Termites don’t announce their arrival. They infiltrate without notice, stay out of sight, and tend to go undiscovered until it’s too late. Once they’ve formed a nest, the destruction can spread rapidly. Discover the signs of a potential infestation and act before the termites can tunnel into the house foundations. You can avoid the massive expense of termite season infestation and repairing termite damage.
Spring Is Termite Season: Warning Signs of an Infestation & What to Do
Swarmers: The First Red Flag of Termite Season Infestation
You know those tiny, winged insects that swarm following a rainstorm? Swarmers—or alates—are reproductive termites scouting a location to start a new colony. Termite swarms at the base of your house or within the home can mean you have a live termite infestation somewhere in the area.
Once they lose their wings, these destructive pests tunnel into wooden structures and are no longer visible.
Mud Tubes: The Termite Motorway
Subterranean termites build mud tubes. These are thick, earthy tunnels extending down walls, foundations, and crawl spaces. Termites use these to reach their food sources without being exposed.
If you notice a tube outside the house, that’s a sign of infestation. Call a pest management professional if you cut into a tube and discover live termites. If empty, that indicates past activity. You should watch for any renewed movement.
Damaged or Warped Wood
Hollow-sounding walls, creaking floors, or jammed doors could indicate termites. Damp-related rot is distinct from the destruction that occurs with termite infestations. A termite colony leaves a complex, layered effect like a honeycomb.
When you knock on a wooden area with a knuckle, a hollow sound indicates that pests may have started eating into the wood.
Termite Season Infestation: What to Do If You Find Termites
Ignoring a termite problem allows the colony to spread. Once you’ve spotted evidence of infestation, you can contain the damage if you act quickly.
Call in the Experts
Termite infestations aren’t a do-it-yourself removal. An experienced pest management technician can:
- Verify the presence of termites
- The species
- The best treatment for termite control
Termite Treatment Options
When choosing termite control options depends on the severity of the infestation, the type of termite, and the location. Professional pest control companies know how to determine the best course of action.
- Chemical barriers with liquid termiticides cordon off established colonies to stop them from spreading.
- Bait stations are another solution that attracts termites to poisoned materials, killing the colony over time.
- Infestations deep within wood structures require fumigation.
Keeping Termites Out of Your Home
Getting rid of the termites is one problem—their return for more is another. Here’s how you can reduce the risk of repeat infestation.
Cut Off Access to Water
Termites thrive in moist conditions. Leaky pipes, clogged rain gutters, and puddles of standing water invite them to enter your home. Drying out crawl spaces, fixing leaks, and improving the drainage around your property mitigate the chances of experiencing a termite infestation.
Limit Their Access to Food
Wood-to-soil contact is a dinner bell to termites. Firewood stacked near the house, untreated wooden fences, or piles of mulch are like magnets for termites. Installing a soil-wood barrier like a gravel bed or a cement support will discourage them.
Regular Inspections
Even if you can’t find signs of any termites today, that’s not a guarantee they aren’t present in your home. Annual pest inspections are essential to discover signs of termite activity. Don’t take chances. A termite season infestation can lead to property damage or structural damage to your home.
Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln
If you’re concerned about pest infestations or want a professional to evaluate your home’s pest prevention strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Nebraska pest control expert.
Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST. Ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!
