Ann Arbor Termite Control

Termite Elimination and Prevention in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Termites pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of any home and often cause extensive damage before their presence is even detected. These silent destroyers feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, which can jeopardize the safety and value of your property. Attempting to address termite infestations with DIY methods may seem tempting, but such efforts are often ineffective and can lead to further complications. Termites operate in hidden, hard-to-reach areas, requiring specialized knowledge, tools, and treatments to eliminate them thoroughly.

At Frame's Pest Control, Inc., we have the expertise needed to identify the extent of the infestation and apply targeted solutions to address the problem at its source. Our local, family-owned company has been eliminating pests for over 50 years and is equipped to take on termite infestations of all sizes. We recognize that termites are a problem that just can’t wait, which is why we offer same-day, next-day, and Saturday service appointments (when available). You can expect straightforward communication, friendly technicians, fair pricing, and solutions that put your needs first.

If you suspect an infestation, don’t wait to get in touch with our Ann Arbor termite control professionals. Call (877) 803-5966 or contact us online to get a free phone estimate today!

The Dangers of a Termite Infestation

A termite infestation in your home poses several dangers, with structural damage being one of the most serious consequences. Termites feed on wood and cellulose materials, which are integral components of your home's structure and include its beams, floors, and walls. Over time, this feeding compromises the stability of these essential elements, making the structure of your home weak and unsafe. The damage caused by termites often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, at which point pricey repairs will likely be required to restore the integrity of the building. Left unchecked, a severe infestation can even lead to partial or total collapse of sections of your home, putting you and your family at significant risk.

Termites also threaten the financial investment you make in their property. Termites devalue homes by rendering them less appealing to potential buyers and leading to costly remediation and repair bills. A history of untreated termite infestations can complicate real estate transactions, as buyers may hesitate to proceed without careful inspections and additional assurances about the property's condition. 

Finally, termites can contribute to hidden problems in areas such as electrical systems and water pipes. Subterranean termites, for example, sometimes build their tunnels along electrical wiring or plumbing, which can result in minor to severe complications. Damaged wiring may lead to electrical hazards, including shorts or even fires, while damaged water pipes could cause leaks, mold growth, or flooding.

Are Termites Active During Ann Arbor’s Cold Winters?

Termites are typically less active during the cold winter months, especially in areas like Ann Arbor, where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. However, this does not mean that they are entirely inactive or that there’s no risk of infestation. Subterranean termites, for example, have strategies to survive harsh winters. They often burrow deeper into the ground, below the frost line, where the soil remains warmer. By doing so, they can continue to maintain their colonies and sustain enough activity to survive until temperatures rise again.

Inside heated homes or buildings, termites may remain active throughout the winter. Warm indoor environments provide the perfect conditions for them to forage for food and continue causing damage undetected. Cracks in foundations or poorly sealed entry points can allow termites to remain inside during the cold months, where they could still propagate structural damage or feed on wood.

In other words, while outdoor activity may slow considerably, the threat of termites does not disappear entirely during Ann Arbor's winters. Any infestation that’s already taken root inside your home may continue to escalate, making it vital to monitor for signs of these pests year-round. 

Signs You Have a Termite Problem

Recognizing the warning signs of a termite infestation early can help protect your home from extensive and costly damage. Spotting the indicators of an infestation requires careful observation since termites often remain hidden inside walls, floors, or the soil around your home.

We encourage you to reach out to our Ann Arbor termite control pros right away if you discover any of the following signs of an infestation:

• Discarded wings. One of the earliest and most obvious signs of a termite infestation is discovering discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points. Termites swarm to reproduce and establish new colonies, dropping their wings in the process. This sign indicates that swarmers, or reproductive termites, are active and potentially establishing a new colony inside or near your home.
• Mud tubes. Subterranean termites create mud tubes as a protective tunnel system between their colony and food sources. These tubes are generally found along foundational walls or other structural surfaces and are about the width of a pencil. They provide termites with the moisture and shelter they need while traveling from the soil to wood sources. If mud tubes are present in or around your home, you are likely dealing with an active infestation.
• Hollow-sounding wood. Termite damage often remains concealed in the interior of wooden structures, such as walls, floors, or furniture. Tapping or knocking on suspected wood and hearing a hollow or empty sound can signify that termites have consumed the wood from the inside. Over time, this can jeopardize the structural stability of your home.
• Faint clicking noises. If you listen closely to walls or wooden structures in particularly quiet environments, you might hear faint clicking or rustling sounds. Worker termites create these noises while eating wood or moving through it. Additionally, soldier termites may bang their heads against walls to warn the colony of possible threats.
• Tight-fitting doors and windows. Termite damage can cause wood to warp, swell, or change shape. If doors and windows in your home suddenly become difficult to open or close properly, it could be a sign of moisture build-up and internal damage caused by termites consuming the wood.
• Termite droppings. Drywood termites, unlike their subterranean counterparts, do not rely on soil to survive. Instead, they leave behind small, wood-colored pellets known as frass. These droppings can often accumulate near infested wood and are a clear sign of termite activity.

How Can I Make My Home Less Attractive to Termites?

Every home is different, and factors such as location, climate, building materials, and landscaping can influence termite activity. When we help you with termite control in Ann Arbor, we can evaluate these elements and recommend steps you can take to greatly reduce the likelihood of termite infestations. 

Here are some preventative actions that can help keep termites away:

• Eliminate moisture issues. Termites thrive in damp environments, so addressing any excess moisture around your home is critical. Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and hoses promptly to prevent water build-up. Ensure your home's drainage system directs water away from the foundation, and consider using dehumidifiers in areas prone to dampness, such as basements or crawl spaces. Proper ventilation in attics and other enclosed spaces can also help keep moisture levels under control.
• Keep wood away from your home’s foundation. Wood-to-soil contact is one of the primary ways termites gain access to a home. Store firewood, lumber, and other wood materials well above ground level and at a safe distance from your house. Trim any shrubs, trees, or plants that touch your home's exterior, as these can act as bridges for termites. Additionally, avoid using untreated wood for landscaping near your home's foundation.
• Remove dead wood and stumps. Dead trees, stumps, and wood debris are highly attractive to termites. Regularly inspect your yard for these materials and remove them as necessary. Pay particular attention to any rotting wood near your home, as it can provide a convenient food source and shelter for termites. 
• Address cracks and gaps. Sealing cracks and crevices in your home's foundation, walls, and exterior is essential to limit termite entry points. Use caulk or other appropriate sealants to close gaps around utility lines, pipes, and vents. Pay special attention to areas where wood meets the foundation and make sure there are no exposed entryways for termites to exploit.
• Use termite-resistant materials. When renovating or expanding your home, consider using termite-resistant materials like treated wood, steel, or concrete. Treated wood is infused with chemicals that discourage termites from feeding, while non-wood materials are less appealing to them. These solutions are especially useful for structural components, decks, and fencing.

We can quickly eradicate termite colonies and work to prevent them from returning. Call (877) 803-5966 or contact us online today!