SWARMING SEASON IS HERE!
Spring is upon us and that means that we are coming into swarming season! Let’s get into the details so that you know what to look for and what to expect.
Swarming is a fairly quick affair, lasting about 30-40 minutes. The termites will collect toward a light source and if they cannot find soil, they will die in just a few hours from dehydration. Now, if you see termites swarming outside, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are currently in your home. HOWEVER, this is still something to take seriously and be proactive about, as we’ll talk about in this blog. We have also put together some more information on what to look for in and around your home to detect termite infestation!
SIGNS OF TERMITES
If you notice discolored/drooping drywall that is one definite sign of termites. You may also notice small pin-sized holes in the sheet rock or wallpaper. If you see this, it’s time for an inspection ASAP. In some cases damage can be limited to just the sheet rock and can be replaced in sections. In other cases, it can also be structural and extensive. We know these guys eat away at the structure of our homes and our wallets, so act fast when you see the signs.
Peeling paint that resembles water damage can be signs of an infestation. Termites need moisture, therefore they bring the moisture and it will stay contained behind the paint. If there are others signs of bubbling or peeling paint you should also check for leaks and even poor sealing. Leaky pipes will invite more pests than termites!
If you have places where wood sounds hollow when tapped, wooden or laminate floors that are buckling, crumbling or damaged wood, excessively squeaky floor boards, loosened tiles from added moisture, and even stuck windows or doors, those are all signs of termite activity. Although some of these can be attributed to other issues, you can’t go wrong by scheduling an inspection just to be sure (Nova Pest offers FREE inspections).
Maze like patterns in furniture, floor boards, or walls are another tell tale sign of termites.
OTHER SIGNS:
Mounds of termite pellets, also known as droppings or frass, which resemble little piles of salt and pepper.
Piles of wings left behind after swarms. These wings will often resemble fish scales. You may even see them in spider webs and on surfaces around your home’s foundation, for example window sills or even door frames. You could find these wings inside and outside of your home.
Mud tubes climbing the foundation of your home. These tubes are simply shelter tubes for the termites and they act as a bridge between the colonies and the wood they eat. These tubes are compiled of tiny particles of soil, wood, and debris and serve to protect the colonies from any predator and also preserve moisture.
Flying termites will swarm anywhere on your property or around your home. Most of the time these swarms can go undetected because they happen briefly and are based on species and weather conditions. Often times they swarm when most people are away from the home and some species even swarm at dusk and they are missed completely.
We know how important it is to keep your home protected. Give us a call today and let us inspect your home and offer you some peace of mind and solution!