Pest Control Services You Can Trust
Ledford’s is the leading pest control company in South Carolina, and we specialize in detecting, eliminating, and preventing all types of pests commonly found in North America, including professional termite inspection and elimination. Since 1975 we’ve helped businesses and homeowners alike ensure their properties remain comfortable, clean, and pest-free.
Our termite control company has several licensed inspectors, several of whom have over a decade of industry experience. We are a close-knit team that proudly services communities in and around Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina.
Ledford’s Termite Inspection Services
Our termite inspection process starts from the ground up. We focus on pinpointing evidence of subterranean termites, which helps us get to the source of any detectable presence in a home or commercial property. We also create a chemical barrier to deter future termites, which we repeat every seven to ten years for guaranteed on-going prevention.
During our professional termite inspection process, we look at several different potential areas for evidence of an infestation. Mud tubes, wood damage, live termites, and more are all indicators that there’s a problem. Depending on what we find, our experts come up with a personalized extermination solution. Recently, we’ve seen an increased presence of Formosan termite infestations, especially in areas that are prone to moisture. Windows, doors, roof valleys, flat roofs, and bad flashings are all susceptible to attracting termites.
We’ve also found that properties with clogged or dirty gutters are more likely to experience problems with termites. Siding that comes in contact with soil around the property is at a higher risk as well. Vinyl, wood, metal, and cement board can all attract termites if there is close contact with the surrounding soil. For this reason, we advise homeowners and business owners to always maintain four to six inches of distance between any soil and foundation.
We are no longer offering subterranean termite coverage on crawl space houses with foam insulation on the subfloor. The foam makes it incredibly difficult to find plumbing leaks, leaks around entry doors, fireplaces, and porches. Once termites get into the foam, especially if there is moisture from a leak, the termite can do a tremendous amount of damage before they can be detected. For more information, contact our office and we can send you information regarding this type of insulation as well as from the National Pest Management Association warning against adding foam board to a foundation wall.
What We Look For During a Termite Inspection
There is strong evidence left behind when termites are present, although it may not always be immediately visible to the untrained eye. When you contact Ledford’s Pest Control and book a termite inspection, we will look for the most common signs of termites. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t notice any sign of a problem until the termites have already caused wood damage to their property.
When we arrive, we’ll do more than just look at any signs of structural damage. We closely inspect mulch piles, firewood, wooden structures, fences, and any cracks in your home’s exterior, window frames, and door frames.
Damaged Wood
A simple way to test for termites is to knock on a wood structure in your home. If it sounds hollow, then the pests have likely taken up residence inside and begun eating the interior of the wood. Termites can quickly wreak havoc on wood, and it will usually be left with a warped, wrinkled, or caved-in appearance. Subterranean termites are easy to detect by examining wood structures because of a unique habit; they always create tunnels that run parallel to the grain pattern of the wood surface.
It’s critical to stop a termite infestation before it causes structural damage to your property. Termites work quickly and a small issue can turn into a major problem without professional termite extermination services.
Live Termites or Evidence of Swarmers
It’s not common to catch a live termite out in the daylight, but it does happen. In severe infestations, there may be an extremely high population of termites that are easily detectable. However, there are also ways to look for swarmers. Even without a live sighting, we may spot wings that have been shed and discarded as termites migrate to the area.
You do not have to see termites or have wings present in order to be experiencing a problem. Certain types of termites do not leave wings behind or migrate to establish new colonies. If we notice termites or signs of a swarm, we can deduce that you likely have subterranean termites present.
Mud Tubes
Another unique feature of Subterranean termites is their use of mud tubes. They build intricate underground networks to get around, giving them direct access to all the wood that they eat. These tubes are made up of both wood and soil, and these are telltale clues that termites are present.
Lack of mud tubes doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t any termites, though, which is why our in-depth termite inspection digs deeper for further evidence. Certain types of termites don’t leave any mud tubes at all, so we’ll need to conduct a thorough property inspection to make sure there are no other signs that termites are present.
Frass
Termite waste is called frass; the insects’ droppings are small, oval-shaped pellets that tend to appear in areas the bugs frequent. You may notice strange granules appearing around high-traffic areas such as windowsills, door frames, and baseboards.
The more termites that are present, the more frass you’ll find. If you are noticing these strange droppings appearing around the exterior of your residential or commercial property, then it’s a good idea to promptly schedule a termite inspection from the experts at Ledford’s.
Why Choose Ledford’s Pest Control?
For nearly 50 years, Ledford’s has specialized in termite extermination and prevention throughout Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina. Our team uses only the most trusted products, and all of our exterminators are Termidor certified. We can confidently say that we can remove any trace of termites from your residential or commercial property.
For added peace of mind, consider enrolling in a termite warranty. Because homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover termite damage additional coverage is essential. Not only does a termite warranty from Ledford’s cover the cost of your termite treatment, but depending on the contract you select it can also cover termite damage.
How to Prevent Termites
While you can’t guarantee you’ll never experience termites if you don’t have a warranty in place, there are some methods you can use to reduce the risk of attracting them to your home or business. At Ledford’s, we are always available to answer any questions you have about pest prevention and offer tips and tricks for protecting your property.
Below are our top four tips for preventing termite infestations at your home:
Keep Landscaping Away From Your Home
Soil is a major attraction for subterranean termites. It allows them to build mud tubes and easily move around the property, transporting wood to and from their colonies. Any shrubs, bushes, or trees should be kept at least four feet away from your exterior walls, but six is even better. If you have soil that touches your home’s foundation, a chemical termite prevention treatment is the best method to keep termites away.
Eliminate Moisture
Dampness and water also attract termites, especially around your foundation or in your gutters. Make sure you repair any leaks as soon as you find them and keep your property free of excess water as much as you can. Have your gutters professionally cleaned, and don’t let damp leaves or mud linger in your yard.
Don’t Use Cardboard Boxes
When it comes to home storage, opt for plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Although they’re cheap and convenient, cardboard is a primary food source for many types of pests and rodents, termites included. Avoid stockpiling any cardboard in your house, and never leave boxes in the garage, shed, or piled outside.
Prompt Roof Repairs
Termites and other pests can easily enter your home through cracks and broken shingles. If your roof needs repairs, make sure you prioritize them. It’s a good idea to schedule an annual roof inspection to prevent any long-term damage and open doors for termites.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
If you would like to get a termite inspection quote, contact us today. We can arrange the most convenient time to visit your home or business and do a thorough inspection. If we find any evidence of termites, we’ll develop a personalized extermination solution and prevention plan that will keep your property pest-free for years to come.
