What Homeowners Need To Know About Subterranean Termite Control
Posted on: 17 October 2019
Living in areas where subterranean termites have established colonies under the soil requires you understand as much as you can about this pest and then take proactive steps to protect the wood structure of your home. If you don't, then termites can continually feed on it and cause thousands of dollars of damage.
Finding Subterranean Termite Colonies is a Tough Task
Soil-dwelling termites are impossible to see or determine where their colonies are located for most homeowners. While this species of termites can and does feed on live trees, they prefer to feast on the dead wood used to frame homes or on firewood piles.
Since subterranean termites are impossible to see underground it makes them hard to treat, and treatment often becomes a job for professional termite control services. However, for more information about the termites in your areas and spotting their presence, your local cooperative extension office can provide you with relevant additional information.
Termites Swarm in the Spring to Form New Colonies
One of the first signs of a termite infestation homeowners see are swarmers flying around in the spring when the weather warms up.
Winged swarmer termites all leave their winter homes and fly around to new locations. Once they arrive at their destinations, they fall down to the ground, their wings come off, and then they look for a mate. If they are able to find a mate, then they join together and attempt to start their own underground colony.
While the presence of swarmer termites can be disconcerting for homeowners, the swarmers themselves aren't interested in feeding on your home. However, they are a sign of at least one large colony underground near your residence. For this reason, if you see swarmers in the spring, then you absolutely must have your property inspected and treated by a professional termite control technician.
Additional Signs of a Residental Termite Infestation
In addition to seeing swarmers in the spring, there are other signs of a residential termite infestation. The most common include:
- the presence of mud tubes
- small holes in drywall
- dead termites in or around your home
If you see any of these things, then it's vital you call a pest control professional for an inspection and plan of attack.
Real Estate Transactions in Subterranean Termite Established Areas
Lastly, in areas where there are established subterranean termite colonies, there are often legal requirements for termite inspections when real estate transfers from owner to another. This is done to help control termite populations as well as to protect buyers from purchasing a home that has unseen termite damage to its foundation or structure.
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