½ inch in length.

Are they dangerous?

Termites are not dangerous to people but are very dangerous to the structures of homes and other buildings. The tunnels that termites create behind the walls, underneath of the floors, and above the ceilings can dangerously weaken the home or building’s structural integrity.

What is a termite swarm?

A termite swarm usually occurs in the spring after a heavy rain when the termite colony has matured and has reached a certain size. The winged reproductive members of the colony will swarm from the nest during the day in order to mate. Once mating occurs they drop their wings and the females find a new location to start a new termite colony in.

What are the signs of termites and their damages?

Termites build mud tunnels that are about the width of a pencil out of dirt and saliva to travel through. If termites are living near you will notice these tubes traveling toward your home or on and up exterior walls.
Finding piles of wings underneath exterior windows and doors, the wings are left behind after the reproductives have swarmed from the colony and are often the first indicator that termites are nesting near or in your home.
Noticing piles of feces mixed in with wood shavings on the floors of your home.
Paint on walls and ceilings will start to appear blistered or splintered.
In a long term infestation the tunnels that they have created will cause floors, ceilings, and doorways to sag and look warped.

How do you get rid of termites?

Complete termite control can be a difficult process and is one that should be left up to the professionals. Here at Schendel our tried and true approach to eliminating and preventing termites is called the The Schendel Termite Elimination and Protection program (S.T.E.P.). It is a comprehensive 5 step service that includes the following:

Professional Termite Inspection: A detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home including your surrounding property.
Stop Destructive Termites Immediately: A targeted treatment of all the areas where termite activity is present using all our termite resources to stop them now!
Eliminate Termite Colonies: The termite colony elimination is started with the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System to rid you of the termites that are on your property.
Monitor & Bait: We will regularly monitor and maintain your termite colony elimination system. Annual written updates documenting any activity found are provided.
The Guarantee: All Schendel STEP customers enjoy the benefit of our Termite Damage Warranty*

Can I do it myself?

No, do-it-yourself pest control for termites is not recommended. DIY pesticides are often ineffective, don’t solve the root of the problems, and can be dangerous to people and pets if they are not mixed, used or placed properly. Also, getting rid of termites is a complex process that requires the experience and knowledge of a professional.

How soon can you get here?

Schendel understands just how stressful pest problems can be for home and business owners. We are committed to helping our customers control and eliminate pest problems as quickly as possible, and in most instances Schendel’s experts are able to respond to service requests the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes, our treatment methods are safe for use around people, pets, and plants. Our technicians use the least amount of material possible to solve your pest problem whether that is using natural products, baits, or conventional products.

Schendel follows very strict guidelines, and all of our conventional products are EPA registered and approved, further ensuring the safety of their use.

How much does it cost?

All of our pest services are priced standardly. Pricing may be dependent on the size of your home and numbers of treatments that are required to solve your specific pest problem. With termites our field solution specialist will need to perform an inspection to see if there is current activity or damage. We are able to provide our customers with FREE quotes; and our technicians are dedicated to making sure that you are aware of any changes to the price of your service before treatment begins.

We take pride in communicating openly and honestly with our customers ensuring that there are no surprises for you during the billing process.

What is the warranty?

Schendel’s Termite Damage Warranty covers the cost to repair damage to your home and belongings caused by termites, as long as you maintain your termite protection with Schendel Pest, subject to certain provisions*.

*Provisions of Schendel Termite Damage Warranty

Pre-existing damage occurring prior to the effective date of the warranty is excluded.
Warranty excludes damage occurring in inaccessible areas of the structure.
Warranty excludes certain situations whereby termite damage occurs under conditions conducive to infestation or re-infestation including but not limited to: above ground moisture sources, structural modifications, additions, soil level changes, soil grade levels above the foundation, or other repairs. Notification to Schendel of these changes is required because additional service procedures may be required.
In the event new damage occurs in the structure, live termites must be verified by Schendel. New damage is defined as damage done by subterranean termites subsequent to the treatment date. Unless live termites are found in the damaged area and verified by Schendel, the damage discovered is old damage and is not covered by the warranty.
Service agreement must be in force per extended protection provisions, including annual inspection of the treated structure.

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Termite problems can be difficult to prevent without the help of a pest control professional, but along with continuing with termite control services there are some things you can do around your home to deter them. Termite prevention tips include:

Reduce levels of moisture in or near your home by ensuring that gutters are working properly and fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
Remove and/or replace any wood in your home that has been damaged by water.
Remove decaying mulch, fallen trees, piles of leaves, and tree stumps from your property.
Seal any cracks or small gaps in your home’s foundation.