Meet the Expert

Scott Svenheim

Associate Certified Entomologist

Termite Mud Tubes: What They Look Like and What to Do If You Find Them

Termite mud tubes are one of the clearest warning signs that subterranean termites have found a path into your home. These pencil-width tunnels of dried mud running up foundation walls, across concrete slabs, or along floor joists reveal how termites travel between underground colonies and the wood they feed on. Spotting them early means you can act before hidden termite damage gets worse. This guide explains what termite tubes look like, the four types you might find, where to check, how to test whether they're active, and what to do next.

Termite Damage vs. Water Damage: How to Tell the Difference

Bubbling paint on your baseboard, a soft spot in the floor, or discoloration along the trim can leave you staring at damage for hours but never being able to tell if it's from a leak or from termites. Both problems produce nearly identical warning signs. This guide walks you through what termite damage and water damage each look like, how to test wood at home, and what to do when the answer isn't obvious.

Do You Need Annual Termite Treatment? How Often to Treat | Truly Nolen

Most homeowners get that annual termite service renewal notice and wonder the same thing: Do I really need termite treatment every year, or am I paying for something unnecessary? It's a smart question, and the honest answer depends on your treatment type, the termite species in your area, and where you live. This guide breaks down each factor, so you can decide with confidence. The fastest way to get a personalized answer is a professional termite inspection, which is often available at no cost.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in Your Florida Home (DIY & Pro Tips)

You just wiped down your kitchen counter for the third time today, and there they are again: a thin line of tiny ants marching straight toward the honey jar. Sugar ants are one of the most common pest problems Florida homeowners face, but they are also manageable when you understand what brought them inside and how to address the colony. This guide covers what sugar ants are, why they showed up, how to get rid of them using bait instead of spray, and how to keep them from coming back.

How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?

Discovering termites in your home is stressful enough without wondering what treatment will cost. Because every home and every infestation is different, there is no one-size-fits-all price. The total comes down to your home’s size, the termite species involved, and how far activity has spread. This guide explains what drives termite treatment costs, walks through the main treatment methods, and shows you how to read a quote with confidence.

How to Get Rid of Palm Rats in Florida

Palm rats aren't a sign of a dirty home. They're a fact of life in a state where warm weather, palm trees, and citrus groves create the perfect rodent habitat. This guide covers what palm rats are, where they nest, how to spot warning signs, and practical steps to help remove them and reduce the chance they return.

How to Choose the Best Pest Control Insulation for Your Home

Some pest control insulation products can help with more than temperature regulation in your attic. They can help control certain crawling insects in treated areas when installed and used according to product label directions, using an EPA-registered boric acid treatment built directly into the material during manufacturing. Insulation products vary in how they address pest concerns, so it helps to compare ingredients, labels, and installation requirements. This guide explains what actually works, which pests it controls, how to choose the right product for your home, and what to look for in a professional installer.

Do You Need Pre or New Construction Termite Treatments?

Termite treatment for new construction can be one of the most cost-effective ways to help reduce the risk of termite-related structural damage. Termiticide applied to soil and wood during building can create a treated zone that helps reduce the risk of subterranean termites reaching your framing. This guide covers how pre-construction treatment works, what your builder should include, and what to do if your home wasn't treated. You'll learn about treatment types, requirements, costs, and questions to ask before closing.

5 Top Termite Prevention Treatments

Termite prevention treatment creates a protective barrier around your home before colonies can reach your foundation and framing. The right approach depends on termite species, construction type, and regional risk factors, but an effective plan can reduce the risk of damage before it starts. This guide covers the five most common prevention methods, explains how to choose the right treatment, breaks down typical costs, and clarifies what homeowners can handle versus what requires a licensed professional.

How Effective Is Heat Treatment for Termites?

Heat treatment for termites offers a chemical-free, eco-friendly way to kill termites without a single drop of pesticide, but effectiveness depends entirely on proper application. This guide explains how it works, how it compares to fumigation, what it costs, and whether it's the right drywood termite treatment for your situation.