Now that it’s officially spring, termite season is in full swing. As temperatures climb, termite colonies become more active, and this means they’re more likely to set their sights on your home. Left unchecked, termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage, usually before homeowners even realize there’s a problem. But there’s good news. Knowing what to look for and who to call if you notice signs of termite activity can make all the difference in protecting your home. Here’s everything you need to know about termites during peak season:
What are Termites, and When are They Most Active?
Termites are small, social insects that live in large colonies and feed primarily on cellulose, which is found in wood and paper. Since this is their main source of food, you can see how this quickly becomes a problem for homeowners. Termites are most active in spring because the warmer weather triggers their swarming behavior. During swarming season, termites leave their existing colonies to establish new ones. Unfortunately for Florida homeowners, the concern doesn’t always go away on the last day of spring, since the warm, humid weather creates ideal conditions for termites pretty much year-round.
How Can Someone Identify Termites?
There are several termite species to be aware of. Knowing which type of termite you’re dealing with can help when it comes time to act. Subterranean termites are the most common species in Florida, and they typically enter people’s homes by way of mud tubes, which they use to travel between their colonies underground and their food source. Drywood termites are another common species that live directly inside the wood they infest. Formosan termites are a particularly aggressive type of subterranean termite, and they’re quite prevalent in South Florida. This termite species is known to cause rapid, extensive damage.
One of the most common mistakes people make when identifying termites is confusing them with flying ants. A good rule of thumb for telling the difference is to look at their antennae, wings and waists. Termites have straight antennae, thick waists and wings that are equal in length, whereas flying ants have bent antennae, pinched waists and uneven wing lengths.
What are Some Signs of an Active Termite Infestation?
Signs of an active termite infestation include mud tubes along the walls or your home’s foundation, hollow-sounding wood, stuck doors and windows, frass, and discarded wings. Because termites spend a lot of time causing damage before their presence is detected, they’re often called “silent destroyers.” And since termites feed on wooden structures, they weaken them over time and can cause them to warp. This is why you may notice walls sounding hollow or doors and windows being harder to open or close than they were before. If you notice this alongside frass, which are termite droppings that resemble sawdust, or discarded wings, this is a strong indicator of an active infestation. The sooner you act, the better.
How Can Homeowners Prevent Termites?
When it comes to termite control, being proactive is always better than being reactive. The most effective ways to make your home less inviting to termites are to do three main things:
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around your home’s exterior. You can do this by ensuring siding, door frames and window frames are at least six inches above ground, as well as making sure firewood, mulch and organic debris are away from your home’s exterior.
- Reduce moisture. You can control moisture levels around your home by fixing leaks, eliminating standing water, ensuring proper drainage, and keeping basements and attics well ventilated.
- Sealing entry points. Termites are tiny creatures and can make their way into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Use caulk to seal small gaps and wire mesh to cover vents.
What Should You Do About Termites?
Despite your best prevention efforts, termites can still invade. If you notice signs of termite activity around your home, the best course of action is to contact a professional termite control team. At AAA Pest Control, our termite control treatments include heat treatments, an effective way to eliminate drywood termites with less reliance on chemicals, and tent fumigations, which are more effective for larger, more severe infestations. Our team starts by conducting a thorough inspection of your home to assess the type and severity of the infestation, and then we will determine the best treatment plan.
Termites may be small, but the damage they cause is anything but. With the right knowledge, preparation steps and trusted pest control team, your home doesn’t have to be their next target. Contact AAA Pest Control for expert termite control you can count on. We offer free inspections and same-day services. No need to wait for termites to do any more damage!