Well, howdy folks. Fred Talley here from Faith Pest Control, and I want to talk to you about a problem that keeps me up at night and should probably keep you up, too: termites. They’re a silent, destructive force, and as we look ahead to 2026, the threat they pose to homes here in Jasper is as real as ever.

The Enemy at the Gate: What We’re Dealing With

Here in North Georgia, we’re a hotspot for termites, and there are two main culprits we see. The first is the Eastern Subterranean Termite, which is the most common kind in the whole country. They live in massive colonies underground and travel through mud tubes to get to the wood in your home. They are relentless.

The other one that’s a growing concern is the Formosan Termite. We call them “super termites” for a reason. They’re an invasive species, and they have the biggest colonies and the biggest appetites. The scary part is they can build their nests above ground, in your walls or attic, without ever needing to touch the soil. That makes them harder to find and even more dangerous.

Termites love our warm, humid climate. The moisture we get in our soil and the constant humidity in our air are like an open invitation for them. And once they get into your home, they work from the inside out, so by the time you see the damage, it’s often too late.

The Signs to Watch For

Termite damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance. That’s why being proactive is so important. Here’s what you need to look out for:

Mud Tubes: These are pencil-sized tunnels you might see on your foundation, walls, or in your crawl space. They are the termites’ highways from their colony to your home.

Swarmers or Discarded Wings: In the spring, termites with wings will swarm out of a colony to find a new place to mate and start their own. If you see these winged bugs or, more commonly, their discarded wings on your windowsills, it’s a sure sign you have an established colony either in or very close to your home.

Damaged Wood: Tap on wood beams, door frames, or floors. If they sound hollow or look blistered, it could be a sign of termite feeding.

Staying Ahead of the Problem

The good news is that we’re not defenseless. The technology and methods we have for termite control today are more advanced than ever. We’ve moved beyond simple spraying to create robust protection plans.

We use modern liquid treatments that create a protective barrier around your home. Termites can’t see, smell, or taste this barrier, and when they cross it, they transfer it back to their colony, eliminating the entire nest. We also use baiting systems that are placed around your property. The termites eat the bait and take it back to the colony, wiping it out from the inside.

At Faith Pest Control, we also use advanced tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras to find termites in places you can’t see, like behind your walls. The key is to catch them early.

Don’t wait until you see the damage. Termites are a problem that requires a professional and a proven plan. Here in Jasper, we’re your neighbors, and we’re committed to protecting your most valuable investment. Give us a call, and we’ll give you an honest assessment and a solid plan to keep your home safe.