{Discrete} Termite Control in Charleston, WV
Your home represents decades of hard work and family memories—something worth protecting from termites that can silently cause thousands in damage. At Alford Pest Control, we've been eliminating termites for families throughout the Tri-State Area since 1963, using the scientifically-proven Sentricon System that termites prefer over wood.
Here's why homeowners across Charleston trust our termite exterminator services:
- Professional WDI inspections that catch problems before they become expensive repairs
- Certified Sentricon specialists install stations around your property with minimal disruption
- Total colony elimination—not just individual termites, but the entire colony including the queen
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with free retreatment if termites return
- Same expert team that handles your rat and mice problems (without the drill, trench, or chemicals of liquid treatments)
- Continuous protection with regular monitoring by our trained technicians
Call us today for your termite inspection—because when it comes to protecting your biggest investment, you deserve a local company with 63 years of experience and straightforward, no-pressure service.
Additional Services in Charleston
Protect Your Investment With Professional Termite Control
Protecting Your Family Home from Termite Damage
When it comes to safeguarding your home from termites, you deserve a straightforward, reliable solution that works. Termites can cause thousands in structural damage before you even notice them. Our proven termite control process at Alford Pest Control offers homeowners in Greater Charleston the protection they need without any confusing contracts or hidden fees.
Our No-Nonsense Termite Control Process
We make termite protection simple and effective with our systematic approach.
- Thorough Property Inspection - Our certified technicians inspect both inside and outside your home for termite activity and damage
- Customized Treatment Plan - We develop a targeted solution based on your specific situation using the Sentricon System
- Sentricon Station Installation - We install bait stations in a protective ring around your property's perimeter
- Colony Elimination - The Sentricon bait attracts termites and eliminates the entire colony, including the queen
- Regular Monitoring - We conduct scheduled follow-up inspections to ensure continuous protection
- Free Retreatment Guarantee - If termites return, we'll come back at no additional cost
Unlike DIY treatments that rarely solve the problem, our professional service in Greater Charleston provides long-lasting protection without disrupting your property, family routines, or landscaping. No drilling, trenching, or chemical concerns to worry about.
Why Choose Alford Pest Control for Termite Protection
Our termite service stands apart from the competition for good reason.
- Locally owned and operated company that understands the specific termite challenges in our region
- Certified Sentricon Specialists using the most thoroughly researched termite control system available
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprise fees or confusing contracts
- Family and pet-friendly treatments that effectively target termites without risking your loved ones' health
- 100% satisfaction guarantee that backs our commitment to solving your termite problems
Don't wait until termites cause expensive damage to your home. Contact our team today to schedule your professional termite inspection and take the first step toward protecting your valuable investment.
Warning Signs of Termite Damage in Your Home
Termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage before most homeowners even notice they're there. These wood-destroying insects work quietly behind walls and under floors, potentially undermining your home's integrity and value.
Watch for these common termite warning signs in West Virginia homes:
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Mud tubes along foundation walls or floor joists
- Tiny holes in drywall or damaged wood surfaces
- Sagging floors or buckling wood
- Discarded wings near windowsills or doors
- Wood that crumbles easily when prodded with a screwdriver
- Swarmers (winged termites) inside your home
Many homeowners mistake termite damage for water damage until it's too late. Our certified Sentricon specialists at Alford Pest Control know exactly what to look for during a professional inspection, identifying early warning signs before they become expensive problems. With subterranean termites particularly active in our region, regular inspections provide crucial protection for your most valuable investment.
WDI Inspections in Charleston
WDI Inspections for Home Buyers and Real Estate Agents
Our thorough wood destroying insect inspections protect your real estate transaction. Our certified technicians inspect properties for all major wood-destroying pests including termites, powder post beetles, old house borers, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees. We work directly with real estate agents to ensure quick scheduling and same-day report delivery, helping keep your closing process on track. After the inspection, we provide a detailed WDI report documenting any evidence of activity or damage, with treatment recommendations if needed. With Alford Pest Control, you'll get the professional documentation lenders require without unnecessary delays.
Effective Sentricon Termite Treatment That Protects Your Home
The Sentricon System works by placing bait stations around your property that termites prefer 10 times more than wood. Once termites find these stations, they carry the bait back to their colony, eliminating the entire population—including the queen. After a thorough termite inspection, our trained exterminators install this scientifically-proven system with minimal disruption to your property.
Alford Pest Control uses Sentricon because it delivers superior results for our customers:
- Eliminates the entire termite colony, not just individual termites
- Requires no drilling, trenching, or damage to your landscaping
- Environmentally responsible (EPA award-winning formula)
- Provides ongoing protection with visible monitoring stations
- Works on both active infestations and as preventative treatment
Have concerns about termites damaging your home? Our certified technicians are ready to answer your questions about termite treatment options and provide the protection your property deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have my home inspected regularly for termites?
Yes, regular inspections are crucial, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of termite activity. Annual inspections can help identify potential problems early and prevent extensive damage. Termite problems are often hidden from view, so professional inspections are the best way to spot an issue before it becomes severe.
How can I prevent termites from entering my home?
Here are a few preventive measures:
- Keep wood away from your foundation—don’t store firewood, mulch, or wood debris close to your house.
- Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation and around windows, doors, and pipes.
- Repair leaks promptly to reduce moisture in areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Consider a termite barrier or treatment for additional protection, especially if you live in an area prone to termites.
How do termites enter my home?
Termites enter your home through small cracks or gaps in your foundation, walls, or around pipes and electrical lines. They can also find their way in through wood-to-ground contact or overexposed, untreated areas like wooden decks, fences, or firewood piles.
How long does it take termites to cause damage?
Termites can begin to cause significant damage surprisingly quickly. The exact timeframe depends on factors like the size of the infestation and the type of termites, but in general:
- Subterranean termites (the most common type) can cause visible damage in as little as 3 to 6 months in a heavily infested area. These termites typically start in hidden areas and work their way into the wood of your home, eating it from the inside out.
- Drywood termites may take several years to cause noticeable damage, as they usually infest smaller areas of wood and are more difficult to detect early on.
In the early stages of an infestation, termites often cause little visible damage. The wood they eat from the inside may look normal on the outside, making it easy for homeowners to miss the signs. However, as they continue to feed, structural damage can escalate quickly, compromising the integrity of your home’s framework. It’s crucial to address any signs of termites early, as even a small infestation can lead to significant damage if left untreated. Regular inspections can help catch potential problems before they become costly.
What are the most common types of termites?
There are three primary types of termites that can infest homes and properties: Subterranean, Drywood, and Formosan termites. Each type behaves differently, has unique characteristics, and requires different approaches to control and treatment. Subterranean termites are the most destructive and widespread type of termites in the United States!
What happens if I don’t treat a termite infestation?
If left untreated, termites can cause significant structural damage that could lead to expensive repairs. Over time, termites can weaken beams, flooring, and even the foundation of your home. Early intervention is key to preventing costly damage.
How can I tell if it’s a carpenter ant or a termite?
- Body Shape: Termites have broad, straight bodies with no defined waist; carpenter ants have a narrow, pinched waist.
- Antennae: Termites have straight antennae; carpenter ants have bent (“elbowed”) antennae.
- Color: Termites are pale or light-colored; carpenter ants are dark brown, black, or reddish.
- Wood Damage: Termites eat wood, leaving rough, mud-lined tunnels and mud tubes; carpenter ants tunnel into wood, leaving smooth galleries and piles of sawdust.
- Wings: Termite wings are equal in length and longer than their bodies; carpenter ants have larger front wings and smaller hind wings.
Still unsure? Both Carpenter ants and Termites are dangerous wood-destroying insects!
Please call us as soon as possible to schedule an inspection.
