When you think about the most dangerous pests, you might think of venomous spiders or mosquitoes that spread disease. You might not consider termites as dangerous, but the truth is they are one of the most dangerous types of pests in the United States. This is because of the immense and costly damage they can cause, leaving structures and property owners vulnerable. With the knowledge of the dangers of termites, every South Carolina property owner needs to know how to identify the first signs of an infestation and when termites are most active.
When Is Termite Season?
Termite swarmers are winged adult members that fly from their current colony to start new colonies. In South Carolina, the swarmer season occurs during springtime, when the temperature is moderate and moisture levels are high. Termite colonies will typically wait until the day after it rains to send out swarmers which will look for mates and start new colonies. Although they are most active during this time of year, termites are active year-round.
First Sign of Termites
The first sign of a termite problem is often termite swarms. They can appear in a small cluster or by the hundreds. This depends on where you see the termite swarmers. If you see swarmers in an area away from your home, for instance, on a dead tree, this does not indicate a termite problem. Still, it is a good idea to remove factors that attract termite swarmers to your property in the first place.
Once swarmers mate, they discard their wings. If you find discarded wings inside your home, around door frames, baseboards, and windowsills, this is a sign of a termite problem.
Once termites have infested your property, they may go unnoticed for years, allowing them to cause immense damage. Luckily, you can take precautions both inside and outside your property that can help keep termites away.
Termite Prevention Tips
There are ways to make your property less hospitable to termite swarmers looking to establish new colonies. Taking these precautions can help avoid dangerous and expensive damage that comes with a termite infestation. For the outside of your property, try the following:
- Clear fallen leaves.
- Remove excess plants.
- Replace water-damaged fences, deck material, and playsets.
- Remove old tree stumps and woodpiles.
- Keep woodpiles away from your home and secure in a storage box.
- Maintain gutters and reduce the amount of water collection on your property.
For the inside of your property, the following tips can help reduce the possibility of termites:
- Address moisture issues such as leaking pipes or a leaking roof.
- Remove and replace water-damaged wood in your home.
- Seal cracks in the foundation and walls.
- Fix any torn weather stripping around windows and doors.
Overall, it is beneficial to get routine professional inspections of your property.
The Best Termite Protection
The best form of termite protection comes from professional assistance. In South Carolina, The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is here to help. Our highly trained team will inspect your property for termites to determine the severity of your termite infestation. After a careful inspection of your residential or commercial property, we will help you choose a tailored treatment plan. Once our professionals treat your property, we offer multiple follow-up visits to ensure your property stays termite-free.
If you even suspect you may have a termite problem on your South Carolina property, contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. immediately.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
Complete the form below to schedule your no-obligation inspection.