Preparing for Termite Swarm Season

Spring is coming, which means termite swarm season is right around the corner. You may think that there is nothing you can do about termite swarms. That is partially true. Unless termites are swarming away from your property, you probably do not have control over their starting colony. However, that does not mean that you are helpless during swarm season. Here are a few steps you can take to discourage termite swarms from picking your home for their next colony.

How You Can Prevent Termite Swarms

Think about prevention. Was your home treated for termites before it was built? If so, then you already have protection. If not, can you add a full prevention system to your home? Many people worry about the expense, but the reality is that termite prevention costs less than dealing with termite damage. You may be able to treat the soil and foundation, even after construction.

Get rid of their food sources. Termites are known for eating wood, but what they are eating is the cellulose. Rotting wood provides a great food source for them, so get rid of stumps, logs, and any non-living wood. This includes things like wood mulch, stacks of firewood, and even landscape timbers. We suggest getting rid of any non-living wood, but, if that is not possible, you want to stack it away from your home and monitor it regularly for signs of termites.

Reduce water sources. There is no way to completely eliminate water in your yard and home. However, you can direct water to make it less likely to encourage termites to take up residence. You want to keep the area around your home’s foundation as moisture-free as possible. Use gutters and downspouts to divert water away from your home. Make sure your yard’s grading slopes gently away from your home. Also, fix any leaking pipes or faucets.

Think about your landscaping. Heavy brush and bushes around your home can act as bridges, allowing termites to access your home without going through soil or the foundation. Heavy brush also collects water and provides a food source for termites. By cutting back bushes and trees and making sure they do not touch your home’s exterior, you help prevent infestations.

How We Can Help

Want professional help getting your house ready for termite season? Call Flick. Our pest control professionals can come out and evaluate your home. We can give you personalized tips to help prevent infestations and provide preventative pest control or an inspection schedule to help keep you termite free.