Termites cause an estimated $7 billion in property damage yearly in the U.S., and Lehigh County is not immune. The forested landscape and intersecting waterways that cut through the Lehigh Valley make it the perfect environment for wood-destroying organisms like termites to thrive.
These silent destroyers feed on wood, often unnoticed until the damage is done. Common warning signs of termites include:
- Hollow or decaying wood
- Mud tubes along walls or foundations
- Peeling or bubbled paint
- Tiny droppings (called frass) near baseboards or windows
If you’ve noticed any of these red flags, it’s crucial to act fast. Ignoring the problem can lead to expensive repairs and ongoing structural damage.
The good news? Termites are treatable, and with the right solution, you can eliminate the colony and prevent future infestations. Below, we’ll break down the top 5 termite treatment options available in Lehigh County so that you can make the best choice for your property.
Why Termite Treatment Is Essential for Lehigh Valley Homeowners
First, it’s important to understand why professional termite treatment is so important. Termites are among the most common pests in Lehigh County and can cause thousands of dollars in homeowner damage before being discovered.
More worrisome, termites will return to the same colony even after being eradicated. For this reason, active termite monitoring or follow-up inspections are recommended after termite bait stations or treatments have been applied.
How to Identify a Termite Infestation in the Lehigh Valley
Termites don’t always make their presence known. They shield themselves from dry air and predators by burrowing in wood, making them easy to miss.
Even if your home or business in Lehigh County hasn’t been overtaken by a serious termite infestation yet, it’s worth looking for the signs of their presence so you can stop them in their tracks.
Damaged wood, mud tubes, bubbling paint, and frass are some signs of termites to keep an eye out for. Sagging doors, floorboards, and ceilings can also indicate damage caused by termites.
In rare cases, you might even spot them out in the open. They’re small, white insects that appear similar to ants.
Top 5 Termite Treatments Available in the Lehigh Valley
If you find signs of termites around your property, you must deal with them properly. How you do that depends on the extent of the infestation and the specifics of the damage. Below is a list of the top five treatment types available in Lehigh County.
1. Liquid Termiticides (e.g., Termidor®)
These treatments are slow-acting poisons applied around the foundation to create a long-lasting chemical barrier that kills termites. Foraging termites that are exposed to the chemicals will spread them to the rest of the colony, magnifying the treatment’s effectiveness.
2. Baiting Systems (e.g., Sentricon®)
These systems involve placing bait stations around the property, which attract termites. They work as an alternative to liquid termiticides, achieving similar goals.
The bait stations contain a slow-acting poison that termites bring back to the colony to better deal with the infestation. These are a more environmentally friendly solution to liquid termiticides, but don’t last as long.
3. Foam Treatments for Wall Voids
This is a form of treatment used to deal with termites in a targeted area, such as wall voids and even infested sections of wood. These are applied by drilling holes into the area of infestation and spraying the foam inside. The foam expands into the void, spreading termiticides into hard-to-reach areas and stopping them in their tracks.
4. Borate Wood Treatments
This liquid treatment can be applied directly to the wood of any structure to kill termites and prevent infestations. It can be used on studs behind walls during the building process and on any finished structure.
It can also be applied to non-wooden components like concrete slabs to keep mud tubes from forming.
5. Localized Spot Treatments or Heat
These small-scale treatments are used to deal with termites in a targeted area. Methods used can vary, with boric acid, liquid nitrogen, and heat being some common solutions used to kill termites in a small area. These are a great chemical-free or low-toxicity option for instances that don’t necessarily require drastic measures.
How to Choose a Licensed Termite Control Provider in the Lehigh Valley
While you can take matters into your own hands, calling for professional help is always a good move. Trained pest control providers can rely on experience and methods that not only deal with a termite infestation but also keep them from coming back.
They can also spot signs and damage from other pests that you may have missed. The only tricky part is picking the right termite control provider to work with in the first place.
Finding licensed pest control service providers is made easy with internet searches. It is important to look for more than just basic credentials, though. You always want to lean on customer reviews with testimonials of professional techs, good response time, and, most importantly, effective results.
Preventive Tips to Keep Termites Away After Treatment
Dealing with a termite infestation is one thing; preventing it from happening again is another. After treatment is applied, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind to keep termites from coming back.
Moisture attracts termites. It’s important to fix any leaky pipes or drainage issues around the property that can create issues.
It’s also wise to go around and make sure that there are no cracks or openings in the foundation that provide easy access to termites.
Another tip is to keep any wood piles at least 18 inches away from the foundation, regardless of the shape it’s in. Lastly, you should schedule or perform annual inspections to make sure termites haven’t returned, even if you’ve done everything correctly.
- Fix leaky pipes and drainage issues to eliminate moisture
- Seal cracks in foundations and around utility lines
- Keep wood piles and mulch at least 18 inches from your home
- Schedule annual termite inspections
By following these tips and working with a professional to monitor for termites you can ensure that termites don’t return to your property after an infestation has been eliminated.
FAQs
Is liquid termite treatment safe for pets and children?
They can be, but the proper precautions must be taken. Liquid termite treatment is toxic to humans and pets when wet. You need to avoid contact until it’s fully dried.
Can I treat termites myself, or do I need a professional in Lehigh County?
You can deal with termites yourself. However, you need to identify the extent of the infestation and use proper treatment throughout the property. Using professional services is always recommended, as professionals can rely on experience for effective treatment and lasting results.
How long does each type of termite treatment last?
Most termite treatments typically last from one to ten years. Borate wood treatments last roughly three years, localized Spot Treatments last up to five years, bait treatments last about seven years, and liquid termiticides can last as long as ten years. The exception is foam treatments, which last only a few weeks.
