Spring is here, and so are the termites! Our office is already getting calls about termite swarms, and fittingly, this week is Termite Awareness Week.
Did you know....
- Termites only swarm once per year
- Termites cost Americans about $5 billion each year - causing damage that is typically not covered by homeowner's insurance
- Subterranean termites spend their lives underground, meaning swarm season may be the only indicator that your home is at risk
Here's what you should know in order to stay ahead of an infestation:
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. Look for small, pencil-thin tubes along foundation walls, basement floors, or wooden beams. |
Damaged Wood: Termite-infested wood may have a hollow or papery sound when tapped. You may also notice damaged or weakened wood that can easily be pierced with a screwdriver or knife. |
Discarded Wings: Swarming termites shed their wings after mating. Find piles of wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures, indicating a swarm has occurred nearby. |
Frass (Termite Droppings): Termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings (frass) as they feed on wood. These can be found near infested areas and look similar to sawdust or coffee grounds. |
What You Can 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
- Minimize wood-to-soil contact when possible
- Remove dead or dying trees
- Learn to tell the difference between termites and flying ants - proper identification is key
Call the Professionals!
While these measures are 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.
Protect your biggest investment and call the experts at Burgess Pest at the first sign of trouble. 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?
