Here in Terre Haute, Indiana, we have the pleasure of decently warm temperatures throughout most of the year. This is not to say we never experience colder weather. Unfortunately for us, our weather does not stay warm forever, and we must deal with all the pest problems that come with the colder temperatures.
It’s important to be aware that keeping termites out of our homes is a year-round process. Even when the weather gets colder, termites are still able to thrive inside of our temperature-controlled homes. However, the risk of termite infestations greatly increases in late spring and early summer. This is when termites begin breaking off from their original colonies and creating new ones in different locations. These termites, or swarmers, take flight in order to distance themselves from the area they were originally located. It is important to understand what these swarmers look like and what to do if you find them on your property.
How to Keep Termites Out of Your Home
Once swarming season arrives, it means that homes are at greater risk of being exposed to new termite infestations, and if your home already has a termite infestation, that risk increases. If your home has shown sign of an existing termite problem already, a new termite colony is the last thing you want to be dealing with.
As we get closer to this dreaded swarming season, it is important to recognize signs termites leave behind and understand what you can do to prepare your home in order to prevent them from invading your property.
Take steps to reduce moisture. Water-damaged wood or structural components of your home should be repaired or replaced. Leaking pipes need to be tightened. Damaged faucet fixtures should be repaired. Moisture can often build up from air conditioner condensation, clogged gutters, or improperly installed window frames. These areas should be checked for any signs of water damage or mold. Termites are drawn to homes that have a lot of organic matter or debris on the exterior. Clean up wood, leaf, and branch piles to ensure that your home does not become an easy target.
How to Identify Signs of a Termite Infestation
When trying to identify an existing termite infestation, keeping an eye out for the most common signs they leave behind can help you figure out if termites have decided to settle down in your home.
Termite swarmers around the exterior of your home can indicate either an existing termite issue or one that may occur. If you spot winged insects that look similar to ants crawling along the exterior walls of your home, it’s important to contact a pest control professional. Along the lines of the previous tip, termite swarmers will shed their wings once they have found a location they want to start tunneling into. This means, if you see transparent wings lying around your windows, doorways, or outside walls of your home, you may have a termite problem on your hands. Many termite infestations start outside your home. Keeping an eye out for termite-damaged structures—such as wooden fences, wood piles, or dead trees —and removing them can help you figure out if your home might be at risk or possibly already infested.
How to Effectively Get Rid of Termites
Keeping termites away from your home can prove to be a difficult task. While many preventative measures can be taken to protect your home, they’re not always going to be one hundred percent effective. That’s why getting one of Action Pest Control’s termite control and elimination plans is your best option to keep your home protected this year.
With the use of products like Termidor and the Sentricon® System with Always Active™, you can be certain that our pest control experts only use the best termite control methods out there. Make sure your home remains free of termites this year by contacting us today!