The workings of subterranean termites differ from those of all other wood-destroying organisms.  These termites remove only the soft layers (spring wood) within the annual rings of the wood grain, penetrating the hard layers only to get from one soft layer to another.  This frequently leaves a damaged piece of wood looking very much like the pages of a book.  The most distinctive feature of subterranean termite damage is the presence of a brown mud like material that lines the galleries in an irregular pattern.

Subterranean termites travel constantly from their nests in the ground to the wood, or to the other cellulose-bearing material upon which they feed.  They make these trips only inside wood or in the mud tubes that they construct.  Single tubes, when they are built in the open, are about the diameter of an ordinary lead pencil.

Termites may excavate the wood so that only a very thin layer of wood is left on the surface between their cavities and the outside.  When this layer is broken, they will cover the hole with the same material used to make their tubes.  This mixture of soil, feces, and saliva is also frequently used to cover the crack between two boards so that the termites can move about in a protected environment.

The presence of live termites in mud tubes or within wood is, of course, certain evidence of their presence. Failure to find live termites, however, does not necessarily mean that they are not present in the structure. An inspector must be able to distinguish the difference between new and old workings.  As a general rule, old mud is dry and brittle and breaks away easily.  Fresh workings will be moist

Sterling has effective solutions to help residential and commercial properties get rid of their termite problem. Sterling, with its wide experience in the field, provides comprehensive termite control solutions that are long-lasting and cost-effective.

The types of termite control treatment measures Sterling incorporates include - direct liquid treatments and liquid treatments applied at various vulnerable locations of the property. These cover application of termiticides in the interior, exterior and in the foundation of the property as necessary. The team of experts at Sterling undertakes a thorough inspection of the clients’ property to find out the intensity of the damage and suggest solutions accordingly.

Sterling Targets Termites with Premise

Premise® is a non-repellent termite treatment, meaning that termites unknowingly enter the Treated Zone™. Applied to soil, Premise® creates a protective Treated Zone™ between termites in the soil and wood in your home. Other repellent termite control products rely on a complete barrier to be effective - one small gap in the treatment and termites will find it. Premise® works by killing termites, not repelling them. Its unique chemistry binds to soil and won't wash away.

Premise® gets rid of termites in several ways. First, termites are eliminated as they ingest or contact Premise® in the Treated Zone™. Second, termites transfer Premise® through social interaction and cannibalism. Termites survive as a colony and are in constant contact with each other. Premise® uses this against them to protect your home!