Spring is steadily approaching, which means termite swarm season is too. To help spread awareness about these destructive pests, the week of March 6th-12th, 2022 is Termite Awareness Week. They say know your enemy – so here’s what you should know about termites in Massachusetts.
Signs of an Infestation
Termites are sneaky. Often, you won’t know you have a problem until swarm season. The first signs of infestation include shed wings or winged insects, and live or dead whiteish insects inside your home or in mulch beds. You may also notice wood damage or mud tubes (tunnels used for protection while traveling between a food source and the nest).
Hot Spots in Your Home
Termites prefer dark, damp areas. Common places to find termite activity outside include dead trees and stumps, mulch beds, and along the perimeter of your home. You may also find them inside walls or in basements near the sill.
What To Do
There are several preventative measures you can take on your own:
- Seal cracks and crevices in foundation and gaps around utility lines and pipes
- Reduce moisture such as plumbing leaks, clogged gutters, and sources of standing water
- Reduce wood-to-ground contact when possible
- Remove dead or dying trees
While these are all helpful in reducing the risk of termite infestation, if you believe you have termites in your home, it’s best to contact a professional. Attempting to treat the problem yourself can push the pests to another area and remove evidence that is critical to properly assessing the infestation – and self-treating will not save you money.
The safest and most effective way to Protect Your Pad from termites is to call the experts at Burgess Pest. With nearly a century of experience and the latest in science and technology, our team provides the best Massachusetts termite control. “Wood”n’t you like to know your home is in good hands?