When Termites Come Out
WouterWhen termites come out, they can do damage to your property. Taking preventative measures and a proactive approach to home maintenance will help keep them at bay.
Subterranean termites live underground and need moisture to survive. They construct mud tunnels to get to wood. They also need a certain temperature to thrive.
The National Pest Management Association recommends a series of steps to eliminate moisture and leaking pipes. They also recommend repairing rotted roof shingles and fascia. Termite bait systems use a glomalin fungus as a lure.
Subterranean termites can enter a home through cracks or small gaps. They also use mud tubes to reach wood. These tunnels protect moisture and keep it inside.
Termites will build nests in loose pieces of wood or in cracks in the surface. They communicate through pheromones and vibrations. They are most active in the early morning or evening. They will increase their weight by two pounds a day.
When a colony gets too large, they will swarm. A swarm is a aggregation of termites that fly around your home. It is typical to see a swarm in the spring. Swarms can also occur in the summer, but the length of the season will depend on your region’s climate.
There are several species of subterranean termites. They vary in color from dark white to medium brown. They range in size from 1/4″ to 1/2″.
There are many different signs to look for if you suspect a termite infestation. Some common signs include dry sawdust, frass, piles of termite pellets, and a hollow sound when you knock on wood.
