Hidden beneath a city known for its rich history, sports, and Coca-Cola lurks a dangerous, sneaky being: termites. Located in the southern portion of the country, Atlanta is a prime breeding spot for these wood-destroying beasts. Homeowners experiencing a termite invasion may need to know how to get rid of termites in Atlanta.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Atlanta
If you find yourself battling a termite infestation, arming yourself with as much information as possible is your best defense against these wood-chewing pests.
Liquid Termiticide
As a long-lasting treatment, liquid termiticide is a traditional and commonly used method for treating termites. It is available as a repellent to keep the termites from invading and a non-repellant to kill existing termites.
This method requires pest control technicians to place the liquid termiticide into the ground around the perimeter of your house. The liquid is injected into holes that may require drilling into areas around your property, which can include porches, patios, and adjacent concrete. When placed directly in the soil, subterranean termites can also be targeted with liquid termiticide.
Pros
- Easily attained
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Invasive
- Can require drilling
Note: Termiticides also come in dusts and foams.
Bait Termiticide
One of the standard options for treating subterranean termites is using bait to bring the termites into a bait station to consume the slow-acting poison. Once termites ingest the poison, they return to their nest and spread it to the rest of the colony. Termites also leave behind a colony-specific scent that leads more termites to the bait to spread the poison.
This is not a quick-fix treatment, so be sure to pack your patience. The slow nature of this treatment also makes this method more expensive. Technicians may need to come by to check on the bait stations and add or replenish them.
Pros
- Simple placement
- Not as invasive
- More eco-friendly than liquids
Cons
- Pricey
- Termites might not find the trap
- More visits may be needed
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is a chemical-free option that harnesses the power of heat to rid your home of termites. The structural wood in your home is heated to a minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 33 minutes using heaters. The termites living inside your home will eventually die from heat exposure.
Heat is often used as a spot treatment, like in an attic, making this a go-to option for apartments and condos since only the units affected need to be treated.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly method, it may seem appealing to choose to go with heat to take care of your termite problem. However, heat is not always an effective option as it can be difficult to heat wood that is in contact with concrete or tile to a lethal temperature.
Pros
- Spot treatment
- Less time consuming
- Chemical-free
Cons
- Heating the wood can be challenging
- Not 100% successful
- There may be heat damage to home objects (This can be avoided with advanced preparation.)
Fumigation (Tenting)
Commonly referred to as “tenting,” fumigation is by far the most invasive termite treatment and is typically saved for extreme infestations. However, it is also the most effective and reliable treatment on the market.
Fumigation, or termite tenting, requires homeowners and their pets to leave home for a few days. While the homeowners are gone, technicians will place an air-tight tent over the home and pump a gas fumigant inside. It’s then left for at least 24 hours to give the gas time to seep into every part of the home, making sure no termite escapes the wrath of the fumigant.
Pros
- Most effective treatment
- Kills any and all pests
Cons
- Costly
- Prolonged process
- Homeowners must vacate the home for at least 24 hours
Note: This treatment is for your home only. To treat subterranean termites, you will need to use a second method to extinguish the termites in the soil.
Non-Chemical Treatments
In an effort to be more eco-friendly, the industry has come out with a few chemical-free options. However, these treatments are only effective for drywood termites and are also only used as spot treatments.
Microwave: Pest control technicians use microwave technology to “cook” the wood-eaters to death.
Freeze: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze termites to death by injecting it into the infected areas of your home.
Electrocute: Using a machine known as an Electro-Gun, technicians use high-voltage and high-frequency electrical currents to “fry” the termites feasting on your home.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Spot treatment
- No need to vacate your home for several days
Cons
- Not for severe infestations
- Does not work for all types of termites
- Not as widely available as other treatments
Signs of Termites in Atlanta
The hidden nature of termites often makes it difficult to spot a potential termite infestation. So keep an eye out for these signs so you know when you might have termites lurking about your house.
Termite Droppings
Have you ever seen small piles of what appears to be salt or pepper that seem out of place? If so, these pellets which are about 1 millimeter long, could be a sign of termite activity in your home. Pellet droppings are generally brown, gray, or black but vary depending on the color of the wood the termites are consuming.
Pro tip: Droppings are commonly a sign of drywood termites, and are often one of the only signs.
Mud Tubes
Pencil-sized tunnels are created by subterranean termites as a way to connect their nest to their food source. Made from small pieces of wood, soil, or other materials, mud tubes provide termites the optimal warm, moist environment they thrive in, as well as protection from predators.
Cracked, Peeling, or Bubbling Paint
Homeowners commonly see this sign of termites when there is a leak. Termites are naturally drawn to moisture, making an ongoing leak a problem for numerous reasons. For this reason, always quickly address and fix any leaks.
Check if the wood is soft, and call a professional termite specialist to inspect the area for termite activity.
Piles of Termite Wings
Reproductive termites, also known as swarmer termites, discard and leave piles of their wings once they have found a mate. They leave their nest and find a mate mid-flight then discard their wings as soon as they land to create their own nest. These piles are often found near windowsills and doors.
Pro tip: All types of termites leave behind piles of wings.
Damaged Flooring
Termites don’t discriminate when it comes to damaging floors. Whether you have carpeting or hardwood floors, termites can still cause damage to your flooring.
Thanks to the wood subfloor and joists, termites will slowly chomp away on your flooring without you ever even knowing. In fact, the softwood that subfloors and floor joists are created from is their preferred dinner buffet, making it more likely for termites to attack your subfloors before your hardwood floors.
Signs of Termite Damage in Flooring
- Weak floor joists
- Damage to laminate flooring
- Squeaky floors
- Loose floor tiles
Damaged Wood
It can often be hard to determine if you have termites due to the nature of these wood-eaters living deep inside the wood in your home. If you suspect a termite infestation, tap on the wood. If the wood sounds hollow, you may have an infestation. Call a professional termite company ASAP to confirm your suspicions.
Visible signs of damaged wood
- Blistering wood
- Pinpoint holes
- Discolored drywall
- Drooping drywall
- Crumbling wood
Drywood termites often leave behind small holes known as kick-out holes where they kick their droppings out of these holes. Other types of termites also create small holes they use as exits when it is time to move to a new area or food source.
What Are the Types of Termites in Atlanta?
Being in the southern part of the country, Georgia residents can experience damage from subterranean and drywood termites. Within each type of termite, there is a caste system that plays an important role in the running of a colony, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
Subterranean
The Formosan, dark southeastern, light southeastern, and eastern subterranean are among the most common subterranean termite species found in the Atlanta area. However, the Formosan population is more patchy and not as widespread as the eastern subterranean termite. Subterranean termites are incredibly destructive if for no other reason than they live in the soil.
They are almost impossible for the average homeowner to detect until there is already significant damage. This is why it is important to seek out a termite professional.
Subterranean physical characteristics:
- 1/8 to 1 inch long
- White to reddish, black, or brown
Drywood
While drywood termites aren’t as common in this part of the country as they are on the West Coast, they can be found making a home for themselves in Atlanta neighborhoods.
As their name suggests, drywood termites love dry wood and have been known to take up residence inside furniture.
Drywood termite physical characteristics:
- 1/4 to 1 inch long
- Light brown to cream-white colored
How to Prevent Termites
Half the battle with these pests is prevention, and the keys to termite prevention are as follows:
- Remove all dead or dying wood, including decaying trees.
- Regularly inspect all the wood in your outdoor areas.
- All wood on your home should be treated before it touches the soil.
- Keep piles of wood away from your home. They should also be kept covered and several inches off the ground.
- Repair water leaks and drainage problems ASAP.
- Once a year, hire a pest control company to do a termite inspection.
- Use a dehumidifier or install a screened vent in attics and crawl spaces to minimize moisture.
- Regularly clean your gutters and add splash blocks or downspouts.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
When estimating the cost of termite treatment, there will be a few things to take into consideration like the size of your home and infestation, as well as the termite treatment and type. Homeowners should expect to spend between $275 and $863. Nationwide, residents spend an average of $558 on termite treatment.
FAQ About Termites in Atlanta
When is Swarming Season in Georgia?
Typically you will see termites in Georgia swarm from spring through late fall. However, you may continue to see swarmers as long as the temperature stays above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swarming season by species:
- Dark southeastern subterranean: March to June
- Eastern subterranean: February to May
- Formosan subterranean: Late spring
- Light southeastern: End of July through early October
- Southeastern drywood: Spring
- West Indian drywood: Late spring through mid-summer
Which Termite Treatment Works Best?
Treatment recommendations vary depending on the size, location, and type of termite. Always consult a professional for an inspection, and they will be able to go over the treatment options best for your infestation.
Can You Have More Than One Type of Termite?
Yes, multiple types of termites can be devouring your home at the same time. Always contact a professional termite inspector to determine the type or types of termites in your home.
Kick Your Termites to the Curb!
When you are ready to give your termites their marching orders, contact a professional termite exterminator for an inspection and treatment plan.
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Termite: ApisitWilaijit / Canva Pro / License
