Charleston Termite Control

The termite control experts at Ledford’s Pest Control have been providing the Charleston, South Carolina area with professional services such as termite removal and termite prevention. Termite control is just one of the trusted pest control services that we currently offer, and we specialize in providing the expertise necessary to keep your home safe and secure from termites and other pests.

Termite infestations can be very difficult to detect, and unless there are very obvious signs of an active termite colony in your home, you most likely not know about it. Termites tend to feed in areas that are hidden from view which makes it nearly impossible to tell the location of the termite damage. For this reason, it is important to contact a professional termite control company such as Ledford’s Pest Control to inspect your property. Our pest and termite control offices are conveniently located in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina so we can easily assist you.  Once you call our office to request a termite inspection, a termite control expert will be sent to your property to conduct a full inspection of the premises.

In order to remedy the termite infestation as soon as possible, you should always look for early detection signs.  This includes discarded wings; wood that emits a hollow sound when tapped; paint that is mildewed, cracked, or bubbling; dirt sheltered tubes; and pencil-sized tubes of mud. If you have noticed any of these early detection signs, please contact us immediately about our termite control services.

Our Charleston termite control and other termite services encompass all types of termites, which include eastern subterranean termites and Formosan subterranean termites. The proven techniques used by the termite control experts at Ledford’s Pest Control are guaranteed to provide you with a termite-free home or property in the Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina areas! We have provided you with a short termite guide to assist in detecting a termite problem in the early stages.  This includes a short description of each type of termite that can be found in the Charleston and Columbia areas and prevention tips.  If you are in need of an inspection from our termite control experts please feel free to contact us immediately.

Subterranean Termites

Measuring between 3/8 to a 1/2 inch in length, the subterranean termite is the largest of these pests. Their colonies are located underground, and they usually stay in contact with the soil to survive. Because they will die if they are exposed to air for long periods of time, they build mud-like tunnels that allow them to search for food above-ground. The tunnels shelter them from the air and permit the workers to retrieve food for the nest. They can even burrow through cracks in concrete, so no building is impervious to this creature. However, precautions can be taken which will reduce the risk to your home. Make sure firewood is always stored away from your house; verify that at least four inches of foundation is visible around the entire base of your home, making sure that the siding does not extend into the soil, or mulch and soil are not piled against the siding; ensure that all rain gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home; and repair roof and plumbing leaks as soon as possible, as these problems can allow subterranean termites to survive above ground in your home. If you suspect an infestation, please make sure to contact the Columbia and Charleston termite control experts at Ledford's Pest Control.

Formosan Subterranean Termites

Often nicknamed the “super termite” because of its highly destructive habits and huge colonies, the Formosan subterranean termite was originally transported to the United States from Asia. Average in size, this type of termite is anything but average in behavior. A single colony can contain several million members, as opposed to the other types of termites whose colonies contain, on average, only several hundred thousand members. With their large numbers, they are able to consume wood at an accelerated rate, and this makes them extremely dangerous to homeowners, as they can damage structures quickly and efficiently. The best way to prevent an infestation from this type of termite is to do the following: repair any sources of excess moisture such as leaky plumbing, air conditioning condensation, improper drainage, and inadequate ventilation; and eliminate all soil that is in contact with your house siding. Formosan subterranean termites are difficult to control once they have fully infested a structure, and it is for this reason that you should call Ledford’s immediately if you suspect any termite activity. Our professional termite services are guaranteed to quickly remove these pests as quickly as they have appeared. If you suspect an infestation, please make sure to contact the Columbia and Charleston termite control experts at Ledford's Pest Control.

Drywood Termites

One of the largest types of termites, the drywood termite ranges from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch in length. Usually a pale brown color, drywood termites have soft, tender bodies that are cylindrical in shape. Again, as their name would infer, drywood termites only reside in wood that has little moisture content and, because of this, are commonly found in wooden attic framing where there is no contact with soil and therefore, some of the driest conditions. Whereas other termites require some contact with soil to obtain water, drywood termites receive their water internally, from the digestion of cellulose. Drywood termites only require about 12 to 15% moisture and are usually found behind asbestos shingles and around doors and windows. To prevent an infestation of drywood termites, there are several things you can do: seal all exposed wood with a uniform coating of paint, varnish, or other sealant; seal all nail holes and cracks in exposed wood; and use the smallest mesh screen possible on all of your windows, doors, and most importantly, ventilation openings for attics. A small localized infestation of drywood termites can be treated locally however a severe infestation will require removing the wall board and treating all wood members and/or fumigation. If you suspect an infestation please make sure to contact the Columbia and Charleston termite control experts at Ledford's Pest Control.

It is very important to schedule regular professional inspections of your home from our Columbia and Charleston termite control experts in order to stop a termite infestation as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that the problem will be promptly and efficiently dealt with. The longer amount of time that the termites have to reproduce and spread, the more damage that could be potentially done to your home. If you suspect any type of termite infestation, please do not hesitate to call Ledford’s Termite & Pest Control. Our Columbia and Charleston termite control services will keep your home safe from termite infestation for years to come!