Termite Control Inspection Treatment and Certification

 Here in South Jersey, termites are subterranean, meaning they live underground. They avoid exposure to air and light by traveling through mud tunnels. These superhighways are constructed by a termite colony for the purpose of navigating from one food source to another. Because termites don't travel in the open air or sunlight they often remain undetected for years.  If termites have infested your home, there are several signs that you may come across. Mud tunnels, long narrow tubes made of mud are most often visible adhering to the concrete on the foundation of your home. You may also find damaged wood which either indicates the presence of termites or another type of wood boring insect such as carpenter ants or powder post beetles. Swarming termites are the colony's reproductive and the most obvious sign of a termite infestation. Swarming termites appear in the spring and die shortly after. Their death can deceive homeowners trying a DIY termite treatment into thinking they've actually destroyed the termite colony when in reality the colony thrives undetected. If you suspect any of theses signs, call Cato termite and Pest Control. Our knowledgeable termite control professional will thoroughly inspect your home. If termites are detected, the proper course of action can be taken to preserve the safety and integrity of your home. 

 

 There are a few signs of termite infestation that a home owner can look for. The most obvious of which is the swarming termite. A swarming termite is the reproductive member of the termite colony. Subterranean termites, the kind we have here in south Jersey, send out swarming termites in the spring. It is important to note where swarming termites are found because this can indicate the location of the main nest of the colony. You'll want to be sure that this area is paid particular attention during a treatment.Look for swarming termites on porches, stoops, garage door jams, where garage slabs attach to basements, patio's,  door entrances, around  window frames, and in crawl spaces with dirt floors. Although these areas are the most common areas where swarming  termites are found, swarming termites will go any place where they find above ground access. Swarming termites are often mistaken for flying ants but you can easily tell the difference. A swarming termite only has two body parts, a head and a long abdomen where as, the ant will have three distinctive parts. The flying ant does not lose its wings but swarming termites will. The sole purpose  for the swarming termite's wings is to carry them from the colony to a new location so that they can start a new colony.

 

It may take up to three seasons for a colony to grow large enough to send out swarming termites.So the lack of swarming termites does not necessarily mean the lack of a termite colony. A thorough inspection done annually by a licensed professional will ensure the most peace of mind against termites. But between inspections you can keep an eye out for the more obvious . Look for softened exposed wood on sill plates and floor joists or any other exposed wood. You'll also want to look for mud tubes. (pictured) Mud tubes are the highways that termites have made for themselves in order to travel from one area of your home to another. The mud tube keeps the termite from exposure to light and regulates moisture and temperature. It is usually thin, just the right size for a stream of termites to move in both directions. If a mud tube leads to a good food source it will be larger to allow more termites to travel at one time. You'll need to look for these tubes on the walls of  your home's foundation, and on sill plates above the foundation

If evidence of an infestation is present Cato technicians will safely treat the existing termite population as well as place a chemical barrier around your home to guard against future infestation. We will warranty our service and inspect your home annually to insure against future infestation. We will resolve any problems that may arise as long as your home is protected by our warranty. Our skilled carpenters can repair any damage that a termite infestation may have caused no matter the extent. Cato Termite & Pest Control offers a comprehensive program of Termite prevention/detection and treatment. Our licensed Termite experts will thoroughly inspect your home looking for areas of vulnerability, infestation, and damage. We will advise you on any necessary changes that you can make that will reduce your risk of infestation such as replacing rotted wood, removing old tree stumps and more. We can also provide added peace of mind with the installation of the

  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

    

Pictured above left -The damage that a colony of termites can do to wood. Over time this damage can weaken the structure of a home. Cato professionals are skilled at even the most extensive damage repair.

Pictured center - This is what termites look like. You may never see them since they travel in a system of mud tubes that they have built for themselves.

Third picture- These are the tubes that termites travel in. They are usually just wide enough for two way termite traffic.

Last- These are swarming termites. They are the reproductive member of the termite colony, sent out in early spring. swarming termites shed their winds. you may see piles of discarded wings indicating the presence of a colony below.

 

 

​

 

                           

 

 

 

​