Termite Control in Charleston, West Virginia
Your home represents decades of hard work and cherished family memories that deserve protection from termites. We understand the frustration when DIY treatments waste your time and money without solving the real problem. Our certified Sentricon specialists conduct thorough inspections to detect termite activity before it causes expensive damage to your property.
Here's why homeowners in Charleston trust Alford Pest Control for termite control:
- Comprehensive termite inspections with same-day service availability
- Sentricon bait system that eliminates the entire colony, including the queen
- No drilling or trenching required, preserving your landscaping and foundation
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with free retreatment if termites return
- Local, family-owned business serving the community for 62 years
- Licensed professionals who also handle other pests like rats and mice
We're just a phone call away when you need reliable termite protection that won't disrupt your daily life. Our straightforward pricing and no-pressure consultations make the process simple from start to finish.
Additional Services in Charleston
Our No-Nonsense Termite Treatment Process in Charleston
We've developed a straightforward approach to termite control that respects your time and property while delivering exceptional results. Our termite inspection includes:
- Thorough property inspection by certified specialists to detect all signs of termite activity
- Custom treatment plan creation based on your specific infestation situation
- Installation of Sentricon bait stations in a protective ring around your home
- Complete colony elimination, including the queen termite
- Regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure continuous protection
- Clear communication throughout, with upfront pricing and no surprise fees
The Sentricon system we use is scientifically proven to be more effective than liquid treatments, with minimal disruption to your landscaping and no drilling required. Our treatments are family and pet-friendly while being deadly to termites.
Why Trust Alford Pest Control With Your Termite Problems
As a locally-owned business, we understand the specific termite challenges homeowners face in our region. Our QualityPro accreditation demonstrates our commitment to high standards, proper training, and reliable service. We back our termite control with a 100% satisfaction guarantee—if termites return, we'll retreat at no additional cost to you. When you choose us, you're getting honest, dependable service from professionals who treat your home with the same care they would their own.
Warning Signs Termites Are Damaging Your Home
Termites often work behind the scenes, causing serious structural damage before most homeowners even know there's a problem. Understanding the early warning signs can save you thousands in repair costs and protect your biggest investment.
Look for these common signs of termite activity in your West Virginia home:
- Mud tubes about the width of a pencil running along foundation walls
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped with a screwdriver
- Crumbling or damaged wood that looks "channeled" with tunnel patterns
- Discarded wings near windowsills or doors, especially in spring
- Tight-fitting doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Small piles of wood-colored droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds
- Bubbling or uneven paint on wood surfaces
Many local homes with brick exteriors are particularly vulnerable to hidden termite damage, as the pests can enter through tiny cracks in the foundation and work undetected for years. The region's humidity and seasonal moisture patterns create ideal conditions for subterranean termites to thrive. If you've spotted any warning signs, a professional termite inspection can determine whether you're dealing with an active infestation and identify the most effective treatment options.
WDI Inspections in Charleston
Our professional Wood Destroying Insect inspections give homebuyers and real estate agents the confidence needed to move forward with property transactions. Our certified inspectors thoroughly examine properties for termites, powder post beetles, old house borers, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees—all pests that can cause significant structural damage.
We work directly with real estate agents to streamline the closing process, often completing termite inspection reports the same day we receive the request. When you partner with Alford Pest Control, you'll receive comprehensive documentation that satisfies mortgage lender requirements and helps protect your clients' investments. Should we discover any issues during the inspection, we can provide immediate treatment options on the spot.
Proven Sentricon Termite Treatment
When termites threaten your home, our certified exterminators install the Sentricon System - a scientifically-proven termite treatment that eliminates entire colonies, including the queen. After a thorough termite inspection, we place bait stations around your property that termites prefer 10 times more than wood, ensuring they carry the treatment back to the colony and destroy it.
Alford Pest Control uses Sentricon because it delivers superior results, such as:
- Eliminating entire termite colonies, not just individual termites
- An Installation with minimal disruption to your home and landscaping
- Providing continuous protection with visible monitoring stations
- Uses environmentally responsible chemistry (EPA award-winning)
- Works for both active infestations and prevention
Have concerns about termites damaging your home? Our team is ready to answer your questions and protect your property with the most thoroughly researched termite control system available.
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.
