What we do
Eastern subterranean termites do their damage out of sight, and it builds over years. Often the only sign you'll notice is a swarm of dark, winged insects near a window or door, or a pile of shed wings. In neighboring Pennsylvania, swarms usually come between February and June. Other signs are earth-colored mud tubes on the foundation, posts, or sills, and wood that sounds hollow. A termite inspection tells you whether termites are active, where they are, and what conditions around your home invite them. If we find them, we'll walk you through treatment.
Is it time for a termite inspection?
A swarm that stops on its own is still worth a call. Shed wings are often the only sign you'll see.
- Winged bugs or piles of shed wings near windows and doors
- Mud tubes on the foundation, posts, or sills
- Wood that sounds hollow or looks eaten out
- You haven't had an inspection in the last year
What will you know when we leave?
Whether termites are active, where they are, and what's drawing them in. You'll also know your next step, whether that's treatment or a few fixes you can make yourself.
How we treat it
Foundation check
We look for mud tubes along the foundation, posts, sills, and trim.
Wood and moisture check
We check wood for damage and look for the damp spots termites need, including near furnaces, chimneys, and water heaters.
Swarmer identification
We tell termites apart from winged ants so you know what you're dealing with.
What to expect
1. Inspect
We ask what you've seen, walk the outside foundation, and check the basement or crawl space, garage, and wood near the soil.
2. Show you
We show you what we found, what it means, and whether treatment makes sense.
3. Next steps
If termites are active, we'll explain treatment and give you a quote. If not, we'll point out conditions to fix.
How to get ready
- Pull stored items a couple of feet away from basement and garage walls so we can see the foundation.
- Make sure we can get to the crawl space door, if you have one.
- Clear out under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Saw bugs or wings? Save a few in a sealed bag for us.
Common questions
How much is a termite inspection?
$150. If we find termites and you have us do the treatment, we waive it, no matter when you book. You get a quote before any work starts.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Not necessarily. We need to get into the garage, the crawl space, and any areas where you've seen damage. It helps if you're home so you can show us what you've seen.
Do you check the attic?
Not usually. Our termites come up from the soil, so they're rarely active in an attic. We focus on the foundation, crawl space, garage, and wood near the ground.
Are those flying bugs termites or ants?
Termites have a thick waist, straight antennae, and two pairs of wings that are the same length. Ants have a pinched waist, bent antennae, and front wings longer than the back ones.
When do termites swarm?
In neighboring Pennsylvania, swarms usually come between February and June. Swarmers are drawn to light and often gather near doors and windows.
How can I make my home less inviting to termites?
Keep wood at least 18 inches off the soil, move firewood and wood debris away from the house, keep gutters and drainage working, and fill foundation cracks.
Is there a warranty if you treat?
Our termite treatments come with a 1-year termite warranty. After the first year, you can keep it active with a yearly inspection and renewal fee. If you sell the house, the termite warranty transfers to the new owner.
I need a termite letter for a home sale. Is that this?
That's a WDI report, which is a different visit. See our termite letters page or call us to schedule.
Seeing something? Call us.
(302) 697-8969Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
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