As the seasons change and warmer weather approaches...so will termite swarm season. Homeowners this time of year can feel unease as these tiny very destructive pests emerge. Understanding the significance of termite swarm season and the importance of prevention measures is crucial in safeguarding you home from potential damage.
Swarm season occurs during the spring and early summer just as temperatures rise and humidity levels increase. Existing termite colonies send out swarmers or alates (winged reproductive termites), to leave the nest in search of new mates and new locations to start colonies. It is a synchronized emergence triggered by environmental factors- temperature, humidity and rainfall.
So what are the signs of a termites? Glad you asked...
Flying Termites: The most visible and obvious sign of swarm season is the presence of flying termites; Either indoor or outside. Like most flying insects- flying termites are attracted to light sources, so you may see them near windows, doors or light fixtures.
Discarded Wings: After mating, swarmers shed their wings...
-Yes, you may...Insert Joke Here- this is a "professional" blog so I will leave that alone.
Wings discarded might be near windowsills, doors or other entry points.
Mud Tubes: Termites, well subterranean termites- one of the most common termites species- will construct mud tubes as protective pathways. You'll find these in foundation walls, crawlspaces or wooden structures.
Wood Damage: Not typically visible during swam season but termite damage may be evident in the form of visible tunnels in wooden structures, blistering or sagging floors or hollow-sounding wood.
Of course this is best assessed by a trained, licensed professional. Don't leave your home, your largest investment "inspected and protected" by your ability to Google search?
So what can you do? You are asking all the right questions!...
Regular Inspections: Schedule an annual termite inspection by a licensed pest control professional. They are trained to detect early signs of termite activity and implement appropriate treatments.
Moisture Control: Reduce moisture buildup around your home. Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage and use dehumidifiers in damp areas ( basements/crawlspaces)
Remove Wood Debris: Fallen trees, stumps, firewood piles. These all need to be removed from the vicinity of your home to reduce the likelihood of a termite infestation.
Protective Barriers: Termite-resistant building materials, soil treatments are both examples of physical or chemical barriers to prevent termites from gaining access to your homes structure.
Regular Maintenance: Repairing damaged wood, sealing cracks and gaps, keeping vegetation trimmed away from the foundation. These are all steps of regular maintenance to minimize potential entry points for termites.
The prevention mentioned above, it matters...
Structural Damage: Termites are notorious for their ability to cause significant damage to homes. Its estimated that termites do about 5 BILLION dollars worth of damage to homes in the US, every year! And most home owners insurance polices do not cover termite damage.
Property Valve: Forget about an outdated kitchen or bathroom, Termite damage can significantly decrease the value of a home. Preventing infestations helps preserve both the integrity and value of your home; as well as making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
Peace of Mind: Sleep at night. One less thing to keep you up at night knowing your home is protected against termite infestations.
Environmental Sustainability: Many preventative measures for termite control focus on non-toxic or environmentally friendly solutions. Responsibly minimizing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem while still effectively managing termite populations.
Swarm season serves as a reminder of the potential threat Termites pose to homeowners. Understanding signs of termite activity and the importance of prevention, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your home. Regular inspections, moisture control, protective barriers- amongst the other protective measures are essential steps in preserving structural integrity and keeping the value of your home.
Remember we offer complimentary termite inspections,
maintain your peace of mind throughout termite swarm season and beyond.
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