Warning Signs Continued

Subterranean termites swarming indoors is one sign of infestation and this usually happens in the spring. Winged reproductives, one of the three castes of termites, leave their old colonies and fly in swarms to form new colonies. These winged reproductives will shed both of their pairs of wings shortly after they swarm.  Don’t confuse winged termites with winged ants. Ants have narrow, wasp-like waists, while termites have broad waists. An ant’s wings are about the same length as its body, but a termite’s wings are about twice the length of the body  (see image).

Subterranean termite tubes are another sign of infestation. Subterranean termites like dark, moist conditions and will make earth-colored tubes from the ground to the wood they’re feeding on. Look for these tubes on basement walls, wooden posts and door and window trim.

Any wood in contact with the ground is especially susceptible. You can make some modifications to your home to help control termites. First, remove all wood debris from around your home. Replace wood posts and steps that contact the soil with pressure-treated lumber or some other non-wood based building material.

Replace any termite-damaged timbers with new pressure-treated timbers. If possible, keep wood 18 inches away from the soil. Make sure basements and crawl spaces are both well drained and well ventilated. Fill any cracks in the foundation with concrete or caulk.
Direct run-off water away from the foundation and make sure that your gutter system is working correctly. This will help reduce soil moisture around your home.

If you suspect that you have a problem or if you find termites, call a reputable pest control professional to inspect your home and property. You may want to get several estimates.

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