Termite
Control

Termites pose one of the most significant threats to property value. Magdaleno Pest Control offers specialized, high-level treatments designed to eradicate existing infestations and establish long-term barriers. We handle both individual homes and large-scale commercial jobs, focusing on proven chemical treatments that deliver reliable results. You will receive an honest assessment of your situation and a clear, actionable plan to eliminate the termite infestation.  

Book Termite Assessment

Termite activity typically increases in spring and early summer, when winged swarmers emerge to start new colonies. However, worker termites can remain active year‑round in heated structures or deeper soil layers. Any building with wood components in contact with soil, high moisture, or poor drainage is at higher risk. You can identify termite activity by looking for the following signs around your home:

• Mud tubes: Pencil‑thick, dried mud tunnels on foundations, piers, support posts, or inside crawl spaces. These protect termites as they travel between soil and wood.
  
• Damaged wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, has blistered or rippled paint, or reveals galleries that run along the grain when probed.
  
• Swarmers (winged termites): Dark‑colored, ant‑like insects with straight antennae, equal‑length wings, and a uniform waist, often found near windowsills or doors in spring.
  
• Discarded wings: Piles of matching wings on window sills, counters, or near light sources after a swarm event.
  

While termites are often confused with ants, there are visual differences you can use to identify the pest. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and front wings longer than back wings, while termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and all four wings the same length.

Subterranean termites prefer dark, humid, protected spaces such as:

• Soil‑to‑wood contact areas (porch posts, deck supports, steps, and siding that touch the ground)
  
• Crawl spaces with poor ventilation or ongoing moisture issues
  
• Basements, especially along foundation cracks or where plumbing passes through concrete
  
• Expansion joints, slab cracks, and behind finished walls and insulation
  

They avoid open air and light, so most of the colony is hidden in soil or inside structural elements. That’s why regular inspections are critical.

Termites feed continuously and do not sleep. Even a moderate colony can remove a surprising amount of wood over time, weakening:

• Floor joists and subfloors
  
• Wall studs and sill plates
  
• Porch and deck supports
  
• Window and door frames
  

Left unchecked, termite activity can cause sagging floors, sticking doors, cracked drywall, and costly structural repairs. Because homeowner’s insurance usually does not cover termite damage, prevention and early detection are especially important.

An effective termite program includes three parts: inspection, treatment, and monitoring.

• Detailed check of the exterior foundation, interior baseboards, garage, crawl space, and accessible attic or structural areas.
• Identification of current infestations, old damage, moisture problems, and conditions that attract termites.

• Soil treatments: Creating a treated zone around the foundation and entry points to stop termites from reaching the structure.
• Bait systems: Installing stations around the perimeter to intercept and eliminate colonies over time.
• Spot treatments: Targeted applications to active galleries or localized areas where termites are found.

• Regular checks of bait stations or inspection points to detect new activity early.
• Adjustments to the treatment plan as conditions around the building change. 

Even with professional protection, simple changes can make your home or business less appealing to termites:

• Keep firewood, lumber, and cardboard storage away from the foundation.
  
• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, gutters, and downspouts that cause chronic moisture.
  
• Ensure soil slopes away from the house and avoid allowing mulch to contact siding.
  
• Seal gaps where utilities enter and address cracks in slabs or foundations when possible.
  
• Maintain adequate ventilation in crawl spaces and avoid blocking vents.
  

By combining smart prevention, regular inspections, and professional treatment when needed, homeowners and business owners can significantly reduce the risk of termite damage and protect the long‑term value of their property.