It’s Termite Season In Houston; Are You Ready?
Warm weather means it’s termite season, and you know what that means! Actually--you probably don’t. Most people don’t think about the signs of termites until the problem is too far along to do much about it, and people outside of the pest-prevention world often don’t know the right time to enact termite-prevention methods. But don't worry! We’ve got you covered for all things termites.
Termite season refers to the time of year when termite swarmers (the flying variety you’ll start to notice more as spring takes hold) are most active. They fly around in swarms looking for mates so they can start new colonies.
Termite Swarmers: What Are They?
Termite swarmers, also called alates, are the most important members of the termite caste system. That’s because they are the only kind of termites that can reproduce. Seeing them is a good sign that a colony is either newly formed or is finally mature enough to produce swarmers. You can identify termite swarmers by the following traits:
Wings: Unlike all other kinds of termites, swarmers have wings. They possess dual sets of teardrop-shaped wings that are very thin. Often, people see these discarded wings instead of seeing the swarmers themselves.
Antennae: Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants since they look similar. Ants are unique, however, with their bent antennae, so if you notice the straight antennae of termites, you know it’s a termite swarmer.
Wing shape: The other way to tell termites from ants is in their wing shape. Flying ants have two sets of wings, too, but each set is shaped differently. Termite swarmers have four equally sized and similarly shaped wings.
Termite Prevention & Control
Because swarmers are often the first sign of an infestation, it’s important to know how to keep them out in the first place. Take the following steps to prevent termite colonies from forming and to make your home less attractive to the swarmers that pick out ideal spots:
Regular inspections: It’s always best to be preventative instead of reactive. Frequently taking advantage of free inspections offered by local companies like Modern Pest Control will make sure that a trained pair of eyes has searched high and low for termite signs.
Moisture control: Termites eat wood and many prefer damp or waterlogged material, specifically. Maintaining vents and plumbing, as well as implementing moisture control methods to curb condensation and buildup, are good steps to take.
Exterior access: Termites can make it into a home through cracks in the walls or foundations. Sealing these areas up, as well as making sure that soil and grass are kept a safe distance from the exterior, will remove easy access points for termites.
Signs Of An Infestation? Call Modern Pest Control Now!
Termites are infamous for their ability to stay out of sight and toiling away for weeks or months before the signs of an infestation are apparent. Swarmers, therefore, are the most obvious signs of termite activity. If you see one inside, you shouldn’t waste time with ineffective prevention steps or DIY removal methods.
If you see swarmers in or around your home, or any other signs of termite activity on your property, play it safe and call the experts at Modern Pest Control immediately. It is much better to deal with the problem quickly and effectively rather than suffer the consequences down the road. Don’t let your home become the next hazard caused by termites, call Modern Pest today!