The pest-control glossary.

Glossary A to Z

B Section B

Barrier treatment

A continuous band of professional product around a home's foundation and entry points that intercepts pests before they get inside. Renewed on every home pest control visit.

C Section C

Conducive conditions

Property conditions that invite pests: wood-to-soil contact, mulch against the slab, standing water, clogged gutters, vegetation touching walls. Inspections flag these because fixing them multiplies any treatment.

D Section D

Drywood termite

A termite that lives inside dry wood — no soil contact needed — sometimes found in attic framing, trim, or furniture. Signature evidence: frass pellets beneath tiny exit holes. Covered under our termite treatment programs.

E Section E

Exclusion

Physically sealing gaps so pests cannot re-enter. Cornerstone of lasting rodent control after trapping and removal.

F Section F

Frass

Termite droppings. Drywood frass looks like small piles of wood-colored pellets pushed out of tiny holes — a classic warning sign that warrants a professional inspection.

I Section I

Integrated pest management (IPM)

A methodology that puts inspection, monitoring, and prevention first and uses targeted treatments only where evidence shows — the standard behind our commercial and residential programs.

L Section L

Larvicide

A product that targets mosquito larvae in standing water before they become biting adults. Part of lasting mosquito control between visits.

M Section M

Mud tube

A pencil-width tunnel of soil built by subterranean termites between ground and wood. Finding tubes on a foundation is direct evidence — call for a termite inspection.

P Section P

Perimeter treatment

Another name for the exterior barrier treatment applied around a home during recurring pest control visits.

Pre-construction (slab) treatment

Termite soil treatment applied before the concrete pour so new homes and commercial pads start protected. See pre-construction slab treatments.

R Section R

Re-service

A return visit between scheduled treatments when pests reappear. Spot On's home pest control is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee — if pests come back, so do we.

Rodent exclusion

Sealing gaps, vents, and roof-line openings after trapping so nothing is sealed inside. The step that makes rodent control stick.

S Section S

SPOTGuard

Spot On's recurring protection plans for East Texas homes — year-round pest coverage with optional termite monitoring. Compare options on plans.

Subterranean termite

Termites that nest in soil and reach structures via mud tubes. Common across East Texas' warm, humid climate — our primary focus for colony elimination systems.

Swarmer (alate)

A winged reproductive termite that flies to start a new colony, typically in spring. Piles of identical discarded wings on window sills are a classic warning sign — often mistaken for flying ants.

T Section T

Termite bond / warranty

An ongoing agreement covering inspection, treatment, and (depending on terms) retreatment if termites return. Ask us about coverage under termite treatment and SPOTGuard + Termite.

TPCL (Texas license)

Texas Pest Control License — Spot On operates under License #805260072. Verify licensing details on our licensing & insurance page.

W Section W

WDO / wood-destroying organism

Insects and fungi that damage structural wood — termites, wood borers, and decay organisms. East Texas home buyers and sellers often need a professional inspection before closing; start with termite treatment.

Looking for pests by name? Visit the pest library or try pest ID.