Subterranean Termite Time

/ Thermal Heat Pest /

Spring is Termite Season

Spring is here and so are Subterranean Termites. 

This is the time when they are most active, and can be seen swarming around your home often. The number of termites per underground colony can easily exceed two million. Termites are most active during calm winds on a warm day after the rain, as you can tell April perfect weather for termites. Taking preventative measures against a subterranean termite infestation can mean keeping the integrity of your home as it stands. Termites are one of the most destructive pests, causing thousands of dollars in damages if given the opportunity. Let’s not give them that chance! Call a pest control professional at the first sign of a termite infestation. Know the signs and be proactive when it comes to termites, they could have had an active colony living within your walls undetected for months. 

 Subterranean Termite and Prevention

Subterranean termites build “mud tubes”  to protect themselves from open air, and to reach their food sources. Termites feed 24 hours a day 7 days a week and not only on wood, but on products containing cellulose as well. The best advice in subterranean termite control is to avoid water build up near or at the foundation of a home. Be sure that all gutters are cleared and downspouts are working properly to help avoid water accumulation. Keep firewood at least 20 feet away and mulch a minimum of 15 inches away from the property. Keeping your home well ventilated with low humidity levels is important in termite control, remembering not to neglect crawl spaces and attics. 

Termites and Home Sales

Having a termite inspection completed on your property can help speed up a real estate transaction in home buying. Most banks would like termite clearance completed on a property to secure a sound investment. Before the sale of a home it is recommended that you have an inspection done prior so that if there is an infestation found on the property it can be treated properly by a professional, whether that be with termite treatment, or wood repair. In doing so a termite free home is looked at with holding more value. A “clear” property is likely to have less work that needs to be done for the new home owners to factor in. Overall it is a better investment for the bank and everyone involved. Being one step ahead will certainly speed up the home buying process. 

Subterranean Termite Evidence  

It is important that you know what to look for when it comes to termite activity.

It could save you thousands if not more. 

A simple list on common termite evidence seen most often:

  • “Swarmer” wings

  • Termite dropping

  • Bubbling up of paint

  • Mud tunnels

  • White looking ants

  • Hollow sounding timber

  • Tight fitting doors

  • Hard to shut windows

    Termites.. What now?

    So you have termites, or you highly suspect that you do, now what? Calling a trusted Termite and Pest Control Profession is always the best thing to do when dealing with termites. A trained technician can compete a full inspection of the property for termites and any other wood destroying organisms, then give a recommendation on what to do next depending on the findings. Damage done by termites can range from a simple treatment, heat treatment, fumigation, or complete wood removal  and replacement. No matter what the situation may be in dealing with a termite infestation Thermal Heat Pest together with Black Knight Termite and Pest Control can handle it all. From the initial termite inspection down to the completion of work and clearance. All the home owner needs to do is call to schedule an appointment.

    Conclusion

    Subterranean Termites can destroy your home, IF you allow them to. Stop them before it’s too late by knowing the signs of a possible infestation and knowing who to call. Getting a termite inspection done on a property is helpful in home buying and can speed up the process of a real estate transaction. Lastly, the biggest tip of all in termite prevention is to avoid any water accumulation at or near the foundation of your home. 

    Schedule a termite inspection today! Don’t forget to ask about Black Knight’s Termite Contracts that are offered by our sister company.

    951.870.0198

    For more information on termites check out some of our other blog posts!

    Difference between flying ants and termites

    Termite inspections and escow

    *Please note that Thermal Heat is an option for Drywoood termites.