May 14, 2024 | DIY Pest Control, Florida Termite Control
Subterranean termites will go undetected and cause severe damage to Florida homes. While there are several species of termites, subterranean termites are one of the most popular species found in areas of Florida. We breakdown what you should know about these termites and how you can prevent them from infesting your home.
What You Should Know About Subterranean Termites
They Need Water & Soil to Survive
Subterranean termites need a water source and soil to survive and form their colonies. These termites create mud tubes to travel back and forth between your home and their nest. These tubes protect them from damage and predators, and allow them to accumulate moisture for survival.
They Are Active Year-Round
Subterranean termites are active year-round, with swarmers being the earliest sign of their activity. Termite swarming season in Florida can start as early as February and run all the way until June. Spotting swarmers around your home is the first indication that a termite colony is present nearby, and another one could be starting up soon.
Their Colonies Are Hidden
Subterranean termites will stay hidden within wood and underground within their colony. Their mud tubes will protect them and allow them to stay hidden when traveling back from their nest to your home. These mud tubes are typically about the size of a pencil and can be on ceilings, walls, exterior surfaces, and on the sides of slabs.
Their Damage Can Be Extensive
Since these colonies stay hidden, it can be very difficult to detect them, allowing them to cause extensive damage to homes. Many termite infestations can go unnoticed until it’s too late for early treatment before their damage is done. In the United States, termites are known to cause over $5 billion in damage to homes annually.
Subterranean Termite Infestations Are Preventable
There are several preventative options that Florida homeowners should consider to prevent termite infestations. Several pest control companies provide varying techniques of termite management, including liquid barrier treatments and termite bait treatments, such as the Sentricon®️ Always Active Bait Station. These preventative measures also include annual inspections along with their treatments to provide you with the peace of mind that your home is always being protected from termites.
If you’re interested in termite control, reach out to a pest control company near you. These professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection and a customized treatment and prevention plan for your home.
Mar 15, 2024 | Termite Control
As spring approaches in Georgia, so does the dreaded termite swarming season. For homeowners, this time of year can be particularly nerve-wracking as swarms of termites take flight, searching for new places to establish colonies. Understanding what swarming termites are, how to differentiate them from flying ants, and taking proactive steps to prevent infestations can save you from potential damage to your home. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for termite swarming season in Georgia.
What are Swarming Termites?
Swarming termites, also known as alates or swarmers, are reproductive termites tasked with starting new colonies. These winged insects emerge from mature termite colonies in search of mates and suitable locations to establish their own nests. Swarms typically occur in the spring, triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity levels, making Georgia’s climate ideal for termite activity.
Termite Swarming Season in Georgia
Termite swarming season in Georgia typically occurs from late February through May, with peak activity often seen in April. During this time, homeowners should remain vigilant for signs of termite activity both indoors and outdoors.
Differentiating Swarming Termites from Flying Ants
Distinguishing between swarming termites and flying ants is crucial for effective pest control. While both insects have wings and swarm during the spring, several key differences can help you identify them:
- Body Shape: Termites have straight bodies, while ants have segmented bodies with a distinct narrow waist.
- Wing Length: Termite wings are uniform in size and longer than their bodies, whereas flying ants have wings of varying lengths.
- Antennae: Termite antennae are straight, while ant antennae are elbowed.
Signs of Swarming Termites
Identifying the signs of termite swarms early can prevent costly damage to your home. Look out for the following indicators:
- Swarms of Winged Insects: If you notice large groups of winged insects inside or around your home, especially near light sources, it could indicate a termite infestation.
- Discarded Wings: After mating, swarming termites shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along walls or foundations to provide moisture and protection while foraging for food.
What to Do If You Encounter Swarming Termites
If you encounter swarming termites in or around your home, it’s essential to act swiftly:
- Avoid Disturbing Them: Try to avoid disturbing the swarm to prevent them from scattering and potentially establishing new colonies elsewhere.
- Contact a Professional: Immediately contact a reputable termite control company to assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Tips to Prevent Termites in Your Home
Prevention is key to protecting your home from termite infestations. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of termite damage:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Arrange for annual termite inspections by a qualified pest control professional to detect signs of infestation early.
- Reduce Moisture: Termites thrive in damp environments, so repair leaks, improve ventilation, and divert water away from your home’s foundation to reduce moisture levels.
- Remove Wood Debris: Eliminate wood debris, such as stumps, fallen trees, and woodpiles, from your property to eliminate potential termite food sources.
- Use Termite-Resistant Materials: When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials like treated lumber or concrete to minimize the risk of infestation.
By understanding the behavior of swarming termites, recognizing the signs of infestation, and implementing preventive measures, you can safeguard your home against these destructive pests. Remember, if you suspect a termite problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional termite control company near you for assistance.
Feb 23, 2024 | Termite Control
As spring approaches in Georgia, so does the dreaded termite swarming season. For homeowners, this annual event can be a cause for concern, as it signals the potential presence of destructive pests in and around their homes. In this guide, we’ll delve into what swarming termites are, when swarming season occurs, what termite swarms indicate, and crucial tips for termite prevention.
What are Swarming Termites?
Swarming termites are reproductive members of a termite colony. These winged insects emerge from their nests in large numbers during specific times of the year to mate and establish new colonies. Their primary goal is to find a mate and locate a suitable location to start a new colony, often in or around homes.
When is Termite Swarming Season?
In Georgia, termite swarming season typically occurs in the spring, between March and May. However, it can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Warm, humid conditions following rainfall trigger swarming behavior in termites, making spring the peak season for infestations.
What Do Termite Swarms Indicate?
The presence of termite swarms near or inside your home is a strong indicator of an existing termite infestation or the potential for one. Swarming termites may be found indoors near windows, doors, or light sources, as they are attracted to light. Additionally, discarded wings near windowsills or on the floor may indicate that a termite swarm has occurred.
Tips for Termite Prevention:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections conducted by a professional pest control company are essential for early detection of termite activity and prevention of infestations.
- Eliminate Moisture Sources: Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s crucial to address any water leaks or standing water around your home. Ensure proper drainage and repair leaky pipes to reduce moisture levels.
- Keep Wood Away from the Foundation: Avoid stacking firewood or storing wood debris near your home’s foundation, as it can attract termites and provide easy access to your property.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes to prevent termites from entering your home.
- Invest in Termite Control: Consider proactive termite control measures, such as bait stations or liquid treatments, to protect your home from termite infestations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to safeguard your home from termites. Contact a pest control company near you today for a free termite control quote and protect your investment against these destructive pests.
Being aware of termite swarming season and taking proactive measures for termite prevention are vital steps for Georgia homeowners to protect their properties. By understanding the behavior of swarming termites and implementing preventive strategies, you can ensure a termite-free home for years to come.
Jan 31, 2024 | Florida Termite Control
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.
Mar 10, 2023 | Termite Control
Spring brings warm weather and the need for spring cleaning. When making your spring to-do list, make sure to include pest control with it. The warm weather brings pests out in droves, whether emerging from their overwintering spots or searching for a mate to reproduce with. One of the most common spring pests are termites. Spring marks the beginning of termite swarming season, when termites leave their colonies in search of a mate to form a new colony with. Don’t forget to make termite treatment a priority on your spring checklist!
Termites can go undetected for long periods of time, causing significant damage to your home. Once you identify the signs of termites, the next step is to determine the best termite treatment for your situation. Here are some of the most common termite treatment options:
Pretreatments
Pretreatments are termite treatments carried out during the construction phase of new construction. It is also preferable to use pretreatments when building additions to an existing home. When used before the physical infrastructure of a home or addition is laid, pretreatments are more effective and cost-effective. Pretreatments typically consist of a combination of liquid termiticide (often containing borates), termite bait, lumber treatment, and in-soil barriers.
Barrier Treatments
Barrier treatments create a physical barrier between termites and your home. A trench is dug around your home’s perimeter, and the soil that is removed is heavily treated with a termiticide. The treated soil is then refilled into the trench. In some cases, a physical wall made of rock, sand, mesh, and plastic is built inside the trench’s outer wall. This adds another layer of defense between your home and termites.
Liquid Treatments
The most common termite treatments are liquid treatments. These treatments are effective for termite infestations in your home’s interior. Holes are strategically drilled in both the foundation and the wood in these treatments. The termites are then forced to emerge after termiticide is injected into the holes. Termites are then exterminated using termiticide spot treatments.
Bait Treatments
Bait stations containing termiticide-laced wood, paper, or cellulose are placed in the ground around your home. Termites are drawn to the bait and consume it. The termiticide is slow acting, allowing termites to return to the colony and spread the bait to others, effectively killing the colony. Bait stations can be used in places where surface treatments cannot be used, such as near foundation drains and areas covered by slabs or flooring. Bait stations are a long-term and effective treatment solution.
While it can be tempting to attempt termite control yourself, it is usually best left to the professionals. If you have a termite infestation, contact your local pest control company for a termite inspection to determine the best treatment options for your home.
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