Columbia Termite Control and Repair Services

Ledford’s Pest Control has been providing the Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina areas with expert termite services for many decades. In the Columbia area, we also offer termite damage repair in addition to our pest control services. We specialize in the prevention and removal of termites from your home and our company has the expertise that is necessary to keep your home safe from termites and other pests.

Unless there are very obvious signs of an active termite colony in your home, it can be difficult to detect a termite infestation. Termites have the unique ability to hide within many places in your home – which makes it very hard to find the exact location of the termite damage. This is why we encourage you to contact the Charleston or Columbia termite control experts at Ledford’s Pest Control to professionally inspect your property or business. After calling one of our locations to schedule a termite inspection, an expert will visit your business or property and conduct a thorough inspection. Our Columbia termite control division can also assist you with termite damage repair and save you a lot of money by stopping and controlling the termite infestation.

The best way to prevent serious damage from a termite infestation is to inspect and try to find detection signs as early as possible. Some of the signs to look for include 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. Please make sure to contact our Charleston or Columbia termite control services immediately if you have noticed any of the signs listed above and schedule an inspection right away.

All of our Charleston and Columbia termite control services encompass all different types of termites, which include drywood termites, eastern subterranean termites, and Formosan subterranean termites. We guarantee to provide you with a termite-free home or business by using the proven techniques that has helped to make us the termite control experts in the Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina areas. The short termite guide listed below will assist you in detecting a termite problem in the early stages including pictures to help you identify the type of termite infestation. The guide also includes a short description of each type of termite that can be found in the Charleston and Columbia areas and successful prevention tips. If you are in need of a termite inspection from our Charleston or Columbia termite control experts please feel free to contact us immediately. In Columbia we also provide termite damage repair as well.

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 Charleston and Columbia 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. Active Formosan subterranean termites can cause a substantial amount of structural damage in a very short period of time, 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 Charleston and Columbia 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 Charleston and Columbia termite control experts at Ledford's Pest Control.

Please make sure to schedule regular termite inspections at your home or business. The goal at our Charleston and Columbia termite control locations is to stop and prevent a termite infestation at the earliest stages. The longer amount of time you allow termites to reproduce and spread will result in more damage being done to your property. If there are any signs of a termite infestation, please make sure to contact our termite control experts right away and schedule an inspection. Our Charleston and Columbia termite control services are dedicated towards keeping your home safe from termite infestation.