You may not know this but every pest has its season. Most often pest seasons are determined by a pest’s ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. When it comes to termites in Raleigh, their preference is between 25 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Any colder or hotter and they are likely to die. Termites do, however, slow down at temperatures below 50 degrees. Here in Raleigh, termite season typically picks up in early spring and can go well into late fall. During this time, a number of things can happen. If you are not prepared, your home could be at risk.
Termite Swarmers
One prominent activity that happens during termite season (usually in the springtime) is swarming. This occurs after a termite colony has become fully mature, which takes 3-5 years. A mature termite colony produces what are called swarmers, winged termite reproductives. These swarmers are tasked with flying out and finding suitable locations to establish new colonies. Most commonly swarmers will settle down near a harvestable structure of wood. If your home has what they are looking for, you could be in trouble.
If you don’t know what termite swarmers look like, they are very similar to flying ants, except their wings are much longer, and their body segments are not pinched; they are uniform all the way down like an enlarged grain of rice. Although worker termites are creamy white in color, swarmers are usually black to brown in color.
What Seeing Termite Swarmers Means For Your Home
Termite infestations are extremely difficult to spot, and early identification is usually rare. Often times homeowners first sign of termite problems is seeing swarmers around or inside their home. If you are seeing swarmers outside, there is a chance your home is not yet under attack but is only being evaluated as a potential source of food. Seeing swarmers inside, on the other hand, is a strong indication that your home is currently under attack. Other signs of a termite infestation include.
Pin-sized holes through your home’s wood.
Mud tubes running up the exterior foundation of your home.
Bubbling wallpaper and or paint.
Overly squeaky floorboards.
Buckling walls.
Visible tunnels running through structural wood.
Other severe structural damage.
How To Prevent Termites
If your home does not currently have an active termite problem, there are some things you can do to make it less attractive to these wood-destroying pests. Here are some prevention tips we recommend.
Use a caulking gun to seal up cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior foundation.
Repair and or replace water-damaged, rotting, or damaged structural wood around your home.
Make sure your gutters are working properly.
Fix leaky pipes, plumbing, and appliances throughout your home.
Eliminate sources of water buildup in and around your home.
Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity down inside your home.
Trim back tree branches and bushes away from the exterior walls of your home.
Avoid using wood-based mulch outside your home.
Store woodpiles and lumber at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior.
Remove leaf piles, wood debris, and other wood and paper-based products from your yard.
What To Do If Termites Have Gotten Inside
If you are seeing swarmers inside your home or are seeing visible signs of termites, it is time to get the professionals involved. Here at Pest & Termite Consultants, we specialize in termite care for Raleigh homeowners. Whether you need to get termites out or are looking for a reliable way to keep them away, we have your answer here.
Give us a call today to get your home inspected or to discuss our termite control options.