While there are many pests out there that are mostly just a nuisance, some pests can do a great deal of damage to your property or cause other problems. Termites are probably the most notorious pest when it comes to property damage. As termites eat through wooden structures, they can destroy walls, wooden floors, and more. One thing that makes termites so obnoxious is that they can be hard to identify until extensive damage has already been done.
Termites can cause problems to homeowners and business owners any time of the year, but there are certain times of the year when they may be easier to identify. Termite season occurs when termite colonies begin to branch out, looking for new areas to build nests and expand. During this time of year, termite swarmers are sent out to reproduce and establish new nests. The swarmers are the members of termite society that are winged.
Identifying Termite Swarmers
One good thing about termite season is that it’s the time when you’re most likely to see signs of termites before they've done significant harm to your home. This means you have a better chance of being able to stop an infestation before a lot of damage has been done. Termite swarmers are the most common visual sign of termites, and they are likely the first way that you’ll notice termites in or around your property. Knowing what they look like can help you stay on the lookout.
Termite swarmers can be identified by:
- The fact that they look similar to flying ants.
- Their oval-shaped bodies.
- Their bodies are the same shape all the way down. They don’t have a pinched waist, like ants.
- They have translucent wings that are longer than their bodies.
What If You Noticed Termite Swarmers Outside?
Finding termite swarmers outside of your house isn't as bad as you might think. In these cases, you likely still have time to prevent these insects from coming inside and causing damage. So, don’t panic, but you should take some steps to prevent them from coming indoors.
Here are some termite prevention tips:
- Remove tree stumps, decaying wood, and other wood debris from your property.
- Always keep firewood and other wood at least 30 feet away from the exterior of your home.
- Make sure there is a barrier of dry material such as crushed rock between your home’s foundation and the soil.
- Remove excess moisture and ensure your gutters are functional and clean.
Finding Termites Inside
Unlike finding signs of termite swarmers outside, noticing these insects inside is a reason to worry. When inside, it’s pretty likely that termites are already doing damage to your home or business. Once inside, it can be difficult to eliminate the infestation as they build their nests inside wood.
The most effective and safest way to get rid of a termite infestation is to contact the professionals at Neighborly Pest Management in Sacramento. With over 40 years of experience, we can get rid of termite infestations during termite season or any other time of year. Give us a call today at (916) 909-0956 to get a free estimate.