Getting ready for termites isn’t quite the same as getting ready for a quiet dinner party at home. However, you need to take the same care and preparation to keep termites out as you would when you invite guests in. Termites are prolific in most of the United States, including in Pennsylvania. Termites can cause a variety of problems from health issues for homeowners to structural damage. They become most active in the spring, as their swarmers take off in search of new colonies. Getting prepared now will help you to prepare for the termite season ahead. We always recommend professional pest control services for termites, as DIY methods are costly and ineffective, and can even be harmful.
Problems Termites Cause
Termites feed on the cellulose in wood. When they infest a home, they can do extensive damage before the homeowner even knows they are there. As they chew through support beams, they can make your home structurally unstable. Colonies can grow to thousands of members. When a colony gets this large you may start to notice walls buckling or doors sagging. You may even begin to hear them moving in your walls. It’s at this stage, when there are so many, that they can trigger allergic reactions, and even asthma attacks, in people living in the home.
Spring Termite Activity
While termites can remain active in homes year-round, they are most active in the spring. Spring is mating season for termites. After the first warm rain of the season, termite swarmers will fly away from their colonies in search of mates. They will pair off and start new satellite colonies. Usually, swarmers don’t travel far from their original colony, so keeping your property free from termites is imperative.
Getting Ready Now For The Termite Season Ahead
Norristown-area homeowners can take steps to prepare for termite season. Regular inspection of your property is important. Take note of and remove anything outdoors that may attract termites, such as rotted tree stumps, wood piles, lots of moisture, and decaying organic matter around the yard. Seal soft, untreated wood (such as on decks or sheds).
Keep your basement, attic, crawl spaces, and garage clean and moisture free.
Repair leaking pipes.
Insulate appliances.
Run dehumidifiers, if necessary.
Caulk around pipes that lead outdoors.
Seal any holes in your home's foundation.
Install vent screens.
Add door sweeps on exterior doors, including your garage door.
Watch for warning signs of termites, such as discarded wings around window sills, mud tubes used for tunneling, or sawdust-like piles around wood structures.
Professional Pest Control Versus DIY
There are no DIY methods of termite exclusion and elimination that are as effective as professional pest control. At M.A.D. Exterminators, Inc., we have 35 years of experience protecting Montgomery county homes from termites. Contact us for a free inspection and a discussion about how the Termidor system can keep your home termite free.