Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of the damage they cause and the season for termites swarming is just around the corner with the temperatures getting warmer. There are many species of termites that are prevalent in the Northeast. In Texas, the Eastern subterranean termite swarms in daylight from February to May and is the main destructive termite. This termite causes millions of dollars in areas where they are located. More than 1 in 5 homes in high activity areas have been or will be attacked by these voracious eaters. A-Tex Pest Management offers helpful tips to prevent swarming termites from infesting your home this spring season.
Do Subterranean Termites Swarm During the Day or at Night?
Termite swarming happens in the morning after a warm rain shower when the soil temperature is around 70 degrees F. Termites are very small, about half the size of a match head with soft bodies. They don’t have wings and are sterile and blind. They will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for their whole life span which is about 2 to 3 years. They eat cellulose material like structural wood, wood fixtures, paper, books and cotton. Established Eastern subterranean termite colonies can range from 20,000 to as high as 5 million workers with an average of 300,000.
How Do You Know if You have Subterranean Termites?
Knowing the signs or termite activity gives you the upper hand-before things get out of control and will prevent costly repairs and extensive damage. The most recognizable sign of termite activity are dirt-colored mud tubes that are used for protection from the earth to the wood they are feeding on. These tubes provide the moisture they need for survival and can be found on cellar walls, wooden posts, wall studs, mudsills along with door and window trim. Warm temperatures and rainfall will trigger a colony to send out swarmers. Swarms are made up of wings of reproductive males and females. After they mate they will shed their wings and leave piles behind that look like fish scales.
What Keeps Termites Away?
Make your home less desirable to termites.
1. Ensure proper drainage around your home and make sure rainfall is properly pushed away for you home.
2. Install vapor barriers and dehumidifiers to decrease moisture levels.
3. Make sure there isn’t any wood-to-soil contact in your basement.
4. Scattered wood needs to be cleaned up and firewood needs to be stacked above the ground and away from your home.
5. Leaky faucets need to be repaired inside the home and out.
6. Remove any standing water around your home.
Pest control can offer “pre-active” precautionary treatment of liquid termiticides to prevent problems before they start. This can be done with new construction and can be applied to the soil too.
Termite Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Dealing with termites can become overwhelming. Hearing that you might have termites will send fear through homeowners. The thought of the damage and the cost involved with an infestation is scary. Proper identification in termites is very important to make sure the right control formula is used. At the first sign of termites you need professional help. Professionals will take the right steps to take care of an infestation and protect your home in the future. Contact A-Tex Pest Management.
