Termites Inspecting for and controlling termites is a job for the professional. A thorough structural inspection by a licensed professional is the first and most important step in protecting your home. Training, knowledge, and experience are necessary to locate those areas in your home where termites are likely to occur. Your termite inspector may then create a plan to control any existing infestations and/or provide protection for the future of your home or business. Did you know that termites build their tubes at the rate of one inch per hour? At Don Wilkinson Pest Control, we believe in making your inspection an educational experience. We will teach you where your vulnerable areas are, what you may be able to do to find them quicker if you do get an infestation, and most important, what we look for in the way of damage. Current termite damage estimates in the United States alone exceeds 1.5 billion dollars per year. Termites can be found in almost every state, as well as Mexico and parts of Canada. They feed on wood and also consume paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, wallpaper, and a variety of other items containing cellulose. Cabinets, shelving, doorways, and other wood within steel framing and masonry structures even make these building targets because of their wood contents. A termite colony can contain up to several million termites. Each colony is made up of the queen, king, winged reproductives or "swarmers", soldiers, and workers. Worker termites are small, creamy white to light brown insects. They are the most numerous in the colony and cause all of the damage. A homeowner will seldom see the termites. They usually do their damage without obvious telltale signs. One obvious sign of a termite infestation occurs in the spring, and on rare occasions, the fall, when we may see "swarming". This form of termite can easily be confused with winged ants. They swarm from places like expansion cracks in concrete or joints in wood. There have been major changes in termite control in the last ten years. It has resulted in new ways to eliminate termites and protect your home. At Don Wilkinson Pest Control we use the best and most effective control measures available. We utilize Termidor© termiticide, a newer tool which is proving to be very effective. Call us today to discuss your concerns about what's probably your greatest investment - your home or business.