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Termites
Termite treatments
We offer termite treatments, via a termite bait installation or a liquid defined termite treatment. Termite treatments include a one year warranty which is renewable annually. A liquid defined treatment is renewable for 5-10 years before another treatment is needed to continue the warranty. We utilize the Trelona ATBS Annual Termite Bait Systems, which you can learn more about below. We can issue a WIIR (Wood Infestation Inspection Report) for when you purchase, sell, or refinance your home. We are committed to protect your home against these wood destroying organisms. Call us today to learn more!
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common wood destroying organism in North America. They build distinctive tunnels (as seen in the video to your left) to reach food and to protect themselves from open air. Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring and live underground in colonies with as many as two million members. Typically, liquid termite treatments are effective for 5-10 years depending on the termiticide used. If it has been over 10 years or you are unsure when the last time your home was treated, then it is likely time for a treatment.
About our termite products
There are two ways to treat for termites.
- A liquid treatment consists of applying a chemical barrier to the soil around the property to create a barrier between your home and the ground. A liquid treatment creates a barrier surrounding your home to block all potential routes of termite entry.
- Bait stations
- Trelona ATBS Annual Bait stations are installed around the perimeter of your home. Each stations contains two cartridges with termiticide in them. These stations not only monitor for termites but are also actively treating as long as they are in the ground and being service. Stations are serviced annually.
Warranties
Warranty
- Meriwether Pest offers a retreat warranty with both treatment options. The warranty would include a retreatment of the area of infestation when it is found, but not the repair of the damaged areas. The warranty is renewable annually and is required when the termite bait stations are utilized, but optional for a liquid termite treatment.
Official Georgia Wood Infestation Report (WIIR/WDO report/Termite Letter)
Official Georgia Wood Infestation Report is a standard document that is typically required for the sale of property in Georgia or when refinancing your home. This report states whether or not there is evidence of any active or previous infestations of a wood destroying organism. The report also lists if there are favorable conditions for wood-destroying organisms, such as moisture and wood-to-earth contact.
Other Wood destroying organisms
We identify and control powder post beetles, wood destroying fungus, and old house borers. We will also assess the moisture reading under your home and advise ways to reduce it if necessary.
Powder post beetles are a type of wood boring beetle. They lay their eggs in the wood, and the larvae will then hatch from the eggs. A major sign of powder post beetles is the frass that is present. Frass is a mixture of wood particles and the larvae excretion.
Wood decaying fungus thrives in moisture levels 28% and above.
Powder post beetle and wood decay fungus treatments, both also require a moisture barrier be installed with treatment. Both treatments involve treating the sub-floor with a Borate product.
Crawl space maintenance
Some problems we often see in crawlspaces:
Ductwork in a low crawlspace often creates moisture issues due to lack of air flow and increase in moisture. Also worthy to mention, this mess makes it difficult to inspect the crawlspace for issues.
The pictures highlight sagging duct work filled with water from condensation. The condensation occurs due to high humidity and warm air in contact with the cool ducts. Another issue is the duct is not strapped properly. The insulation is also wet to the touch from the condensation. These costly issues would have been prevented if the duct work would have been placed in the attic from the beginning. A dehumidifier still might have been needed, but it definitely would not have the issues it has now.
Moisture readings of the wood members of the crawlspace may also be taken. Each of our technicians has a moisture meter on their service truck. Ideally the moisture levels should be 15% or less. Above 20% is considered high and above 28% can lead to fungal growth and other wood destroying organisms.
Moisture levels can be reduced with the installation of a moisture barrier. We typically install 6 or 9 mil poly moisture barriers and have several dehumidifiers we can recommend or install for you.
Humidity levels are also important to measure in Georgia. Ideally, the crawlspace should be less than 60% humidity year round. If the humidity exceeds 60%, a dehumidifier is recommended. Humidity measurements can be taken with an over-the-counter hygrometer to monitor. We offer several dehumidifier options with either a gravity drain or condensate pump. A dehumidifier may also be needed to assist in controlling moisture levels in the wood components if a moisture barrier does not reduce the moisture levels enough.