Termite Season – Do you have a beautiful wooden house or a stunning decked outdoor entertainment area that is your family’s pride and joy? If this is the case, it’s probably a good idea to check that you don’t have a termite infestation on your hands.
These pesky little critters can cause damage to the structural wood of your house, windows, doors, and wooden furniture by eating the cellulose found in wood. Yup, they can be a serious problem.
Although most people believe termites appear in swarms and are easily noticed, the fact is that regardless of the weather or the presence of swarms, your house can still be infested. They find their way in through vents, downpipes, utility boxes, cracked mortar, and any other way they can.
This post looks at termite season, what the signs of an infestation look like, and ways to prepare your home to prevent termites from getting in.
When is Termite Season?
Termite season or swarming season for Subterranean termites usually happens during the spring and summer months, while Drywood termites swarm late in summer. But, since they don’t hibernate in winter, they may even swarm on a warm winter’s day. They are active year-round.
Subterranean termites live and build their nests underground. They are more difficult to spot because they travel through the ground to get to the wooden structures they want to feed on.
Drywood termites instead make their homes inside of wooden structures; they don’t live in the ground. They will infest a wooden structure and eat the wood from the inside out.
Signs of an Infestation
If you start to see swarms of termites popping up around your wooden structures, it’s time to implement prevention methods to protect your home. So what are the signs of an infestation besides seeing the swarms of insects on your wooden structures?
- Cracks or holes and even lined patterns with remnants of mud in your wooden structures.
- Mud tubes on the exterior of wooden frames.
- Piles of discarded wings will appear after a swarm.
- Mud tunnels along your home’s walls and foundations.
- Pin-sized holes in drywall.
If you notice these signs, it often means some damage has already been done, so it’s time to call the experts.
How to Prepare Your Home for Termite Season
Luckily, you can do a few things around the house to prevent termites from getting in and destroying your wooden structures.
Get rid of wood and mulch this termite season
If there are no stumps, rotting logs, piles of firewood that are easy for termites to reach and find a way further into your home, that’s a good start. Termites love to hide in and feed on piles of wood, and if this wood is piled up against your house, you can be sure the termites will find a way to move inside. Remove all non-living wood from around your home’s edge. And don’t use wood mulch either; this attracts termites. Find an alternative, or keep the mulch at least four inches from the foundation of your home.
Stop moisture
Termites need a moist environment to live in. So moisture in and around your home’s foundation should be eliminated where possible. Ensure your gutters and downpipes are redirecting water away from the foundation, and your crawl spaces are ventilated and don’t allow moisture to build.
Garden DIY
If you have a lot of heavy brush and growth around your home’s foundation, this will produce a source of moisture for termites. So get cutting. Cut back your shrubs and clear out any other source of cellulose that’s hanging about. That way, they won’t have a place to nest. Also, trim back your tree branches so they are at least five feet away from your home. Branches can make an excellent pathway for termites to travel into your home.
Wood features
If you’re into wood lattices and sidings or even have wooden door frames and other such features framing your home, it may be time to change your aesthetic. If possible, try and eliminate wood-to-ground contact as these are common entry points for termites. Keep any wood at least 6 inches above ground level, or add a concrete base to your wooden items where possible.
Inspection by professionals
It’s a good idea to regularly schedule termite inspections from your local reputable pest control company every couple of years. Especially if you live in an area where termites prosper, remember, these little pests are tricky. They can enter your home through incredibly narrow cracks and even make their way in through your foundation blocks without you even knowing. The professionals will know where to look for these pesky creatures.
Let Us Help
If you suspect you may be dealing with termites, give Pest Control Unlimited LLC a call. With comprehensive expertise and experience, you’ll get the proper treatment you need to rid your home of termite problems this termite season.
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional services, and we will customize our services to suit your home and your problem. That means you avoid a one-size-fits-all solution.
We go the extra mile when it comes to addressing our customers’ needs. We listen to your concerns, study the situation carefully, and create a customized pest control approach. Our expertly trained technicians understand and follow the latest safe pest control methods and practices.
We’re passionate about serving you this termite season. And will do so with all the necessary COVID precautions in place. Whenever you need help, we’re only a phone call away at 888-649-9919. Contact us today and begin your residential pest services.
