Springtime brings increased rain, and the growth of flowers and greenery, but also signals termite swarm season. There are several reasons termite infestations are more numerous in the Spring than in any other season. As spring rainstorms begin, termites will seek shelter and food sources within the confines of residential and commercial properties. The professionals at EcoTech are Certified Master Technicians with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and here to help you identify a potential termite infestation early and prevent serious property damage.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
Right before spring starts and the weather begins to warm up again, we must remind ourselves to keep watch for termite swarms around our properties. Following are some ways to identify a termite swarm:
● Catching their flight: Although their swarms don’t last much longer than a half an hour, finding tiny black insects with long, white, rounded wings taking flight around your property in the early spring is a sure sign that termites are going after your home or business.
● Finding wings: Because it’s rare to witness a termite infestation, you’re more likely to find their discarded wings. Look for them scattered around outside your home, in your garden, or trapped in any spider webs.
● Damage: Although this is later than you want to find them, you’ll also want to know what termite damage looks like. Termites choose to remain hidden and infest structural timbers in most cases, but this damage will be reflected visibly through sagging ceilings, chipping paint, and floors that appear water damaged.
● Mud Tubes: If you have a subterranean termite infestation, there will be mud tubes that they use to travel from their nests to food sources. These tubes are tiny in size and are mostly found within your home’s foundation or dark corners of your property.
Termite Infestation Prevention
It’s important to take measures to protect your property from termites. Following are a few steps homeowners can take to prevent an infestation:
● Inspect the exterior of your building for cracks, gaps, and damp wood.
● Move mulch away from the foundation of your home
● Fix any plumbing leaks, especially those around structural wood or the foundation
● Keep any wood piles off the ground and far away from the structure
● Ensure that crawl spaces and bathrooms are properly ventilated
Seek Out Professional Help To Secure Your Biggest Investment
If you suspect a possible termite infestation, handle the situation swiftly before it gets out of control. Methods like insecticides, borates, orange oil, over-the-counter sprays, and vinegar may be helpful for reducing a termite population, but they will unlikely eliminate an entire infestation. In the end, it’s best to reach out to a professional to eliminate and prevent a termite infestation. The professionals at EcoTech can help with your pest control needs in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. Reach out to us today to learn more about our termite control options!
