Like most things in life, bugs come and go with the seasons. Termites have a specific cycle in the spring, during which they swarm to reproduce rapidly and form new colonies. For homeowners in Roanoke, VA, termite control is important to stop the swarming in its tracks before they can reproduce and cause property damage!
Springing Up
Spring is here! The weather is warming up, and the flowers and trees are coming into bloom. Unfortunately, the bugs are also emerging from hibernation to join in the spring celebrations.
While we all very much enjoy the butterflies and bumblebees pollinating our yards, the termites are a different story. Termites in the yard spell expensive property damage, especially if your home has exposed wood. Termite control in Roanoke, VA, is worth a yearly inspection by an exterminator to keep your property safe!
Recognizing The Enemy
Termites are sometimes confused with winged ants, but are actually more genetically similar to cockroaches. They have long straight bodies with only two body segments, two sets of straight wings of equal length, and straight antennae — compared to ants’ three body segments and bent antennae.
Despite having wings, termites are mostly found crawling, with an odd gait that makes them seem as if they are vibrating when they move. Fun fact: termites are blind, and despite their similar appearance to ants, the two are actually mortal enemies!
Swarm’s A Comin’
Spring is the main termite swarm season. Several species of termites swarm in midsummer and fall, but most of them swarm around when the dogwood trees start to bloom. Swarm season refers to the phenomenon in which termites gather in groups ranging from 50 to a few thousand when the weather warms to reproduce and form new colonies. This warm weather can make termite control a hassle!
If you see a swarm in your yard, it is an indication that either a tree or a nearby structure, like your shed or home, is likely infested. Termites do not fly very far, usually less than half a mile. This means that if you see a swarm of termites, it is very important to call your friendly Roanoke exterminators at Allied Pest Control right away! Termites left untreated will cause catastrophic property damage.
Chew On This
You may be wondering exactly how termites can damage your home. Termites consume wood, debris, and plant materials. They are excellent at breaking down large wooden structures, such as logs or stumps, into pulp.
Termites are an important part of the forest ecosystem, but are quickly classified as pests when they begin to break down manufactured structures. They are great for keeping the forest floors clear, but don’t distinguish between fallen trees and the timbers that support your house.
They are hard to detect, usually eating from the inside out, so a trained professional is recommended to check for their presence. Often, homeowners notice damage to the wood structures in their homes only after termites have nearly finished consuming it. This means that having an exterminator come to your home for a yearly inspection is one of the best ways to avoid costly property damage.
Eviction Notice: Served
What can you expect from the exterminator if they find that your property or home has a termite infestation? There are several termite treatments, depending on the type of termites colonizing your home.
One treatment is to fumigate the home, another is to treat the surrounding soil. There are types of bait to detect whether certain termites are lurking silently. The exterminator will ensure that any treatments used are safe for your pets or advise you on how to contain your furry friends while they get rid of your unwanted visitors.
A professional exterminator will identify your specific termite species before treating your home and will let you know what they are doing every step of the way! A yearly termite inspection is the general rule of thumb to keep your home safe from these pests.
Defend Your Home
Don’t wait! Termite damage is silent, fast, and expensive — and by the time most homeowners notice it, the damage is already done. With swarm season incoming, there is no time like the present to get ahead of the problem. Call your friendly neighborhood exterminators at Allied Pest Control today and schedule your yearly termite inspection before the swarm hits your street!