If you’re searching “termite companies near me,” you’re probably either dealing with an infestation or trying to prevent one. Either way, you’ve likely come across some common termite myths—some of which could cost you thousands of dollars in termite damage repair costs if you believe them.
Do termites really eat through concrete? Does DIY orange oil actually work? Can you just ignore termites and hope they leave? (Spoiler: No.)
Let’s separate fact from fiction and bust some of the biggest termite myths once and for all.
Many homeowners assume that termite infestations only happen in aging, neglected houses. In reality, termites don’t care how old your home is—as long as there’s wood, moisture, and access points, they’re interested.
Termites love moisture, which means brand-new homes with improperly sealed foundations, leaky pipes, or high humidity can be just as vulnerable as century-old Victorians. Subterranean termites, the most common type, live underground and can invade any structure, regardless of age. Even homes with brick or concrete exteriors aren’t immune—because walls, floors, and support beams are still made of wood.
Truth: Termites don’t discriminate. Whether your home is old, new, or somewhere in between, regular termite inspections are a must.
Despite what you may have heard, termites don’t have super-powered jaws capable of chewing through solid concrete. However, what they can do is squeeze through the smallest cracks in concrete foundations, brickwork, or mortar joints—sometimes gaps as small as 1/16th of an inch. Once inside, they tunnel through wood framing, drywall, and flooring, causing structural damage that’s often invisible until it’s too late.
Truth: Termites can’t eat concrete, but they’re excellent at sneaking through weak points in it.
Termites are stealthy home invaders—think ninjas, but hungrier. They don’t march around in plain sight like ants or cockroaches. Instead, they tunnel underground, behind walls, and beneath floors, silently munching away.
By the time you do notice visible signs of termite infestation—like mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or termite droppings—they’ve likely been at work for months (or even years).
Truth: Just because you can’t see termites doesn’t mean they aren’t there. A professional pest control company like PestNow of Central Virginia can perform a detailed inspection for free to catch an active infestation early.
DIY projects can be a great way to save money for other projects, but termites are not the place to cut corners. Some homeowners swear by things like orange oil, boric acid, or vinegar—but these “treatments” might simply kill a few termites on contact, not an entire termite colony.
Termites live deep inside walls, floors, and underground tunnels, far beyond the reach of store-bought sprays or DIY concoctions. Real termite treatments—like bait stations, chemical barriers, and heat treatments—are designed for long-term protection and are applied by licensed pest control experts who know what they’re doing.
Truth: DIY treatments may kill a few termites, but they won’t eliminate the entire colony. For full termite protection, professional termite control services are the way to go.
Many people assume that their homeowner’s insurance will cover termite-related repairs. Unfortunately, most insurance companies view pest infestation as a preventable issue, meaning any termite damage repair costs will likely come out of pocket. Meaning, even if the damage is severe, if you didn’t take steps to stop them early, the repair bill is on you.
Untreated termites can do enough damage to require tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. This is why regular annual inspections and routine pest control are crucial. Preventing an infestation is far more affordable than paying for extensive home repairs.
Truth: Home insurance rarely covers termite damage, so awareness and prevention are key.
Even the best termite treatments don’t last a lifetime. Some treatments, like bait stations and chemical barriers, provide long-term protection, but they still require regular inspections and maintenance. Other methods, like heat treatments, may eliminate a current active infestation, but they won’t stop new termites from moving in later. A proper treatment plan includes ongoing pest control services to ensure termites don’t return.
Truth: Termite control is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done deal. A professional exterminator will set up a customized plan to keep your home termite-free year-round.
If only! Termites don’t just chew on baseboards—they tunnel through support beams, floor joists, and structural wood, weakening the very bones of your home. Left unchecked, they can cause floors to sag, doors to stick, and even walls to collapse. In extreme cases, structural repairs could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Truth: Termites can cause severe infestations that lead to major structural damage—sometimes costing more than water damage or even fire damage. That’s why early pest control treatment is crucial.
Termites don’t think in “rooms” like we do. Termites don’t stay in one place—they build massive underground termite colonies that can span entire properties. If they’ve invaded one part of your home, chances are, they’re spread out in multiple locations.
That’s why comprehensive pest control solutions focus on the whole house—not just one corner of it. A proper treatment plan will address current infestations and prevent future ones.
Truth: Spot-treating one area won’t cut it. Complete customer satisfaction comes from whole-home pest control services that eliminate termites for good.
✔️ Schedule a professional termite inspection at least once a year.
✔️ Keep an eye out for early warning signs like mud tubes and hollow wood.
✔️ Choose a reputable pest control company—like PestNow of Central Virginia.
✔️ Get a customized termite protection plan for ongoing peace of mind.
At PestNow of Central Virginia, we offer top-quality pest control services with proven termite control treatments. Whether you need an initial inspection, a customized plan, or ongoing routine pest control, our pest professionals are ready to help. We provide comprehensive pest prevention services for both residential and commercial properties, using advanced techniques like bait stations and liquid barrier treatments to ensure long-term protection. Plus, with free inspections and satisfaction guarantees, you can trust that your home is in good hands.
