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What Termite Season Means For Aiken Residents
March 16, 2020
Many wood-eating pests are preparing for the springtime months, but this species, in particular, is of special concern to homeowners.
Termites undergo a kind of diapause during the winter season, meaning that their metabolism slows down and allows them to wait out the worst of the weather. Unless the insects are in very poor circumstances, cold weather will not kill off populations or slow them down significantly, which gives them a head-start on other insects looking for food as temperatures rise.
There is no such thing as a termite ‘dormant’ season. However, annual springtime weather will bring about termites' 'active' season in one of the most dramatic booms of the year. Termites operate in a caste system, meaning that each member of the colony operates in one of three positions: soldiers, workers, or breeders. These ‘breeders’ are called termite alataes, or swarmers.
Termite swarmers are sexually mature, winged insects that leave the colony in early spring to mate and establish new colonies of their own. Most swarmers have shared characteristics between species, which include:
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Two pairs of long, transparent wings that pass the end of the abdomen and are roughly equal in size
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A thick waistline that is not pinched
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Straight antenna that do not bend or 'elbow’
Spotting a termite swarmer or two around the outside the home is not necessarily a cause for concern, but discovering a group of termite swarmers, especially inside the home, is a very bad sign. In fact, a swarm of termite alataes is often the first and most visible sign of a household termite problem. For homeowners, this means that termite season is one of the most crucial times for pest control in the entire year.
Best Termite Prevention Tips For Aiken Homeowners
If the termite swarm you spotted is not yet inside the home, it may not be too late. There are steps home and business owners can take to prevent external pests from finding their way indoors.
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Keep your yard well maintained, trimming back trees, bushes, and other vegetation from the sides of the home.
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Termites require a high amount of moisture to survive, including air humidity. Use a dehumidifier in problem areas to reduce water levels as best you can. Don’t forget to patch up any leaking faucets and care for clogged drains as well.
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No matter their species, termites are most attracted to soft or rotted wood. Replace softened or rotted wood around the home, taking care to check other outbuildings such as detached garages or garden sheds.
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Keep termites away from your home by keeping 'food' items like wood and cardboard neatly stacked or sealed away. This includes wood piles and construction or cardboard materials like 2x4s or boxes.
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Pursue professional termite treatments through pest control experts in your area.
If termite activity has already be noticed, different elimination methods will be required. Immediately request your free residential inspection with Jury Pest Control to receive a clear picture of the state of the termite invasion in your home today.
Deflect Your Termite Swarmers With The Professionals At Jury Pest Control
Termites cannot be removed with DIY tactics or home remedies. With their yearly reproductive season and hardy exoskeletons, tracking down and eliminating entire colonies is virtually impossible. Termite colonies established within the home require a systematic and careful approach that is undergirded with expert knowledge, professional treatments, and follow up.
If you spot a cloud of termite swarmers, their discarded wings, or signs of activity that give cause for concern, get the best termite protection available at Jury Pest Control today. With our team of pest experts on your side, Jury Pest Control is proud to protect all homeowners from the damaging effects of the termite swarming season and beyond.