Termite Help in King, Pierce & Thurston Counties

Pacific dampwood termites: the moisture source matters

Pacific dampwood termites need wet or damp wood to establish a colony. Leaks, wood touching soil and persistently damp building areas can create suitable conditions.

Managing the moisture and affected wood is central to control; pesticide alone does not correct that underlying problem. Tell us about any leak, drainage issue or repair near the area, even if you believe it was resolved.

Western subterranean termites: look beyond visibly wet wood

Western subterranean termites remain connected with soil and can reach a structure through sheltered routes. They sometimes build mud tubes over foundations, and the wood they attack does not have to be visibly damp.

If you notice a suspected tube or insects around a foundation, photograph the location without breaking it apart. A professional assessment should determine what is present and what additional inspection is needed.

Winged insects need identification before a conclusion

A winged insect near a window is a reason to ask what it is, not proof that the whole house is infested. Tell us whether insects were indoors or outdoors, whether there were several and whether you noticed wings or damage nearby.

Send a clear image if you already have one. Keep any existing inspection or treatment records available so the current finding can be considered alongside the property’s history.

What to document before the visit

Start with what you can see from normal, accessible areas. Useful details include:

• The room or outside area, and when you first noticed the change.
• Visible insects, suspected tubes, loose wings or damaged wood.
• Any recent leak, remodeling, wood replacement or past pest treatment.
• Whether the finding is in furniture, stored lumber or part of the building.

Avoid covering the evidence with filler or paint before discussing it. Leave difficult access and structural probing to the appropriate professional.

Pest activity and repair needs are two questions to answer

The assessment should explain which findings support an insect concern and which areas remain inaccessible or uncertain. Ask whether the evidence indicates active conditions and what would help confirm that.

A pest assessment does not by itself determine the load-bearing strength of a damaged beam or the scope of a building repair. If that is part of the concern, discuss the appropriate building professional as well as the pest recommendation.

Make the proposed work understandable

Before arranging service, ask what the recommendation covers, what preparation is needed and how progress would be evaluated. If moisture correction or repairs are part of the plan, clarify who will handle them and in what order.

Tell us about children, pets and access limitations. You should be able to explain the next step in plain language before committing to work.