Stop them before it's too late!
You've probably heard about termites, but how much do you really know about these insects? With over 2,600 species worldwide, termites actually play a beneficial role in nature. These tiny creatures feed on cellulose found in wood, helping decompose tree stumps, fallen trees, and other dead or decaying wood. This natural process returns important nutrients to the soil so new plants can grow. But when they find their way into our homes and businesses, they become destructive pests that require immediate professional termite control.
Your home is likely your biggest investment, and you work hard to make it a safe, comfortable place for your family. The absolute last thing you want is termites moving in too. That's why understanding these pests and implementing effective termite prevention strategies is so crucial.
Termites work silently within walls and foundations, causing approximately $5 billion in damages to American homes annually—more than earthquakes, tornadoes, and fires combined! Unfortunately, by the time you notice visible signs, they've likely already caused extensive damage. Here's what to watch for:
The average termite colony contains hundreds of thousands of these sneaky pests with a remarkably organized social system. Each member plays a specific, vital role in the colony's survival and growth.
Worker termites spend their days creating new tunnels and searching for wood sources. They explore tree stumps, wood piles, fences, and the wooden frames of buildings. These workers bring food back to the soldiers (who protect the colony), the reproductives (who produce new termites), the swarmers (who establish new colonies), and most importantly, the king and queen.
Workers not only provide food but also sense danger and communicate this information to the rest of the colony. This complex communication system is why many termite treatments fail—they might kill individual termites without eliminating the entire colony.
The only truly effective way to eliminate a colony is to disrupt its communication system and break down the defenses around the queen. This comprehensive termite protection approach ensures the elimination of the entire colony, including the queen who continues producing new termites. Read how the Sentricon system works.
The termite Oklahoma homeowners deal with most is the eastern subterranean termite. It lives in the soil and travels into homes through mud tubes to reach wood. A mature colony can hold anywhere from 60,000 to over a million termites, and a single acre can support several colonies.
What you'll see depends on which caste you find:
Subterranean termites favor wood that's damp, rotting or in contact with soil, so homes with wood-to-ground contact, leaky plumbing or poor drainage near the foundation are at higher risk.
Formosan termites have not been found in Oklahoma, and drywood and dampwood termites are not native here, so the termite in an Oklahoma home is almost always a subterranean species. Our Oklahoma termite identification guide has photos of each caste.
In Oklahoma, eastern subterranean termites usually swarm in spring, most often from March through May, on warm days after a rain. Swarms can also happen indoors, often near windows and doors, and they usually last less than an hour.
If you see a swarm:
Smaller swarms sometimes happen in September or October too. More in I saw termite swarmers, now what?
Beyond the signs above, walk the outside of your home a few times a year and look for:
Termites keep feeding through the colder months (see are termites active in winter?), and store-bought sprays only reach the termites they touch. A professional inspection covers the places that are hard to check yourself: here's what we check in a termite inspection.
What makes the Sentricon® System so effective for termite control? It uses bait that termites find more appealing than wood without triggering their danger response. The entire colony feeds on the Recruit® HD termite bait, and the active ingredient removes their ability to eat or breed. The colony, including the queen, is eliminated without ever sensing danger.
Unlike liquid insecticides or DIY foam treatments that might harm your lawn but leave termites untouched, the Sentricon® System guarantees complete termite colony elimination without causing collateral damage to your home, yard, or pets. Plus, it remains installed and ready to defend against future termite invasions with ongoing termite protection.
The Sentricon® System with Always Active™ Technology and Recruit® HD termite bait is constantly ready to defend your property
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that our termite control system works every time
This termite protection system doesn't require trenches or unappealing fixtures around your property
Unlike liquid insecticides, Sentricon® eliminates the entire colony without harmful chemicals that could damage your garden or harm beneficial insects and pets—it's the only termite control system to receive the prestigious Presidential Green Chemistry Award
Our termite treatment works every time, no matter what. Unlike other pest control approaches that may only temporarily reduce termite activity, the Sentricon® System has been scientifically proven to completely eliminate termite colonies with consistent, reliable results.
| Feature | Liquid barrier | Sentricon® baiting system |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pesticide is applied to the soil around the foundation to form a barrier | Stations around the home hold bait the colony shares |
| Installation | Trenching, and sometimes drilling through concrete or brick | Stations placed in the ground; no trenching or drilling |
| Active ingredient | Many gallons of solution | A few grams, only where termites are feeding |
| Effect on the colony | Blocks or kills termites that cross it; does not target the colony | Eliminates the colony, including the queen |
| Over time | Can break down, and gaps let termites through | Stations stay in place to monitor for new activity |
For residential termite control, we recommend the Sentricon® System.
Building new? Ask about our termite pre-treatment for new construction. Our Sentricon vs. liquid barrier comparison goes into more detail.
Spotting termite signs before significant damage occurs can be challenging for homeowners. That's why professional termite prevention is so important. Our technicians are specially trained to identify termite infestations of any size, regardless of season.
For residential termite control, we exclusively recommend the Sentricon® System. Our customers enjoy 24/7/365 protection, ensuring their homes remain termite-free. Based on our extensive experience with this technology, we're confident that termite colonies near your home will be completely eliminated with our comprehensive termite treatment approach.
Most homeowners don't realize they have a termite problem until considerable damage has already occurred. By then, repairs can be extensive and costly. Our professional termite protection services offer several critical advantages:
Unlike DIY termite treatments that often provide only temporary relief, our professional termite protection system completely eliminates existing colonies and prevents new ones from forming. The Sentricon® System has been proven effective in millions of homes nationwide, protecting families from the devastation of termite damage with its revolutionary approach to termite colony elimination.
Store-bought termite products may treat a symptom while the termites you can't see keep eating. Not sure what you found? Winged ants and termite swarmers look alike; compare them in Ants vs. Termites, and see what attracts termites to homes.
Termites don't discriminate between homes and businesses—they'll attack both with equal determination. Detecting termite damage can be even more difficult in commercial settings since you may not spend as much time there or clean as thoroughly as you do at home.
There are compelling reasons to invest in termite protection for your business, especially if you're a small business owner. Termite damage is rarely, if ever, covered by insurance. Considering the extensive damage they can cause in a short time, you don't want to pay for repairs out-of-pocket. Think of it this way: if you insure your business against natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, fires, or tornadoes, wouldn't you want protection against termites too? The Sentricon® System is essentially your termite insurance policy.
Beyond protection, our termite prevention system adds value to your property. Every savvy business person understands the importance of maintaining and enhancing property for increased resale value. Installing this termite control system will save you money long-term by preventing expensive repairs or relocation due to extensive termite damage. Termites can potentially damage not only your building but also your merchandise, equipment, and even your business reputation.
The impact of termite damage on commercial properties extends far beyond structural concerns. Here's why our professional termite control solutions are essential for businesses:
We recognize that each business is unique, with different structures, needs, and challenges. Our termite control experts will evaluate your specific property and create a customized termite treatment plan tailored to your commercial environment, business operations, and budget considerations. We work efficiently around your business schedule to minimize disruption while providing maximum protection.
For other pests at your business, see our commercial pest control services, and for new buildings, our commercial termite pre-treatments.
Many companies claim to offer termite treatment, but treatment doesn't always mean control, and control doesn't always mean colony elimination. Our approach to termite protection is different, and we back it with our exclusive "Emtec Performance Guarantee"—a money-back guarantee if our treatment isn't completely and consistently effective. No other company offers this level of confidence in their termite control services.
We've been providing high-quality termite elimination and protection since 1979. We're proud to have been the first Certified Sentricon® Specialists in the region and have been using this system for years with outstanding results.
Our professional termite control technicians are part of a team that has served Oklahoma since 1979, and they are prepared to answer all your questions about termites, termite damage, and why we recommend the Sentricon® System above all other termite prevention methods. We prioritize customer service and satisfaction, ensuring your termite problem is handled quickly and efficiently.
Whether it's new or existing construction, residential or commercial property, we have the expertise to provide the right termite treatment options for your specific needs. We'll evaluate your property, recommend the most effective termite control solutions, and provide a detailed written proposal outlining our services and costs.
We provide termite control in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Stillwater, Oklahoma City and Edmond.
Termite treatments generally provide protection for up to 10 years, depending on the method used and environmental conditions. Regular inspections help ensure ongoing protection. More in how long does a termite treatment last?
Yes. Emtec uses treatments, including the Sentricon® system, that are designed to be safe for your family and pets when applied by trained professionals.
Results vary, but many customers see a reduction in termite activity within a few weeks. Complete elimination may take several months depending on infestation size.
While treatment stops termites from causing further damage, any existing structural damage will need to be repaired separately by a qualified contractor.
Wooden structures in contact with soil, crawl spaces, decks, and areas with moisture buildup are common termite hotspots. See what attracts termites to homes.
Annual termite inspections are recommended to catch any early signs of activity and maintain protection. Here's what we check in a termite inspection.
Yes. Emtec provides ongoing monitoring services to ensure termites remain under control and prevent future infestations.
Absolutely. Proper ventilation, reducing wood-to-soil contact, fixing leaks, and removing wood debris near your home can help reduce risk. Keeping gutters and downspouts draining away from the foundation and leaving a gap between mulch and siding helps too.
Sentricon® targets the entire termite colony by attracting and eliminating worker termites, offering a safer and more effective long-term solution without widespread chemical application. Compare the methods in Sentricon vs. liquid barrier treatment.
Sentricon® systems have minimal impact on landscaping since they are installed discreetly around your property’s perimeter.
Signs include mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and blistered or peeling paint. If you notice any of these, call Emtec for an inspection. See photos in our signs of termite damage guide.
Coverage varies by policy and provider. Typically, termite damage repairs are not covered, but it’s best to check your specific insurance policy.
Ready to get serious about protecting your property from termites? Call your local Certified Sentricon® Specialists today. Our termite control experts are standing by to help you safeguard your investment. You can schedule your free, no-obligation termite inspection online or by phone. Don't wait until termites have caused irreparable damage to your property—contact us today and let our knowledgeable termite prevention specialists help you protect what matters most.
CONTACT US