Spring may seem like it’s far off in most of the country but in Florida, flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the weather is making everyone bring out their flip-flops. While Florida enjoys a much earlier spring than most other states, that also means that we have to endure a longer termite swarming season, too.
There are six types of termites that attack homes and cause up to $5 billion in damage per year. Because termite damage is mostly preventable, most homeowner’s insurance companies will not cover termite damage, and the cost for repair goes directly to the homeowner. Educating yourself about termite swarming, knowing what to look for, and understanding preventive measures will help keep your house safe from termite damage.
What is Termite Swarming?
Termite swarming means that large groups of termites leave their colony to find a new place to start their own colony. They look for a high concentration of their primary food source, cellulose, which is found in all wood products. The wood in your home is a perfect place for them to build their new colony.
For a swarm to start, the weather has to be warm, and it is usually after a rain that they search because wet wood smells stronger than dry wood. They search in a group that contains only one female, who will be the queen, as soon as they find a suitable place, the queen can start laying eggs – and she can lay up to a million eggs.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Knowing what signs termites leave as they infiltrate your home is key to being able to prevent a swarm from becoming a very costly problem. Things to watch for include:
- Discarded wings in areas like windowsills, near doors, or on the floor.
- Wood in the home that feels soft or sounds hollow.
- Discoloration or unusual warping of wooden structures.
- Mudtubes around the exterior of the home.
- Small mounds of fecal material that may look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
If you find any of these indications of a termite infestation, please call us to schedule a termite inspection and treatment before the problem gets worse.
Preventing Termites
Prevention is always best, so here are a few tips on how to keep termites away from your home:
- Dispose of scrap wood properly. Don’t leave it near your home.
- Limit wood-to-ground contact on lattices, decks, fences, and your home.
- Fill cracks in your home that could be entry points for termites.
The best prevention is a yearly termite inspection by a professional exterminator, in order to identify weak spots in your home that could lead to an infestation before any swarming termites take the opportunity.
Our professional technicians can ensure that your home is protected against termites. Let us help you identify problem areas in your home and stop termites from using your home as their new colony. Call Bug Evictors today at 904-783-2425!