How To Protect Against Springtime Pests

Termites can be a health hazard and nuisance year round, but springtime especially will have them coming to your home in floods. The annual swarming of termites puts many areas at risk for infestation. But how do you know if your area is in danger? By the time termites are visible to the naked eye, chances are the damage to your home has already been done. It is essential to have your home inspected by a licensed pest control operator if you even suspect that termites are infesting your property. A good rule of thumb is to have your property inspected once a year, even if you don’t suspect your home has termites as preventative maintenance. Also, it is wise to check for mud tubes extending up from the foundation, as that indicates a colony below that has an abundant food source.

Other entry points that are not readily visible are expansion joints in slab construction, cracks within the foundation and foundation walls as well as crawlspaces. Tubes extending down from a wall indicate there are termites present above ground. The desert termite, predominant in the southwestern United States, will drop “tubes” which actually extend out of the ceiling. The following details are additional signs of infestation:

• Termite swarms
• Following a swarm, the insect snaps off its wings and leaves them behind. Numerous light colored wings on outdoor surfaces are a clear indication
• Clouds of swarmers are attracted to bright light bulbs
• Sheltered tubes made of mud on concrete and masonry walls
• Bubbled paint or wooden surfaces that are damp and cool to the touch
• Sagging building supports

So, what can be done to keep your home safe from termite infestation? There are several steps that can make your home less ideal for termite invasions. First of all, termites require moisture in order to survive; wood that is at least 30 percent water saturated provides enough moisture.

Last but certainly not least, termites will find freestanding water such as condensation, rain or plumbing leaks and use the moisture as their main source for survival. Correcting moisture problems in conjunction with treatment is necessary for successful control. If standing water is not available, termites will bring wet mud into structures to create moisture conditions. Professional pest control operators are trained to conduct thorough termite inspections and can recommend specific preventative steps on an individual basis.