What are termites?
Termites are insects that feed on cellulose found in wood and plant or organic matter. The most widespread species of termite in the Boston area and across the United States is the subterranean termite. As their name suggests, subterranean termites build underground nests. They also have high moisture needs and prefer to feed on wet or decaying wood. These termites are social and live together in large groups. Termites are active year-round and work day and night to gather enough food to sustain their colony.
You must proactively protect your home from being damaged by wood-eating termites. These insects are highly organized, and once they discover that your property offers them their basic needs of food, shelter, and water, they won’t be in any hurry to leave. Partner with a Boston termite control expert to guard your home against these pests. General Environmental Services is here to help you keep these wood-eating pests out of your home.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites aren’t a physical threat to people like other pests, but they threaten our homes, wooden structures on our properties, and bank accounts. Termites pose significant dangers to the structural integrity of houses and the contents of bank accounts. The damage termites cause to our homes can become extensive and is typically not covered by homeowner insurance policies. A termite infestation is a costly problem; across the country, each year, termites are responsible for causing more than five billion dollars in damage.
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Why do I have a termite problem?
The two biggest attractants for subterranean termites are moisture and wood. Worker termites leave their nest each day to search for reliable food sources. They move through the soil or mud tubes they build above the ground. Damp soil around our homes' perimeter caused by overgrown vegetation, lack of gutters, leaky pipes, and dripping air conditioners or hoses creates the excess moisture termites love. The small size of termites allows them to move into our homes through the tiniest cracks in foundations. Worker termites also get inside through pieces of wood in our homes, making direct contact with the ground, preferring to move through soft or rotting wood.
Once inside, they move towards moisture areas and feed on structural wood, wooden floor joists, wood fixtures, drywall, wooden beams, and other cellulose-rich items.
Where will I find termites?
Outside in our Boston yards, termites create nests in moisture-rich areas. They use fallen trees, dead trees, tree stumps, and other organic debris as food sources.
When termites enter our homes, they remain largely out of sight. Termites travel through our houses behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings, moving into pieces of wood and feeding on its interior. Because these “silent invaders” are rarely seen, it can take months or years for a homeowner to realize a termite infestation has taken over their home. In many cases, homeowners discover termite damage before seeing actual termites.
Because termites are silent invaders, being proactive and guarding your home from these damaging pests is vital. Scheduling regular termite inspections is critical to maintaining a termite-free home.
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“I have been their client for 40+ years for a reason!”- Sheb S.
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“I’ve used General Environmental for many years and they have never fallen short of providing excellent service and results.”- Edward H.
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“Adam was punctual, gracious, and thoroughly professional. It was a pleasure to deal with him and GES.”- Amit S.
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“GES has been very accommodating since we signed on with them a year ago. James Conley, our technician, is outstanding!”- Susan C.
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“Stanley is amazing! Best pest tech I’ve ever had at my work - couldn’t ask for a better technician!”- James W.
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“As always, the technician, Peter, arrived promptly as scheduled, and took care of the situation with a professional and pleasant approach. Thank you!”- David M.
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“I always appreciate the great response from GES. All team members are professional, from the customer service on the phone to the actual specialists in the field. Great job. Thank you!”- Jane D.
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I've been a customer for years, and I never have had any regrets. All the personnel are polite and professional, and the job quality is outstanding. Hats off to Craig with his wonderful personality and excellent service. I plan to remain a customer for a very long time.- Emily D.
