The first thing to do if you think you may have termites is to contact an exterminating professional. Termites can pose a serious threat to property and quick action can prevent further damage. Forsyth Exterminating is qualified and certified to identify and treat termites correctly and effectively. Call Forsyth Exterminating at 770.889.0954 for a full assessment and treatment plan.

It is helpful to identify the type of insect you may have spotted. There are three types of termites in the areas we treat in the North Atlanta area (Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cumming, Duluth, John’s Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Suwanee):

The Formosan Subterranean Termite is the most destructive termite we see and can cause catastrophic damage. It is identifiable by its color – a yellow shade, and its size – typically larger than other termites. They are also differentiated by their nighttime swarming habits and attraction to light. More on the Formosan Subterranean Termite.

Drywood Termites are also sometimes found in our area, but are even more common in Florida and other areas of the country, such as the Southwest. These termites are also larger than the more common Eastern Subterranean Termites, but similar in color (black). Drywood termites also fly onto a structure from another location, as opposed to burrowing in tunnels underground.

The Eastern Subterranean Termite is the most common in our area. They are a destructive pest that can feed on structural cellulose (wood pulp), but can also feed on and damage cotton, wood furniture, and even books. More on the Eastern Subterranean Termite.

For each inspection, one of our certified and trained professionals will conduct a detailed review of the conditions as well as search for any interior or exterior evidence that there are termites present, or that they have been present in the past. We always send our most experienced people to inspections because correct identification is critical to make the best recommendation. We take into account the age of the home, the structure of the home (if there is a basement, crawl space or a slab with no below-ground access) and whether there are other conditions that are conducive to an infestation (such as wood-to-earth contact). We also look for areas where the grade isn’t done properly and water can be trapped near the foundation. The typical termite inspection only lasts 15-20 minutes.

Once the inspection is complete, we will make a recommendation for your unique termite exterminating needs.

Forsyth Exterminating is specially licensed and certified to treat your home or other building for termites. We also use chemicals that are strictly regulated by the EPA, and are environmentally compatible. And that means we offer a treatment that is effective and safe for children, pets and plants. We offer different treatments depending on the type of termite and level of infestation. The most common are:

• Sentricon is a chemical-free process that involves placing bait stations around the structure and loading it with either a cellulose material or bait that attracts termites, drawing them away from your home. Periodically the stations are monitored and refreshed, depending on manufacturer’s requirements. A Forsyth Exterminating Pest Management Professional comes to your home to check the status of the stations, reloads the bait and makes recommendations if necessary.
• Trench and drill treatments are another commonly-used method that is highly effective and quick to carry out. A licensed and trained technician drills small holes around the home and injects a special pesticide into the ground that quickly, safely and effectively manages the population. Each year, a technician from Forsyth Exterminating returns to the home to check the status of the treatment and makes recommendations if necessary.

Are you a home buyer, seller, developer or real estate representative? Forsyth Exterminating offers Official Wood Infestation Reports, which are inclusive of all wood-destroying organisms. This is a requirement of most real estate transactions and protects both buyer and seller in the process. Forsyth Exterminating also offers soil pretreatment before homes and other structures are constructed, an important preventive step for any new construction in our area.