Skip to Content
Top

Termite Control in Columbus

Protecting Your Home from a Termite Infestation

Termites may not be something you think about often, but if your home doesn't have active protection against them, it's time to start. Termites infest hundreds of thousands of homes each year, often without the homeowners even realizing it. These pests can cause significant structural damage by feeding off of the wooden structures within the walls and foundation of your house. 

Whether or not you have an active termite infestation, it is important to invest in termite protection now to prevent any future damage. Don't wait until it's too late; protect your Columbus home from termites today.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • We are a Certified Sentricon Specialist. Sentricon is the #1 brand in termite protection!
  • Our services are comprehensive. We are qualified to provide both curative and preventative services.
  • Our methods are eco-friendly. We use the highest quality methods and products to deliver effective results that are safe for people and pets.

If you're looking for the best termite control in Columbus, Ohio, schedule your initial inspection by calling (614) 591-7767!

How To Tell If Your Property Has Termites

Termites are notorious for causing extensive damage to homes and properties in Columbus, often without immediate detection. Identifying signs of termite activity early on can help prevent costly damage and facilitate prompt treatment. Look out for signs such as mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, or visible damage to wooden structures. Additionally, scheduling regular termite inspections with 1st Response Pest Management can help detect infestations early.

Explore Our 365 Blue Care Plan

Continue Reading Read Less
365 CARE PLAN Convenient & Valuable Services Since 2006

What You Should Know About Termites in the Columbus Area

What Kind of Termite is Most Commonly Found in Central Ohio?

In central Ohio, the most commonly found termite species is the Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). This species is prevalent throughout the region and is responsible for a significant majority of termite infestations in the area. Eastern subterranean termites live in underground colonies and construct mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources. They primarily feed on wood and cellulose-based materials, causing potential structural damage to buildings if left unchecked. If you suspect a termite infestation, immediately seek professional assistance for identification and effective treatment.

My Neighbor Has a Termite Problem. Should I Be Worried?

If your neighbor has a termite problem, it's wise to consider taking certain precautions. While the presence of termites in your neighbor's property doesn't necessarily mean you have an immediate risk, termites can be highly mobile pests and may potentially spread to nearby structures, including your own.

Here's a few proactive steps you can take:

  • Keep a watchful eye for any signs of termite activity around your own property. Regular inspections can help detect early signs of infestation.
  • Consider contacting our Columbus termite control team to conduct a termite inspection on your property. We can assess the situation and determine if there is any existing termite activity or vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
  • Take proactive steps to reduce the risk of termite infestation. This includes minimizing moisture around your property, maintaining proper ventilation, ensuring proper drainage, and keeping wood and cellulose-based materials away from the soil or foundation.

What to Expect During a Termite Inspection

During a termite inspection, a trained professional thoroughly examines a property to assess the presence of termites or signs of termite activity. Here's what typically happens during a termite inspection with 1st Response:

  • Visual assessment: The inspector examines both the interior and exterior of the property, looking for visible signs of termites or termite damage. This includes inspecting the foundation, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, wooden structures, and other areas susceptible to infestation.
  • Identification of termite species: If any signs of termites are found, the inspector may identify the specific species responsible for the infestation. This information helps determine the appropriate treatment method.
  • Detection of termite evidence: The inspector looks for various indicators of termite activity, such as mud tubes (used by subterranean termites), termite wings, fecal pellets (called “frass”), damaged wood, or hollow-sounding timber.
  • Use of specialized tools: The inspector may use tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, borescopes, or tapping devices to detect hidden termite activity or moisture issues.
  • Assessment of conducive conditions: The inspector identifies any conditions that may contribute to termite infestations, such as excessive moisture, wood-to-ground contact, or conducive landscaping features. Recommendations may be provided to address these issues.
  • Report and recommendations: Following the inspection, the inspector prepares a detailed report outlining their findings, including any evidence of termite activity or damage. They may also provide recommendations for necessary treatments, repairs, or ongoing preventive measures.

It's important to note that termite inspections should be conducted only by qualified professionals with expertise in termite detection and identification. Regular termite inspections can help detect infestations in the early stages, allowing for prompt and effective treatment to minimize damage and protect the property.
 

Termite FAQ

What are termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects that feed on the cellulose found in wood and other organic matter. They have a special enzyme in their gut, which turns cellulose into usable sugar. Subterranean termites live and work together in large groups attacking decaying or water-damaged wood.

Eastern subterranean termites are one of the most widespread species of termites living throughout much of the country, including Ohio. Eastern subterranean termites create nests under the ground, moving back and forth from their nest to a food source each day. Termites don't require sleep and actively feed on wood 24/7 throughout the entire year. Eastern subterranean termites divide their colonies into different "castes" or groups (workers, soldiers, and reproductives), with each caste having its own set of responsibilities.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are dangerous because they cause significant damage to the structures they invade. Because they can work for months or even years without being noticed, termites are a nightmare for Columbus homeowners. In most cases, they have already caused costly damage by the time you find them. And, to make matters worse, most homeowners insurance does not cover the repairs.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Like any pest, termites are on your property or in your home because it's offering them food. They move inside through small cracks they find in the foundation or through wooden structures making direct contact with the soil. Once inside, if they discover water-damaged wood, insulation, or other materials made of cellulose, they will gather it to feed their colony.

Where will I find termites?

Except for the reproductive termites that emerge from the nest each spring to mate, people rarely see or come into contact with termites. Termites feed on structural wood that is at ground level; however, as an infestation grows, they begin to attack wood beams and structures located above ceilings. Termites first attack pieces of wood that have been damaged by water located around pipes.

How do I get rid of termites?

Get rid of Eastern subterranean termites from your Ohio home or business by trusting the experts at 1st Response Pest Management. We are a locally-owned and family-operated pest control company. Our goal is to provide all our customers with peace of mind and pest-free homes using our effective termite control services.

Learn more about protecting your Greater Columbus or Central Ohio area home or business from Eastern subterranean termites and other pests with the help of 1st Response Pest Management and our eco-friendly approach to pest control. Reach out today and speak with one of our helpful professionals to learn more about our commercial and residential pest services!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Prevent problems with termites by putting into place the following termite prevention measures:

  • Partner with the pest control experts here at 1st Response Pest Management.
  • Remove all wet, decaying, or dead pieces of wood or trees from your yard.
  • Create an 18-inch barrier between any mulch or soil and your foundation. 
  • Replace any wood in your home damaged by water.
  • Use dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels low in your home.
  • Make sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
  • Fix any leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
  • Seal up any cracks that form in the foundation of your house.
  • Place weather stripping around windows and doors and make sure gutters are in good working order to prevent water from seeping into the walls of your house.
Continue Reading Read Less
  • About Us
  • Pest Library
  • Areas We Serve

Contact Us Today

At 1st Response Pest Management, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy