When you think of spring; flowers, green grass, and sunshine usually come to mind. While this is all true and quite dandy, the number one springtime pest should also be kept in mind — termites. Spring is the most destructive time for this pest and it’s up to you to know more about them so you can prevent your home from becoming infested.
Termite Life Cycle
Within the many species of termites, there are three types: workers, soldiers, and swarmers. Workers will maintain the nest and forage for food, soldiers will protect the nest, and swarmers are the reproductives. Once temperatures reach around 70 degrees, swarmers will emerge and begin mating in new locations away from the original colony. After a male and female swarmer mate, the male will break off its wings to signify they are a couple and this becomes the start of a new colony. It can take usually three to four years for a new colony to fully mature, but they will stay out of sight so it can be hard for homeowners to know if they have been infested.
Why Worry About Termites
Did you know termites cause over $5 billion in property damage every year? That’s more damage to wooden structures than all of the hurricanes, tornadoes, and house fires put together! The unfortunate part about being infested by termites is that the damage is not typically covered by most homeowner’s insurance. Since termites remain buried in the wooden structure they infest, you might not realize you have termites until years later when the damage has already been done.
Signs of an Infestation
During the spring, keep an eye out for shed wings in and around your property. Since males will break off their wings after swarming, an infested home will have a few of these laying around. You should also be giving your wooden structures a good knock every now and again. Knock on your stairs, deck, and anything else wooden to check for hollow spots. Hearing a hollow piece of wood could signal that it’s being eaten by termites from the inside out. In this scenario, contact a pest management professional immediately.
Termites are one pest you do not want an infestation of, so it’s important to know as much information as you to avoid hosting them. When you fear you may have a termite infestation or would like an inspection before you sell your home, contact Knockout Pest Control. To learn more or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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