Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage in the United States each year. One of the biggest reasons termites do all of this damage is that they are capable of remaining unnoticed for a long period of time. Since their nests are underground and their activity is within the wooden structures of homes, it’s common for homeowners to be unaware of their existence. Unfortunately, it’s when the damage becomes severe that the presence of these pests is made known. However, knowing the signs these pests leave behind can help you to recognize potential infestations. Here in Lewisville, the weather will begin to get warmer soon, which also means termite swarming season will be upon us before we know it. As property owners, we must be prepared.
How to Identify Signs of Termites
In a termite colony, there are different classes of termites. Each class has a distinct appearance and a distinct job. The soldiers defend the colony and the workers bring back the food. Then there are the swarmers. Swarmers are approximately half an inch in length and dark in color. What sets swarmers apart from other termites is their long set of wings. These termites have the main role to reproduce, expanding the colony and starting new colonies. These little reproducers emerge in the spring, leaving their nest to seek out a mate, which makes them more noticeable than other members of the colony. You may see them briefly emerge in your home before disappearing again. Discarded wings that swarmers have shed may be found around window sills or in other areas of the house. If you notice these flying termites outdoors, it means their nest is nearby. If termites are in your yard, your home is in danger. Be on the lookout for swarmers as the weather begins to warm!
How to Keep Termites Out of Your Home
Now is the time to prepare your Lewisville home for swarming season. Here are some tips on how to make your home less attractive to termites:
- Seal all cracks around your foundation. Termites can enter through even the smallest of holes, so be sure to carefully inspect the exterior of your home.
- Repair leaks and damaged wood. Damp or damaged wood is a favorite for termites.
- Keep wood piles away from your home and try to avoid any wood-to-soil contact. This could allow easy access to food sources, as termites live underground.
- Make sure shrubs and trees are trimmed back from the house, and any trimmings are not lying around on the ground.
- Keep your yard and gutters free of debris.
If swarmers are noticed, it’s important to seek professional help right away. Termites are among the most destructive pests in the United States. Don’t let them damage your home. It’s important to be watchful of any damage in your Lewisville home.
- Sagging structures are common signs of termites.
- If you break apart wooden debris or stumps in your yard and notice termites inside, there’s a high chance they can be in your home as well.
- Termite colonies are large and a colony's residents will travel hundreds of feet from their colony to find food.
- Mud tubes along your foundation is another telltale sign of termites and that you should contact a professional immediately.
Getting Rid of Termites
Adams Exterminating can help protect your Lewisville home from termite damage. We have a termite control process that will successfully eliminate termites and prevent new colonies from forming.
To learn about the Sentricon® System with Always Active™, or any of our other residential pest control solutions, give our professionals at a call today!