Termite Control
Columbus Ohio

Common signs of termite activity can include mud tubes along foundations or walls, discarded wings near windows or doors, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. You may also notice blistered or bubbling paint, which can resemble water damage, or damaged wood structures that appear cracked or weakened. Because termites often remain hidden inside walls, floors, or crawlspaces, many infestations go unnoticed until damage is already present. If you see any of these warning signs—or if you’re unsure—a professional inspection can help confirm activity and identify problems early before costly repairs are needed.

Termite swarmers are winged reproductive termites that emerge to start new colonies. Seeing swarmers indoors or around your home often indicates a nearby or existing termite colony. Swarmers are commonly seen in spring, especially after warm weather and rain. If you notice swarmers or discarded wings, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.

After termite treatment, the goal is to eliminate the active colony and protect your home from future activity. Because termites can form multiple colonies and forage over areas as large as a football field, ongoing monitoring and protection are important even after treatment is completed. After the bait stations are installed, technicians will continue to monitor bait stations or treated areas to ensure termites remain controlled and to detect any new activity early. While treatment addresses existing termites, continued coverage helps protect your home from additional colonies that may attempt to establish themselves over time.

Absolutely! Champion’s termite treatments are applied by trained, state-licensed professionals with safety as a top priority. Our Sentricon® baiting system is placed discreetly in the ground around your home, where termites travel—not in living spaces. Because the bait works within the termite colony and is contained inside secure stations, it allows us to target termites while minimizing exposure to people and pets. All treatments are applied according to strict guidelines, and technicians use only what’s necessary to be effective. This approach provides powerful termite protection while keeping your household safe and comfortable.

Treating termites on your own is not recommended. Termites live hidden inside walls, foundations, and soil, and DIY products typically only address what’s visible—not the entire colony. Without eliminating the colony, termites can continue causing damage unnoticed. Professional termite treatment is designed to target termites at the source using colony-level control methods. These approaches require proper placement, monitoring, and expertise to be effective. A professional inspection and treatment plan is the safest and most reliable way to protect your home from long-term termite damage

In most cases, no. Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover termite damage because it’s considered preventable with routine inspections and maintenance, rather than a sudden or accidental loss. This is especially important because termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the U.S.—more than fires, floods, and storms combined. Unlike natural disasters, termite damage often happens slowly and out of sight, which is why it can become extensive before it’s discovered. Because repairs are usually an out-of-pocket expense, regular termite inspections and proactive treatment are one of the most effective ways to protect your home and avoid costly structural damage.

If you’re planning major landscaping or digging near termite bait stations, please remove the bait stations and set them to the side until your project is complete. Termite bait stations are placed in specific locations to intercept termite activity, and moving or disturbing them can reduce their effectiveness. Once the project is compete, our team will reinstall the stations to ensure continued protection. Bait stations can be lightly covered with mulch, but they should not be buried deeply, blocked, or damaged, and the station lids must remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Not always, but it does mean termites are active nearby and should be taken seriously. Swarmers indicate that a termite colony is mature and attempting to reproduce, which can happen whether or not visible damage is present. Because termites often remain hidden inside walls, floors, or structural wood, damage can occur long before it’s noticeable. A professional termite inspection is the best way to determine whether there is active infestation or existing damage. If damage is found, it may also be appropriate to have a licensed contractor evaluate the affected areas to assess the extent and any necessary repairs. Early detection helps limit both structural damage and repair costs.

In Ohio, termite swarmers are most commonly seen in the spring, usually after rainfall when temperatures rise. Swarming is a seasonal event and often one of the first visible signs of termite activity.

No. Termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, but they have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and thick waists, while ants have bent antennae, uneven wings, and narrow waists. Proper identification is important because termite swarmers signal a potential structural issue.

Do not spray or vacuum them away without documentation. If possible, collect a sample or take photos and send them to us right away. Early inspection can help prevent costly damage.

Not always, but it does mean termites are active nearby. Because termites can remain hidden for long periods, a professional inspection is the only way to determine whether damage is present.