When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?

When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?

Swarming termites, or alates, are often seen in the spring and summer months. While they might seem alarming, these pests do not bite, sting, or chew wood. Instead, swarming termites indicate they an established termite colony is close by, which can be problematic for your home and family. But when does swarming season begin and how do you know if termites have invaded your Florida property? We breakdown what you should know about termite swarms.

When is Florida swarming season?

Swarming season often depends on the type of termite; however, in Florida we have two common termites to lookout for: subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites swarm during the spring and early summer months. Drywood termites tend to swarm in the late spring to end the summer. Termite swarms are also determined by weather, with rainstorms and overcast increasing swarm activity.

Why do termites swarm?

Termites swarm to both reproduce and expand their colony. Once a colony has reached its capacity of termites, the swarming process begins, leaving their existing one to start a new. The number of termites that will swarm will often depend on the type of termite species and colony size.

How can I prevent swarming termites?

Preventing swarming termites starts with preventing termite colonies from establishing. There are several preventative measures you can place at your home to avoid termite swarms and keep termites from establishing, including:

  • During peak swarm seasons, keep your outdoor lights turned off at night; consider relocating exterior lights to recessed areas away from doors and windows
  • Avoid excess moisture by ensuring you have proper ventilation and fix any leaky pipes
  • Keep at least a 4-inch barrier between mulch used in your landscaping and the side of your home
  • Keep shrubbery trimmed back at least 12 inches from the walls of your home and remove any fallen branches, dead wood, or old tree stumps on your property
  • If you have a crawlspace, consider enclosing it to help eliminate moisture under your home but to also prevent mold, mildew, wood rot, and other household pests
  • Schedule an annual termite inspection and request a quote on treatment options, such as the Sentricon Always Active Bait station for 24/7/365 termite protection

If you suspect swarming termite activity nearby or a termite infestation at your home, it’s best to call your local pest control company for help. Termite professionals will give you a thorough evaluation and the best termite treatment and prevention plan.

How Often Should You Treat For Termites?

How Often Should You Treat For Termites?

Termites can be a silent threat to the structural integrity of your home, and in Georgia, where the climate is conducive to termite activity, it’s essential to be proactive in termite control. In this blog post, we’ll explore how often you should treat for termites, common types of termites found in Georgia, signs of termite damage, the importance of annual inspections, preventive measures, and what to do if termites invade your home.

Types of Termites in Georgia

Georgia is home to several termite species, with the most common being subterranean termites, drywood termites, and Formosan termites. Each species poses unique challenges, making it crucial to understand their behavior for effective termite control.

Identifying Signs of Termite Damage

Recognizing termite damage early is key to minimizing the impact on your home. Look out for hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes on exterior walls, discarded wings near windows and doors, and visible damage to wooden structures. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

The Importance of Annual Termite Inspections

To stay ahead of potential termite infestations, annual inspections are a must. Professional termite control companies in Georgia offer thorough inspections to detect early signs of termite activity, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your investment.

Preventing Termite Infestations

Prevention is the first line of defense against termites. Keep woodpiles away from your home, ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation near the foundation, and seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s exterior. Additionally, consider opting for pressure-treated wood in construction projects.

What to Do If You Find Termites

Discovering termites in your home can be alarming, but swift action is crucial. Contact a reputable termite control company immediately. Professional pest control experts will assess the extent of the infestation, recommend a tailored treatment plan, and provide guidance on preventing future occurrences.

  1. Request a Free Termite Control Quote: Don’t wait until termites become a problem. Request a free quote from our experienced termite control team to safeguard your home.
  2. Schedule Your Annual Termite Inspection: Ensure your home is termite-free with our comprehensive annual inspections. Schedule your inspection today for peace of mind tomorrow.

Protecting your home from termites requires a proactive approach. By understanding the types of termites, recognizing signs of damage, prioritizing annual inspections, implementing preventive measures, and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure a termite-free living space. Take the first step in termite control – request a free quote and secure the longevity of your home.

When Is Termite Treatment Necessary?

When Is Termite Treatment Necessary?

Georgia is known for its beautiful landscapes, warm weather, and vibrant communities. Unfortunately, it’s also known for its thriving termite populations. Termites can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing extensive and costly damage to your property. In this blog post, we’ll explore why termite treatment is a necessity for your Georgia home, discussing the types of termites found in the state, signs of termites, how to spot termite damage, and crucial tips to prevent and eliminate these destructive pests from your yard.

Termites Found in Georgia:

Georgia is home to several termite species, but the most common ones that homeowners encounter include Eastern Subterranean Termites and Formosan Termites. These voracious pests feed on wood, paper, and cellulose materials, posing a significant threat to your home’s structural integrity.

Signs of Termites:

  1. Swarmers: One of the most obvious signs of termites is the emergence of termite swarmers. These winged insects are reproductive termites, and their presence in or around your home is a clear indication of a termite infestation.
  2. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from light and open air. You may spot these pencil-sized tubes along your foundation, walls, or in your crawl space.
  3. Wood Damage: Termite-infested wood often appears hollow or papery, and you may find small, pin-sized holes on its surface. Termites consume wood from the inside, making it difficult to detect their presence until extensive damage has occurred.
  4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows: If your doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, it could be due to termite damage, which warps the wood.
  5. Pellet-Like Droppings: Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. If you see these near infested wood or in your home, it’s a clear sign of termite activity.

How to Spot Termite Damage:

Termite damage can be difficult to detect until it’s severe. To identify termite damage, look for the following:

  • Hollow or damaged wood.
  • Cracked or bubbling paint on wooden surfaces.
  • Buckling or sagging floors.
  • Mud tubes along your home’s foundation.
  • Presence of swarmers or discarded wings.

Tips to Prevent and Eliminate Termites:

  1. Regular Inspections: Schedule annual termite inspections with a professional pest control company in Georgia. They can identify termites early and recommend appropriate termite treatment if needed.
  2. Reduce Moisture: Termites are drawn to moisture. Fix any leaks and ensure good drainage around your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
  3. Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Termites thrive in direct contact with soil. Keep wooden structures, like fences and firewood, off the ground or at least 18 inches away from it.
  4. Termite-Resistant Materials: When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials like treated wood or concrete.
  5. Regular Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard well-maintained by removing dead trees, stumps, and wood debris. Termites often start infestations outdoors before moving indoors.

Request a Free Termite Control Quote:

Protecting your Georgia home from termite damage is essential, and timely termite treatment is crucial in this battle. If you suspect or have confirmed termite activity in your home, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Request a free termite control quote from our experienced team. We have the expertise and local knowledge to help you safeguard your home from these destructive pests.

Don’t wait until termites cause extensive damage to your property. Contact your local pest control company today for a free termite control quote and take the first step in defending your Georgia home against these silent invaders. Your peace of mind is just a call away!

Signs of Subterranean Termites in Your South Florida Home

Signs of Subterranean Termites in Your South Florida Home

Subterranean termites eat wood from the inside out, often hiding and going undetected until severe damage is done. These termites will often infest homes by entering through stucco, slab foundation, and other hidden areas with access to the structure. The best way to prevent these termites is to understand their signs of infestation so you can begin to eliminate them early before the infestation gets out of hand.

Termite Signs in Homes

Here are 5 signs of subterranean termites in homes:

  1. Swarms: An early sign that subterraneans are in your home is spotting termite swarms in your neighborhood. These swarms can sometimes be confused with flying ants. Swarms will typically emerge in the spring or early summer to reproduce and establish a new colony. If you see these swarms, it’s a good indicator that a colony is looking for a new place to build their nest.
  2. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel back and forth between your home and their nest. You’ll find these on walls, ceilings, floors, exterior surfaces, on the sides of slabs, and are usually the size of a pencil. These tubes help protect them from damage and predators, also allowing them to accumulate moisture to survive.
  3. Noises: While it can be difficult to hear termite noises, it is possible! If a colony is large and established, you could hear a faint clicking or knocking sound behind your wall or in other voids. This noise is the sounds soldier termites make when they are banging their heads against wood or vibrating their bodies to indicate to the rest of their colony that there is danger.
  4. Hollow Wood: If you tap on wooden surfaces of your home and hear a hollow or paper sound instead of a solid thud, this is a sign that a termite colony could be established. Additionally, if you spot blistering or bubbling paint, especially near the window and door trim, could be another indication termites are inside.
  5. Wood Damage: Floor, door, and window damage can indicate that termites have infested. Typical termite wood damage includes floors that buckle or sag and difficulty closing doors or windows.

Consider Termite Treatments

If you notice any of the above signs in your Florida home, it’s best to contact your local termite control company as soon as possible. These professionals will thoroughly inspect your home, provide you with a termite treatment plan for the existing termite colony, and recommend the best prevention plan moving forward to avoid another infestation.

Benefits to Termite Baiting Systems for Your South Florida Home

Benefits to Termite Baiting Systems for Your South Florida Home

Living in South Florida can come with many perks, including lots of sunshine and beautiful ocean views. Unfortunately, it can also come with termites! These silent destroyers can cause significant damage to your home from the inside out. There are several treatment options out there to help keep termites under control, including the Sentricon Always Active® system. Here is more information on subterranean termites, along with ways to prevent and eliminate them.

What are Subterranean Termites?

Let’s talk about these stealthy troublemakers! Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in residential areas. They thrive in moist soil and create underground colonies, where they build intricate tunnel systems to access sources of food. Their damage can go unseen for years, hence the nickname, Silent Destroyers.

How to Prevent Subterranean Termites:

  • Remove Moisture from Home: Subterranean termites love moisture, so keep an eye on areas prone to dampness, such as crawlspaces and basements. Ensure proper ventilation and address any leaks or water issues promptly. By eliminating excess moisture, you’re making your home less attractive to termites.
  • Protect your Home’s Foundation: Keep some space between your home and the landscaping.
  • Conduct Regular Inspections: In between your yearly termite inspection, you should be conducting one of your own. Here are the most prominent signs of subterranean termites in your home:
    • Mud tubes or tunnels on walls
    • Swarming termites and their discarded wings
    • Wood damage, like hollow sounding wood, sagging or buckling floors, or warped paint
    • Frass or termite droppings near wooden structures

When it comes to termite control for subterranean termites, Sentricon Always Active® baiting system stands out as a highly effective and eco-friendly solution. The stations are strategically placed around your property, forming a protective barrier.

Once termites find the bait, they take it back to their colony for complete elimination. Having Sentricon Always Active® installed for your home ensures continuous protection against subterranean termites, year-round. Our team of experts regularly monitor the bait systems, keeping the efficacy as accurate as possible.

By implementing simple prevention measures you can lessen the chances of these termites taking over. If you’re ready for the experts to get involved, give your local pest control company a call today for a FREE inspection!

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