Why Valley is Greater Cincinnati’s Top Choice

Valley Termite & Pest Control is the #1 service provider for termite prevention, inspection, treatment, and repair in the greater Cincinnati region. Valley’s pest management professionals have extensive training and licensing in all areas of termite control, and can keep your home or business termite-free. Having protection for your home before termites attack is crucial, but not only are Valley technicians able to exterminate an existing termite infestation, they can also help prevent them from swarming again later.

We are also one of the only companies in Cincinnati to offer damage repair services caused by termites and other wood-destroying insects.

You should realize that all structures are susceptible to termites, even brick ones, and when it comes to termites, "out of sight" doesn't always mean "out of mind". Signs of a termite infestation are difficult to spot, and many termites tunnel hundreds of feet to reach a home or feeding site. In fact, termites can feed on your house without you knowing it, and can enter through an 1/8th inch crack. Valley’s thorough inspections determine where and how termites are getting in. Afterwards, a termite treatment plan is put into action, and if damage repair services are needed, Valley has you covered.


What Do Termites Look Like?

Termites can easily be confused with ants. Termites have six stubby legs, whereas ants have six long legs. Ants have a narrow waist compared to a termite. The wings on a termite measure twice as long as the body. The wings on the termite are all generally equal size and shape, whereas the back two wings on an ant are smaller than the front two. The majority of termites do not have any eyes (except for winged termites). The antennae on a termite can be best described as a string of pearls. The body of a termite is a soft body, whereas the body of an ant is more plated and harder.

Termites are surprisingly long-lived insects. Queen termites can live up to fifty years under ideal conditions. Workers and soldiers live approximately 1-2 years. Termite infestations can be difficult to identify before the insects have reached full maturity, and because a queen termite's life span is so long, populations left unchecked are capable of completely destroying infested structures. Buildings actually become unsafe and may collapse.


Ant or Termite?


DETECTION

Termites remain in hiding. Almost all types of termites live completely in the dark except when they are building, or the winged ones are flying. You'll rarely ever see a termite just crawling around on your floor. You usually only see them if there is a crack or opening which would allow you to see where they are living. Termites that live strictly in wood leave behind little sand-like fecal pellets. However, if you have subterranean termites, they don't leave behind noticeable fecal pellets.

TIPS & TRICKS

Identify and fix all water leaks in your home, both internal and external. Termites need water and it does not matter where they get it.
Remove any brush or heavy growth from around your home. Vegetation can create areas of intense moisture.
Eliminate any standing or pooling water from around your home.
Store all excess building materials and firewood away from the house.
Use treated lumber for any wooden structures that will have direct contact with the ground.
Avoid using wood mulch; as an alternative, try using rubber mulch.
Remove any dead trees, old stumps, or roots in your yard. As these items decay, they attract termites.
Seal any cracks or holes within the foundation of your home to prevent easy access for wandering termites.
Keep all gutters and waterlines clean of debris. Clogged gutters and waterlines leak, creating pools of water close to the house.
Make sure your home is properly ventilated, including your attic and internal crawl space areas. Adequate airflow prevents the buildup of moisture needed by termite colonies.

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