The first thing to do if you think you may have termites is to contact an exterminating or pest control professional. Termites pose a serious threat to property and quick action will prevent further damage. Forsyth Exterminating is qualified and certified to identify and treat termites correctly and effectively. Liquid termite treatments and termite baiting systems are available at all times. Call Forsyth Exterminating at 770.889.0954 for a full assessment and treatment plan.

Julie Ramirez, managing partner of Forsyth Exterminating, answers some of the most common questions about Termites, pest control and exterminating.

It is helpful to identify the type of insect you may have spotted. Since Termites are similar than ants, one must know whether or not the property in question has termites, ants, or other insects. If Termites are identified as the infesting pest, then the type of termite needs to be pinpointed. 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 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. They are white or black and they are mistaken as larva many times. Springtime, Eastern Subterranean Termites fly out of the colony and the flying or swarming termites are black with 2 pairs of wings. Termites located inside protective mud tubes are mostly white.

The Formosan Subterranean Termite is the most destructive termite researched, we do not see much of this type of termite in North Georgia, but 5-10 cases have been reported in the past 20 years. Formosan Subterranean Termites 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 rarely found in georgia, even more difficult to find in our area; Drywood Termites are 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 swarmers are similar in color (black). Drywood termites also fly onto a structure from another location, as opposed to burrowing in tunnels underground.

For each inspection, one of our certified and trained professionals will conduct a detailed review of the conditions that are conducive to termite infestations 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 for termite treatments. Forsyth Exterminating pest management professionals 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 20-60 minutes.

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

Forsyth Exterminating is specially licensed and certified to treat your home or other building for termites. We also use products 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:

Termite Baiting Systems are a process that involves placing a baiting mechanism just outside the structure and loading it with a cellulose (wood pulp) that attracts termites, drawing them away from your home. Four times a year, a pest control specialist from Forsyth Exterminating comes to your home to check the status of the trap, reload the bait or make recommendations if necessary to reduce conditions that are conducive to a termite infestation.

Liquid Termite Treatments or Trench and drill treatments are another commonly-used method that is highly effective and quick to carry out. A certified technician trench and/or drills small holes around the home and injects a special product 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.

While Forsyth Exterminating offers more common residential and commercial treatment plans, we also offer Wood Infestation Reports, which are inclusive of many 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.