The warmer weather has arrived and now is the time of year when we can see the warning signs that there are likely to be termites present in our homes. This has always been a popular time for termite infestation, but because of the different types of home construction materials, this season is more difficult for people to stay ahead.
If you live in a place that’s not prone to have an infestation, it’s important to do your best to keep them out of your home. Here are some ways you can ensure that your home stays free from termites (as well as other pests) this spring.
Let’s continue..
What are the Warning Signs of Termites?
The first sign of a potential infestation is the smell. The scent of damp earth and rotting wood are a surefire indicator that something may be amiss with your home. It might also be wise to keep an eye out for possible food sources, like rotten wood and leaves. If you see these signs, it’s time to take action.
Other signs of termites include finding chewed wood and tree or plant debris. You can also notice that there are piles of sawdust and dirt on your floor, cracks in the walls, and other openings in your home.
If you have any suspicions that there may be termites in your home, you should contact a professional pest control technician who will inspect your property. If you get rid of the pests early enough, you don’t have to deal with the damage they cause later!
Where Can I Find Termites (if I Have Them at Home)?
Termites are a type of insect that can be found in many different areas, but they’re most likely to enter your home through cracks or leaks around the foundation.
These pests are usually found in the ground, where they travel up to your house and make their way into the home by following plumbing and electrical lines. This is why it’s important to keep your yard free of debris so that these critters don’t have a place to live.
If you notice any issues with your foundation, pay attention to the signs of termite infestation. They might leave trails outside the foundation that can be seen on the ground or on nearby trees and plants. They might also leave their feces behind for you to find.
In fact, termites have an interesting way of communicating within their colony. If you find these eggs, you should make sure that they get some Pest Control treatment as soon as possible so that nothing gets out of hand and destroys your home.
What Should I Do When I Find Signs of Termites?
If you find termites in your home, it’s important that you remove them as quickly as possible. The longer the termite colony is left in a home, the more damage it can do to the property and the health of those who live there. If you see signs or evidence of termites in your home, don’t wait for it to be too late.
There are different ways to remove termites from a property. Some of these methods include vacuuming up debris, having an exterminator come and spray pesticides, and using dry-termite baits. For dry-termite baits, all that’s needed is a small piece of cardboard (a cereal box works well) and some bait stations set around the outside of buildings so that the chemicals can reach any colony present.
Probably the best thing to do when you spot signs of termites is to call a professional immediately. This will help to ensure that they are properly eradicated and that the problem doesn’t get out of hand.
When Do I Start Calling a Pest Control Company?
It’s also important to know when to call for outside help. Once you’ve seen signs of termites, it’s time to call in a professional pest control company. Signs of termite activity you might notice may include:
- a mound of dirt near your home
- a problem with your home’s foundation
- if you notice cracks in your walls or ceilings
- swarms of dead insects on your property
- trails of termite droppings nearby.
- the presence of a swarm of winged reproductives (known as formicids)
- if you notice ants around your house or crawl on windows and doors
When you get in touch with a professional pest control company. It’s important that when you do this, you are at the property and have as much information about the pest as possible (i.e. what type of termite is present, where do they live in your home, etc.).
Remember: not all pest control companies are created equal. If you’re going to call a company, make sure that they are licensed and insured. It would be in your best interest to also ask them how they can help you identify the type of termite that’s currently in your home.
A Final Word on Getting Ready for Termite Season
Although it’s true that we are more likely to see termites in the warmer months of spring and summer, we still see this throughout the year. The best time to nip a termite problem in the bud is before it gets out of hand.
The important thing to remember is that you know how to recognize the signs of termite activity and how to protect yourself, your family, and your property from these pesky insects.
So if you see any of the warning signs above, give the Rocklin Pest Control office a call today at (916) 884-6114. Our expert team of pest control technicians can help sort out your termite problems and prevent termite infestations before they get worse.