Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the world. They can cause damage to houses, buildings, and other structures by eating away at the wood.
Termite infestations are costly to property owners because they require professional pest control services for extermination or prevention.
The destruction that termites cause is not limited to homes; trees and plants are also vulnerable due to their slow growth rate compared with termite colonies, growing up to 50 feet tall! Termites must be taken seriously as a pest problem because they have been known to ruin entire forests.
So how to tell if termites are active? Are termites are still active during Winter? What are the signs of infestations, and how to get rid of them? Read more to know all of these.
Are Termites Active During Winter?
Termites are active all year round. However, they are most actively seeking food to supply their queen and colonies during the warmer months of the year because they need more food for themselves. As autumn approaches, termites become increasingly aware that outdoor conditions will soon become harsh and a high risk of dying if they do not find a favorable environment soon. To survive the Winter, more food is needed.
Thus, termites become more active once summer ends and autumn begins since the temperature drops. They will do whatever they can to make it inside your home in search of wood they use for their nests. This is why there appears to be a sudden increase in termite activity as summer ends and autumn begins. Since the temperature is dropping, they become more active in a quest for food before the cooler weather lulls them into their winter sleep. When this happens, termites will do whatever it takes to get inside your house! This can be especially dangerous because you could have large numbers of these pests suddenly appearing in your home, undetected for months.
Termites are most active during the summer months when it is hot and become more active once autumn approaches. However, they are very active during this time because they need to stockpile food before the Winter. This can be a dangerous time because you could have large numbers of these pests suddenly appearing in your home, undetected for months.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Termites are small, beetle-like insects that feed as they tunnel through wood. They can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures by feeding on the wood and weakening it with their saliva and digestive system. A few signs of infestation include:
• Softening of wood on infested surfaces
• Biting insects such as fleas, ants, and flies on the premises
• Small piles of sawdust-like particles near door frames, windows, or other areas where the termites are active. This often takes the form of a zigzag pattern at the base of an infested wood support. This material is made up of fecal matter and saliva from tunneling and chewing of wood.
• Wooden beams, rafters, and floor joists inside a building appear hollowed out or spongy with little paper-like tubes on the surface of the wood. A closer examination will reveal tunnels made by the termites as they feed on the underlying cellulose materials of wood and other organic material such as paper, cardboard, or similar items.
If you are not sure whether or not you have termites in your home, there are simple ways to find out what’s behind your infestation problems. One of the most effective ways is to place a few small pieces of double-sided tape on suspected areas of activity and monitor overtime for any sign of termites. If the tape sticks to a surface and doesn’t stay, this is a good indication that you have activity going on at this site.
How to Get Rid of Termites?
Termite prevention is the key to stopping termites from infesting your home at all. The best option for termite prevention is to employ a professional exterminator to spray or treat the house’s perimeter, including the ground in between the house and property line. If you suspect your property lines are too large for a single treatment, you can have them retreat the entire exterior of the house every 6-12 months. If you decide to treat the perimeter of your home on your own, there are some precautions to take to ensure safety.
Treating the Perimeter
The best product for treating the perimeter is a termiticide gel that can be injected into the soil. It works similarly to a termite bait in that it kills termites either by ingestion or contact. While baits tend to work better against termites, a gel also kills ants and prevents them from entering the house. The only downside of using a gel is that you have to treat the soil between each foundation block. This process can be laborious and expensive, but it is certainly effective if you have an exterminator do it for you.
Prevention Methods
There are a variety of ways to prevent termites from getting into your house, such as:
- Repairing cracks in foundations
- Removing any wood or vegetation touching the house
- Caulking the exterior of the house
The most effective way to prevent termites, however, is to keep your home clean. Termites are attracted to things like dead leaves and open garbage cans. By removing these items that serve as food sources for termites, you make your home unattractive to them.
Termite Prevention
Using a combination of these methods will minimize your likelihood of having termites. Combining the use of monitoring devices and professional treatments is the best way to ensure that you and your family are protected from the damages and dangers that come with termites. By investing in regular inspections and routine treatments, you can ensure that your home is termite-proof.