A seaside town such as Norfolk can seem like paradise for many Americans. But unfortunately, it’s also a termite’s paradise. When these pests come knocking on your door, make sure you are equipped with the knowledge of how to get rid of termites in Norfolk.
Termite Treatments in Norfolk
As a coastal community, Norfolk is a prime location for termites to choose to call home. This means homeowners need to be equipped with the knowledge of what to do when termites come crawling onto their property.
Liquid Termiticide
This popular termite treatment is inserted into holes around the perimeter of your home, which may require drilling into a porch, patio, or adjacent concrete slab. Liquid termiticide is available as both a non-repellant and a repellant chemical and is the most commonly used treatment method.
Pros
- Widely available
- Long-term solution
Cons
- The most invasive treatment
- Drilling may be required
Pro Tip: Termiticides are also available as dusts or foams.
Bait Termiticide
Just like it sounds, this treatment uses bait to entice termites into a bait station to consume the slow-acting poisoned cellulose. The termites then return to their nest to spread the poison around their colony. They also leave behind a colony-specific scent that helps lead more termites to the bait station, continuing to spread the poison.
Naturally, there are a few drawbacks to this treatment option. This is a slow-acting method that can take months to produce results, meaning technicians may need to come to monitor the stations more often to replenish the poisoned cellulose. More visits also mean the cost of the treatment will be higher.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Not as invasive as liquids
- More eco-friendly than liquids
Cons
- Takes time to work
- Can be pricey
- Extra monitoring required
Heat Treatment
For those seeking a chemical-free treatment, heat might be a viable option. Heaters are used to heat the infected areas to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 33 minutes to kill the termites. This treatment is often used for spot treatments in places like attics. It’s also the go-to option for apartments and condos since nearby units aren’t always affected.
As an eco-friendly treatment, heat might seem like a win-win option, but it does have a few faults. It’s not always a reliable method as it can be difficult to heat wood to a lethal level that is in contact with tile or concrete.
Pros
- Less-time consuming than fumigation
- Available as a spot treatment
- Non-toxic, chemical-free
Cons
- No guarantee it will be effective
- Often difficult to heat the wood
- Heat damage is possible
Fumigation (Tenting)
The most invasive termite treatment is fumigation, also known as “tenting,” which is the most effective type of termite treatment on the market. Since this extreme treatment requires homeowners to vacate their homes for a few days, fumigation is saved for extreme infestations.
The process of termite tenting includes placing an airtight tent over the home and pumping a gas fumigant inside. The fumigant is given at least 24 hours to do its job and hunt down every last termite clinging on for dear life in a far corner of the home.
Pros
- Most effective treatment of all
- Will kill all types of pests
Cons
- Most expensive treatment option
- Drawn-out process
- Residents have to vacate the property for at least 24 hours
Bonus: Fumigation is effective not just on all types of termites, but also on any other pests lurking about your home. However, fumigation is effective only on termites inside your home. A second treatment option will be required for subterranean termites living in the soil.
Non-Chemical Treatments
Residents looking for clean, chemical-free treatments can choose from a few different methods. However, it’s important to note these treatments are effective only for drywood termites.
Freeze: Pest control technicians use liquid nitrogen and inject it into the infected areas to freeze the termites.
Electrocute: An Electro-Gun is used to electrocute termites by combining high-voltage and high-frequency electrical currents.
Microwave: Termites are “cooked” to death by using microwave technology on the area they are inhabiting.
Pros
- Spot treatments
- Free of toxic chemicals
- Not necessary to vacate your home
Cons
- Only effective for drywood termites
- Not used for serious infestations
- Not always available
Signs of Termites in Norfolk
Termites live deep inside the hidden bowels of structures, often making it difficult for average homeowners to spot these pests feasting on their home. But if you spot any of these signs, call a pest company immediately to confirm a termite infestation and extinguish these wood-eaters.
Signs of termites:
- Piles of termite wings: Swarmer termites discard their wings after they have found a mate and land where they plan to make a new nest. Termite wings are often found on windowsills and near doors.
- Cracked, peeling, or bubbling paint: This can be either a sign of a possible leak or a sign of a termite infestation (or both), as termites are drawn to moisture.
- Termite droppings: These termite pellet droppings often look like small piles of salt and pepper.
- Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-sized tunnels that run from their nest to their food source as a way to protect themselves from predators and maintain an optimal warm, moist environment.
- Damaged wood: To check if you have a damaged area, tap on the wood. If it sounds hollow, call a professional termite control pro for an inspection.
- Damaged flooring: Termites can also damage your flooring, even if you don’t have hardwood floors. The softwood subfloors and joists under your floors are a termite’s gourmet meal.
Types of Termites in Norfolk
As a coastal state, Virginia residents can face attacks from a few different termite species within the subterranean and drywood groups. Both types of termites have a caste system in place to keep the colony smoothly running, including soldiers, workers, and reproductives.
Subterranean
The subterranean termite is the most destructive termite in Virginia, with two species being the most prevalent in the Norfolk area. The eastern subterranean is by far the most common termite species in the area. The Formosan, while not as prevalent, has been found in Norfolk.
These termites live underground in the soil, making detection by the average homeowner nearly impossible. Always contact a professional ASAP if you notice any signs of eastern subterranean termites.
Subterranean physical characteristics:
- 1/8 to 1 inch long
- Reddish to brown, black, or white
Drywood
As you might expect, drywood termites love dry wood and therefore are often found living inside furniture. These termites are found more in Western states but have been known to hitch rides inside furniture transported from Western or Southern states to East Coast states, including Virginia.
In Virginia, they can often be found slowly chewing their way through furniture. The West Indian drywood is the most common species that likes to travel in furniture and create a new home within a Virginian’s home furnishings.
Drywood termite physical characteristics:
- 1/4 to 1 inch long
- Cream-white to light brown colored
How to Prevent Termites
The best way to deal with termites is not to have to deal with them at all. Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to keeping these pests from chewing their way through your home.
- Regularly clean your gutters to minimize moisture buildup, and add splash blocks or downspout extensions.
- Inspect all wood in outdoor spaces and stay on top of regular maintenance in all outdoor living areas.
- If you notice any dead or dying trees during your annual inspection, promptly remove them or any other decaying wood.
- Firewood should be kept away from your home, covered, and several inches off the ground.
- Keep an eye out for potential leaks or drainage problems, especially in times of excessive rain, and fix any issues ASAP.
- A screened vent or dehumidifier can help keep moisture levels at a minimum in attics and crawl spaces.
- All wood that will come in contact with the ground needs to be treated before it touches the soil.
- Hire a pest control company to do an annual termite inspection.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Treating for termites can become quite pricey. Naturally, the size of your home and infestation is going to play a large role in determining your termite treatment cost, along with the type of termite and treatment.
The average homeowner spends about $558 on termite treatment, but nationwide you can expect to pay between $275 and $863.
FAQ About Termites in Norfolk
When is Termite Swarming Season in Norfolk?
Termite swarmers come out of hiding during the spring. Once the temperature consistently stays at or above about 50 degrees, you can count on swarmers to begin to appear.
Can You Have More Than One Type of Termite?
Yes. More than one kind of termite can infest your home at one time. Call a professional pest control company to inspect your home to determine the type or types of termites inhabiting your house.
Does Insurance Cover Termite Treatment?
No. It is very rare for homeowners insurance to cover termite-related costs. Most companies consider termites as a preventable issue and therefore won’t cover necessary treatments.
It’s also unlikely that insurance will cover termite damage. Since this is typically damage that takes an extended period of time to develop, insurance companies aren’t usually willing to pay for it.
Send Termites Off to Sea For Good!
When you are ready to ship the termites infesting your home off to sea, call a professional termite company to inspect and recommend treatment options for your home.
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