The weather is warming up and it’s time to pull out your favorite sports gear, your fishing rods, and your spring-cleaning supplies. Spring is a season of fresh starts and sunshine. Unfortunately, it’s also the season of termites.
During the spring months, termite swarmers will emerge from their nests in order to mate and create new colonies. If you aren’t sure what that means for your home, read on to find out everything you need to know about termites and their prevention.
A Quick Guide To Termites
When we talk about termites in the United States, we’re usually talking about subterranean termites. These termites normally live in underground nests. They build tunnels to travel between their nest and their food, which can be found inside your walls.
Termites live in a caste system. Worker termites are in charge of building tunnels and finding food. Soldier termites protect the workers and the colony in general. Swarmer termites are the only ones that can reproduce. They’re in charge of starting new colonies when the weather gets warm after winter.
Swarmer termites are large, winged termites. They emerge from the colony together and break off to mate and nest. If you see flying termites or evidence of their presence such as their shed wings, you should take action immediately before they start a new colony near your home.
It’s important to know that termite season isn’t just limited to the spring. Although swarmer termites are more active this time of year, termites are active year-round. Since they live underground and inside your walls, they can survive through winter.
Termite Damage
Termites cost Americans over five billion dollars each year. This is partly because of how well they stay hidden. You won’t see worker termites walking around in daylight, so you may not realize that they’re chewing away at the wooden structure of your home. By the time you realize termites have gotten into your home, it may be too late. The best attack against termites is prevention. The good news is, we have some great prevention tips for you.
Termite Prevention Techniques
Although termite prevention is not a guarantee, you’ll have better chances of keeping out termites by following these steps:
- Clear your yard of debris. Don’t leave old wood, cardboard boxes, or decaying stumps in the yard.
- Try to minimize moisture both inside and outside of the house. Create a barrier between the wooden exterior of your home and moist dirt where termites might nest.
- Repair damaged wood immediately. Also, repair water leaks and replace damp wood, which is more attractive to termites.
- Enlist the help of Romney Pest Control.
When it comes to termites, you don’t want to be in the fight alone. Our ongoing pest control services include termite monitoring and the use of bait systems to keep termites away from your house. Because termites can cause so much damage, it’s a good idea to have professional technicians checking your home for signs of termites.
We can eliminate entire termite colonies before they destroy your home. There’s no reason to give in to these damaging pests. Let Romney Pest Control offer you service you can count on during this termite season.
