Each year as spring rolls into the metro Atlanta area, we ready ourselves for the increased number of insects we will encounter as we spend more time outdoors. Termites may not cross your mind as one of the peskier springtime bugs but as the temperatures warm up to over 70 degrees the likelihood of termite swarms increases.
You probably already know that termites can damage your home but maybe you are not aware of the elevated risk of new infestations posed by these Spring Swarmers. In this article, Healthy Home Pest Control will bring you up to speed on what you need to know about termites this Spring.
What is the Spring Termite Swarm?
Termites live in colonies, typically underneath your home, and when the ground thaws they emerge. So, while you may have termite colonies living within the structure of your home, there may not be any visible evidence of them in the cooler months.
Spring Termite Swarm refers to the beginning of the termite mating season. When termites reproduce, typically in the Spring, they leave their nests to mate. You may not notice as the first few termites exiting a small hole in your home’s structure but soon thousands more will follow forming a noticeable swarm. The swarm will usually last an hour or so but may reoccur many times over the period of about a week.
I’ve Noticed a Termite Swarm, Now What?
If you see a termite swarm near your home do not ignore it! Call Healthy Home Pest Control right away and we will thoroughly inspect the area near the swarm as well as other termite hot zones around your home.
When the termite swarm stops the termites are not gone. The end of a Spring Swarm just means that the termite mating season is over but the termites are still there and can contain up to a million termites in the colony. A million termites can do a lot of damage to your home!
The swarm process also causes any termite colonies in the area of your home to send out thousands of termites. If these termites encounter any breaks or cracks in the structure of your home they will enter there and form a new colony. This is why it is very important to have your home thoroughly inspected should you notice any Spring Swarmers this year.
Prevent Termite Infestations Before the Swarm
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to Atlanta homes each year, so it’s very important to safeguard your home. Here are a few things you can do around your home to prevent termites:
- Reduce the contact of wood with the soil around your home
- Removing items like wood, plants and mulch from around the foundation
- Eliminate any sources of excess moisture
- Fill any cracks in the structure of your home to prevent termite access
Of course, the best way to prevent termite infestations in your home is to contact Healthy Home Pest Control for a free termite inspection and to have your home pre-treated for termites.
Contact Healthy Home Pest Control for Termite Prevention
Do not wait until you notice a Spring Swarm to protect your home against termite damage. Contact Healthy Home Pest Control at (770) 505-9040 or complete our online form today to schedule your termite inspection.