5 Things to Know About Subterranean Termites in Florida

5 Things to Know About Subterranean Termites in Florida

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.

Preparing For Swarming Termites

Preparing For Swarming Termites

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:

  1. Body Shape: Termites have straight bodies, while ants have segmented bodies with a distinct narrow waist.
  2. Wing Length: Termite wings are uniform in size and longer than their bodies, whereas flying ants have wings of varying lengths.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Discarded Wings: After mating, swarming termites shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other entry points.
  3. 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:

  1. Avoid Disturbing Them: Try to avoid disturbing the swarm to prevent them from scattering and potentially establishing new colonies elsewhere.
  2. 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:

  1. Schedule Regular Inspections: Arrange for annual termite inspections by a qualified pest control professional to detect signs of infestation early.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove Wood Debris: Eliminate wood debris, such as stumps, fallen trees, and woodpiles, from your property to eliminate potential termite food sources.
  4. 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.

What To Know About Termite Swarming Season

What To Know About Termite Swarming Season

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes to prevent termites from entering your home.
  5. 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.

Swarming Termites Vs. Flying Ants

Swarming Termites Vs. Flying Ants

Augusta Termite Control: Swarming Termites

One of the most common signs of termites in your home, including those in Augusta, is seeing a swarm of flying insects. With swarming season around the corner, be on the lookout for these groups of flying insects, including swarming termites.

But how do you know if they’re termite swarmers? Unfortunately, swarming termites appear like flying ants, but there are noticeable differences, especially if you can get a closer look.

Here are three ways to tell the difference in termites vs flying ants:

  • Waist Size: Flying ants have a pinched waist, while termites have a more streamlined body.
  • Antennae Shape: On ants, the antennae are elbowed; but on termites they appear straight and bead-like.
  • Wing Size: Termite wings are all equal in length and extend past the abdomen, while ant wings are unequal and generally end at the tip of their abdomen.

Beyond the physical differences, they also possess behavioral differences. Both insects live in large colonies with designated caste systems, but termites can also be found in decaying trees, stumps, wood debris, lumber, and wooden structures. The only ant species that would live in any type of wood are carpenter ants; other species wouldn’t be found in these areas.

If you believe you have termites causing damage to your home, reach out to your local pest control company who can provide a free inspection and service plan that’s right for you and your property.

When Does Swarming Season Begin?

When Does Swarming Season Begin?

The new year has begun and although the weather is chilly now, the luxuries of living in the south typically means that warmer weather appears sooner than later. This means that termite swarming season is just around the corner, with the earliest swarms beginning in February. Let’s break down what to expect this swarming season.

What are Swarming Termites?

Termite swarmers, often mistaken for winged ants, are most active during the spring months, when they fly away from their colony to reproduce. These swarmers are attracted to bright, light areas often seen around doors and windows in homes. Fortunately, they don’t cause wood damage, but seeing a group of them around your property typically means a colony is nearby.

Which Species Do I Need to Lookout For?

The southeastern region of the United States is home to a variety of termites, including the subterranean, drywood, and Formosan species. Subterranean is the most common type of termite found in the southeast. They live underground in colonies that can get up to two million members. They are also known to be found in moist, secluded areas above ground. With their hard, saw-toothed jaws that work like shears, they are known to cause significant damage to properties.

Termite Prevention Tips:

  • Eliminate Moisture: Repair leaky faucets, don’t let water pool near foundations, keep gutters clear, and use downspouts to divert water away from your home.
  • Maintain Landscape: Don’t let anything touch the exterior surfaces of your home (mulch & woodpiles), removing old tree stumps, and keeping shrubbery and tree limbs trimmed back away from your home.
  • Repair Home: Replace broken tiles, shingles, etc. on your roof and exposed beams in attics are a great food source and access point into your home.

If you suspect termite swarming activity or just want to get a step ahead at termite prevention, contact your local pest control company and schedule your free inspection.

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