With the start of spring and the rising temperatures of March, termites will begin to swarm and mating partners will look for new nest locations. These swarms will intensify, as more and more species enter their swarming season, peaking noticeably during humid dusks from the months of April to July.
You may notice these swarming termites, which are winged and fly around, near your lights, window sills, windows and light fixtures. They will be more visible in times of peak activity and with species that form large swarms, but colonies will stay active year round.
During this season, it’s important to know as much as possible about the different species of termites, how you can identify them, and how you can control them best. For example, formosan subterranean termites will invade structures through the ground. So you may not even see swarmers before your home is infested, only after, when the colony on your property is large enough. To prevent infestation from subterranean termite species, you will need to remove any wood-to-ground contact on your property and perhaps install a chemical barrier around and under your foundation.
On the other hand, your home may become infested with drywood termites, which show signs of infestation when you notice fecal pellets near infested wooden structures. These pellets look like sawdust and if you look at the wood above them, you may notice very tiny holes that are about 1 mm in diameter.
We’ve already listed one of the best termite control methods: liquid treatments or chemical barriers. The other most effective method is the bait trap. While liquid treatments protect your building from infestation, they cannot eliminate a colony. For this, you will need to install bait stations in key locations around your home. Termites will be drawn to these stations, take the poisoned wood inside and start spreading it around their colonies. Eventually, the poisoned food reaches the queen, and if the queen is poisoned, the colony is no longer able to produce new members, leading to its destruction.
If you have noticed signs of an infestation, or if you suspect that the swarmers may be setting up shop, it is recommended that you call a pest control specialist. Since termites swarm every year, it may also be a good idea to set up regular inspection sessions with a pest control company. Contact us today if you have termite issues.