A new season is just around the corner, and we aren’t talking about spring. Termite swarm season usually arrives between late February and early April in the south. As the days grow warmer, termite swarmers set their sights on leaving the nest to find a new home.
Don’t let them take over yours! Here is what you should look out for this swarm season and how to protect your home.
Why Should You Be Worried About Termites?
Each year termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damage, damages that aren’t covered by typical home insurance. Termites are estimated to damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year, and the average homeowner spends over $3,000 in repairs.
Termite damage that goes unnoticed for several years can be substantial. Annual inspections are important to make sure this doesn’t happen.
It may be the perfect plot for a suburban horror story, but you can avoid being caught up in the middle of it all with Waynes termite protection. We provide 24/7 protection for your home and will tackle termites before they start snacking.
How Do Termites Damage a Home?
Termites are wood-destroying insects that nibble on the wooden timbers of your home causing cosmetic and sometimes structural damage.
The south is directly in the middle of the heavy infestation zone for Subterranean termites, which are one of the most destructive of all the termite species. These pests build tunnels to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air.
Waynes also treats Formosan termites. Formosan termites are also un-affectionately known as “super termites” because of their aggressive nature and large colony size. These pests are known for chewing through wood AND flooring.
You will see evidence of a termite infestation in mud tubes on your home’s exterior, hollow-sounding wood, areas of blistering paint, in water damaged wood, or swarms of winged insects in or around your home.
Tips for Preventing Termites From Invading Your Home
While termites will do almost anything for a tasty wood snack, there are several ways you can deter them from choosing your house.
- All that snacking makes them thirsty! Limit their access to water by fixing leaky faucets, pipes, and other areas that collect moisture.
- Divert rainfall away from the base of your home with gutters and splash blocks
- Don’t let them dig too close! Termites are often subterranean creatures, so keep soil around your home at least a foot away from exposed wood panels or boards.
- Keep an eye out for suspicious activity! Take a quick look at your home’s foundation and make a note of anything that looks like damage.
- Avoid using mulch very close to the base of your home. Rock and gravel are durable alternatives that won’t attract termites.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Termites can use these plants for shelter, food, and access points to get closer to your home.
Waynes Termite Protection
Your home is an investment, and termite protection is just one more way to invest in the place that matters most to you. Waynes uses Constant Protection™ featuring the Sentricon System with AlwaysActive technology to eliminate the worry of significant termite damage. Learn more about how the Sentricon System works here.
Contact us today to learn more about how Waynes can tackle any potential termite problems!
