Termites are one of the pests that homeowners fear most. Fortunately, they don’t harm people, which is good. However, they do harm your property. Termites eat wood, which means the very structure of the home can be compromised with an unchecked termite infestation.
One of the largest signs of a termite infestation is a termite swarm. While this event may sound out of the ordinary, it’s a common occurrence. Termite swarming only happens once the colony has reached a certain size and the weather conditions are favorable. Identifying this problem requires the ability to spot signs of termite swarming as well as knowing the time of year when termites are more likely to swarm.
The Ins And Outs Of Swarming
Most of the time, the swarming season occurs between February and May. Swarming termites are attracted to light. Therefore, they typically swarm during the day. If you see signs of a termite swarm, you know you have a well-established termite colony and should seek professional assistance immediately.
While it may seem odd, there’s a good reason why termites swarm. The two largest reasons for termite swarming are colony expansion and colony death. When the colony gets to a certain size, it becomes too large to remain sustainable. When this occurs, the termites swarm to reproduce and settle into a new colony. On the other hand, the current environment may be harmful such as when pest control services are used. When this happens, it’s a sign that termites are in retreat and desire a new habitat.
Watch For Signs Of Termite Infestation
Perhaps you’re curious about the signs or already suspect termites may be present. If this sounds correct, then check for the following signs to determine if you have a termite infestation:
Noise levels: Termite soldiers produce quiet clicking sounds to warn other termites of danger. The worker termites are constantly eating wood to feed the rest of the colony. In large numbers, you may hear them. Interestingly, termites are influenced by external sounds and may chew faster if there is fast-tempo music playing in a home.
White ants: Termites look similar to ants in shape and size. As such, people often mistake termites for white ants. While there are some minute differences between the two, there is one huge difference to remember. There is no such thing as a white ant. If you see a “white ant” it’s most likely a termite.
Hollow sounds: Termites consume wood. If left alone long enough, the wood produces a hollow sound when tapped. In addition to the hollow sound, the compromised wood will also bend if pushed. If you can press into the wood, it’s a sign that termites are present.
Problems with doors and windows: Usually, a door or window that is hard to operate is due to hot and damp weather. However, termites produce moisture when working, so sticking doors or windows could indicate an unwanted termite population.
Frass: As termites eat wood, they create frass which they push out of their nest. Termite frass looks like small piles of wood shavings.
Mud tubes: With the exception of swarmers or alates, termites cannot survive in the light. Therefore, they build mud tubes to connect their nest to their colony. These mud tubes are likely found along the foundation of your home or basement walls.
Prevent Instead Of React
Termites can be handled in two different ways. One way is prevention and the other is through reaction. While both can get the job done, it's a lot easier and less expensive to avoid a termite problem than to eliminate one.
Reacting to a termite infestation means they have already started chewing away at the wood on your property. This means property damage has already occurred, which needs to be corrected. Prevention keeps this problem from happening in the first place, which is much less expensive and stressful.
Termites are notoriously hard to detect. Once you see the signs of infestation, they have likely caused a great deal of damage to your home. By regularly exercising preventative measures, you don’t have to worry about detecting termites in or around the property.
Say Goodbye To Termites With The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
At The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc., we know the stress associated with a pest infestation. That’s why we work hard to ensure your home remains protected from all pests, including termites. With regular pest treatments, you can rest assured knowing that your home is protected from unwanted Lexington pests, including termites.
If you're worried about termites or other pests invading your Lexington home, its time to give us a call and speak with one of our professionals about your pest control options. You can also visit our website and fill out a form to receive a free quote. Don't wait another minute to tackle unwanted termites - reach out to us today!
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