Termites are among the most secretive house enemies. You can not even observe traces of their vital activity. Termites, unlike ticks, don’t offer a direct hazard to man’s health via a bite, sting, or food contamination.
But they, on the other hand, are significantly more cunning. For years, householders can live in the presence of termites without ever noticing them. Their presence is frequently signaled by framework damage that is costly and irreversible in some cases. And seeing termite swarms in Florida is a common thing.
Termites Have Their Own Season and Place
Apart from the structure damage and accompanying expenditure caused by termites, there are times and places when termites are extremely beneficial insects. Whereas they are despised in the home, they are critical to our environment.
Termites are extremely efficient recyclers! They decompose rotten or dead wood from trees, twigs, or lumbers into soil, promoting forest regrowth more quickly. Their tunneling movements actually improves the condition of the soil by aerating it.
What is the issue, then?
For this insect, your home’s wooden framework and construction are identical to those of a forest tree. Even if they were aware, they would be unconcerned since it’s all wood.
Let us assume that termites on decaying wood are “good” and termites at your home are “bad.”
The swarming season, very literally, blurs the boundary between friend and foe.
How is the “Swarming Season” defined?
Termites are on the move, anxious to establish new colonies during swarming season. Seeing a termite swarm might be alarming, particularly in close proximity to your home. If you do come across one, how can you ensure the safety of your home?
Spoiler alert: Do not worry if you discover a swarm inside your home. Consider this as termites alerting you to their presence, presenting the ideal opportunity to immediately contact a pest management professional!
Termites typically swarm in late winter and early spring, most frequently following rain on warm days. Termite swarms typically endure between 30-40 minutes, regardless of whether they occur indoors or outside. Due to the fact that termites are drawn to light sources, it is not uncommon to find swarms around glass doors or windows.
The sight of abandoned wings is a clue that you’ve just missed seeing a termite swarm up close. Bear in mind that alates shed their wings upon landing, and before mating, thus wings scattered along sills or doorways indicate a recent swarm.
How to Determine Whether or Not Your Home Is Termite-Proof?
As frightening as seeing a termite swarm or symptoms of one within your property may be, take comfort. Yes, your home is infested with termites, which have most likely been present for years without your knowledge.
However, keep in mind their low survival rate in the absence of soil, and it’s unlikely they’ll establish new colonies in other areas of your home.
If your home is adjacent to a forested area and you observe a termite swarm, you can rest assured that your home is unlikely to be impacted by this specific colony, as termites do not migrate far.
What About Termites That Swarm In Your Backyard?
Termites do not travel far, and most swarmers or alates, whether indoors or outside, are unsuccessful in their attempts to establish a new colony. However, a swarm in your yard could have begun inside your home — obviously, this is the worst-case scenario.
When termites are suspected but difficult to prove, it is critical to keep an eye out for evidence to evaluate whether expert treatment is necessary. Several indicators that your home may be infested with termites include:
- Chunks of paint on the floor or peeling paint from the walls
- creaky floor
- holes in drywall or loose material
- very squeaky, misshapen or blistered floorboards
- hollow sounds when tapping on wooden surfaces
While these symptoms are frequently detected within your home, exterior clues include the presence of mud tubes about the diameter of a pencil running parallel to the ground against your house.
These tubes connect the termites’ underground nests to food sources and are designed to insulate them from cool, dry air. Bear in mind that they thrive on dampness and humidity.
Whether or not you have observed a swarm on your property, it is critical to prioritize preventative measures to safeguard your home from termites in the future. Making your home less inviting to seasonal swarmers is an excellent place to begin.
Prevent Termites in Your Home by Practicing Prevention
There is a lot you can and should do as a homeowner to help protect your house when it comes to termite prevention. And the foundation is where it all begins.
Keep plants, wood, and mulch, as well as any paper or cardboard, away from the foundation of your home. In an ideal world, the foundation should come into contact with nothing but the dirt surrounding your home.
Maintain a minimum four-inch buffer zone between the foundation and any mulch, with siding at least six inches above the ground.
As with other kinds of pest protection, it’s ideal for maintaining sufficient space between your home and any plants while also keeping the soil well-drained to minimize excess moisture. On that subject, you’ll want to inspect your home’s interior and exterior for leaky taps and faucets.
Ahead of termite swarming season, establish a habit of turning off external lighting at night, especially those near windows and doorways. Bear in mind that termites, like moths, are drawn to light and will swarm in its direction whenever possible. Eliminating light sources will aid in the protection of your home against termite swarms and potential termite invasions.
Conclusion!
No DIY products or at-home approaches are available that are effective enough to eradicate termite colonies. We advise you to seek help from professionals to inspect and treat your house to eradicate and prevent termite infestation and swarming!