Feb 13, 2023 | Termite Control
Once the cold weather begins to creep away is when we should begin to see swarming termites. Especially after a big rainfall, mature winged adults will swarm from their original nesting site in hopes of forming new colonies. The most common termite you will see swarming is the Eastern subterranean termite, which is native to North Carolina. Here are some fast facts about these termites:
- They live below ground
- Their main source of food is woody materials, like tree stumps
- They appear long, narrow, and oval with a creamy white to dark brown color
Why do Termites Swarm?
Swarming is beneficial when creating new colonies. Termites swarm after a colony has reached a certain capacity and is ready to expand. This normally happens once per year for most colonies. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers, also known as alates, are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction and expansion.
Where does it Usually Occur?
Swarming can occur indoors or outdoors. They cannot survive indoors because of the lack of soil to colonize. If found indoors, they are usually found near windows and light fixtures as they are attracted to light. Whether indoors or outdoors, they usually can’t cause damage. As swarmers, they can’t bite, sting, or chew. The presence of swarms indicates that a colony is nearby, though; so, although the swarmers can’t cause damage, the nearby colony can.
How to Prevent Termites:
- Getting rid of water sources by eliminating or reducing standing water around your home.
- Repairing any leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioners.
- Removing any tree stumps from your property.
- Keeping firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
- Scheduling an annual termite inspection of your home and property to help detect termite problems early before they can cause significant damage.
If you begin to see swarming termites and aren’t sure if your home has become infested, be sure to give your local termite control company a call and they can inspect your property and set up a proactive termite control plan.
Nov 8, 2022 | Termite Control
Termites can be active well into the fall and winter months. They will typically find themselves digging a little deeper to keep warm. If they make their way into your home, then they don’t have a need to burrow deeper, as your home is already providing enough warmth for the winter.
Continuing termite control into the cooler months will help to protect your home up until spring begins again. Be sure to keep up with termite control to lessen the chance of termites swarming in the spring and summer months.
Regardless of the season, there are common signs of termite infestations to look for in your home, including:
- Noises: Beyond visual cues of termites being nearby, you can sometimes hear them! Once a colony becomes large and more established you can sometimes begin hearing clicking or knocking sounds behind your walls.
- Swarms: This is the earliest sign of termites. In late spring or early summer, termites will begin emerging to reproduce to establish new colonies. If you begin to see swarmers, that usually means a colony is nearby.
- Wood Damage: It could be your window, door, or floor that is impacted. Sagging floors will usually indicate a more established colony. If a door or window doesn’t close properly, it could also indicate termites.
- Mud Tubes: If you begin seeing mud tubes around your property, it typically means termites are close by. The tubes are used as protection and also help to retain moisture, which is vital for termites.
If you suspect you have a termite problem or want to stay proactive against them, reach out to your local pest control company to receive a free termite inspection and discover the best plan of action perfect for you and your home!
Dec 21, 2021 | Termite Control
It’s estimated that termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage annually in the United States. While they primarily feed on wood, they can also damage books, insulation, and swimming pool liners and filters. They like to wreak havoc on trees, shrubs, and plants that are in bad health. Termites can infest buildings at any time. This can be particularly troublesome when buying or selling a home. A termite inspection and report are usually required as a condition of sale of a home.
Signs of Damage
When signs of termite damage surface, the infestation has often been there for years with extensive damage already sustained. Some signs of termites in your home include:
- A hollow sound made by tapping on wood with a heavy object
- Painted walls that bubble and peel
- Small entry holes where they tunnel through drywall
- Buckling ceiling and walls
- Appearance of water damage
- Maze-like designs in wood structures
- Mud tunnels on foundations
Significant damage from termites can have an effect on the structural integrity of your home and can even cause ceilings and floors to collapse. Termites can also ruin furniture and flooring.
Damage Costs
One question that many homeowners have is if termite damage is covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, in most cases the answer is no. Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover termite damage or removal because it can usually be prevented through routine home maintenance. However, you should always check with your insurance provider to see what you are and aren’t covered for.
Prevention
Termites can be prevented with scheduled periodic professional inspections which can help identify signs of infestations early. This can help keep repair costs down and the damage to a minimum. Any professional termite control plan should eliminate termites, prevent future termite infestations, and prevent termite damage. If you suspect that you have a termite problem or want to have an inspection done, contact your local pest control company.
Nov 9, 2021 | Termite Control
Buying a home is a major investment. For most homeowners, a lot of time is spent repairing and renovating their home to their liking. However, owning a home can also come with a lot of unexpected problems that can be costly to repair, such as termite damage. Termites can colonize homes and cause significant undetected destruction over a long period of time. Most of the time, it costs thousands of dollars to repair their damage. Unfortunately, the infestations can sometimes be exacerbated by the homeowner. Below, we’ll explain what you need to know to make sure you aren’t attracting termites.
Improper Drainage
One of the most common reasons why you may have a termite infestation is due to improper drainage around your home. Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture and need an abundant source of nearby water to survive. Debris can build up in your home’s gutters, and the excess moisture can soften your roof and cause it to rot. A downspout can help divert rainwater away from your foundation, and splash blocks can prevent the water from pooling.
Wood Mulch
The type of materials you use to landscape can attract termites, specifically mulch. Mulch is often used near and around homes, usually against the foundation. Unfortunately, it serves as a food source for termites as it retains moisture and attracts these pests right to the edge of your home. Try to minimize the use of wood mulch and keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.
Moisture
Lack of airflow and leaking pipes contribute to moisture problems in the home and can create a perfect environment for termites. Eliminating any type of excess moisture inside of your home is a huge step in preventing termites. Consider enclosing your crawlspace to prevent termites and improve the overall health of your home. Doing so will reduce the moisture, decrease humidity, lower utility bills, and prevent mold and wood rot.
If you’ve taken the necessary steps in preventing termites but still suspect that you have a problem, call your local pest control company to help. They can help set you up with a termite inspection and termite control and prevention plan.
Aug 31, 2021 | Termite Control
Buying a home leaves you with hundreds of things to consider and decide on. From furniture to renovations to insurance, there’s a lot to take in! One thing that usually doesn’t come to mind immediately is termite control.
Termites can cause serious damage to your home and that damage is usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies. Most times, you won’t even think about it until the damage is already done. However, there are steps you can take to prevent termite damage. With the Sentricon Always Active® System and a termite provider’s inspection, your home can be protected 24/7/365.
So, what are some benefits of Sentricon Termite Protection?
- Your home is protected every single day from the moment that it’s installed. When a termite finds the bait, they will take it back to their colony and essentially eliminate their entire colony before they can reach your home.
- You get to choose a termite warranty for your home through your provider. With Northwest, we offer a $1 Million Repair and Retreat Warranty. This warranty protects your home, even if termites end up causing damage.
- You’ll receive an annual inspection. This inspection allows your home to be checked for any signs of termite activity, which should allow your provider to catch any activity or damage before it begins.
Termite protection might not be at the top of your list, but when you think about the $5 billion in damage that termites cause every year, it is something to highly consider. If you’re purchasing a new construction home, contact your builder about what they have to offer your home in terms of termite protection.
If you have questions about the right type of termite protection or warranty for your home, give your local termite control provider a call. They will be able to answer all of your questions so you can make the right decision for your home and family.
