Termites are on the move; here’s what to do
As the seasons change in Texas, homeowners can expect to see swarms of termites around their homes.
But with a few steps aimed at prevention, consumers can protect their property from the detritophagous eusocial insects.
Homeowners often confuse termites with ants and other insects
It’s not uncommon to mistake termites with ants. But the two insects couldn’t be more different.
For those trying to distinguish the two, termites have wings almost equal in length with their straight antennas, which may droop. However, ants have front wings longer than their hind wings, and their antennas are bent at a 90-degree angle.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are three types of termites in the U.S.: native subterranean, drywood and Formosan.
Termites swarm to either breed or start a colony
Pest experts say termites swarm in different seasons based on the subgroup. For example, subterranean termites usually swarm in the spring and during daylight while drywood termites wait until the late summer or early fall. Dampwood termites swarm in the summer.
Once the termite colony has reached a specific capacity and it
wants to expand, termites will swarm.
The swarmers, also called alates, include male and female insects; the intention of both is to reproduce and grow.
Until it’s the right time for the swarmers to take flight, they will live in soil close to the surface of their nest. At the ideal time, the swarmers will take flight and pair off, allowing the couples to shed their wings, mate and ultimately find a new nest to populate. This occurs usually once a year.
Preventing infestations starts during construction and never ends
The EPA encourages consumers to use a concrete foundation during the construction phase of homebuilding, adding it’s important to leave a ventilation space between the wood and soil.
Other recommendations include covering exposed wood surfaces with either a sealant or metal barrier.
After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry with the help of proper grading and drainage.
By filling in cracks in the cement foundation, homeowners reduce the ability of termites to access openings in the structure.
Additionally, officials warn homeowners to fix leaks as soon as possible, not pile or store firewood or wood debris close to the home, keep vents clear of blockage, and make sure trees and shrubs aren’t planted too close to the residence or grow against exposed wood surfaces.
Lastly, EPA officials suggest checking around the home occasionally to make sure termite colonies do not form.
Multiple treatments can rid the home of termites
Whether one wants a take chemical or nonchemical approach to keeping termites out of their homes, there are multiple options to consider.
Building a physical barrier during the construction phase with materials such as steel mesh or various size sands have been proven effective, according to the EPA.
Although using a termiticide application remains an option, only a pest management professional can apply the treatment. Approved treatments by the EPA include liquid soil-applied termiticides, termite baits, building materials impregnated with termiticides and wood treatments.
Per the EPA, the soil-applied barrier treatment is the most common technique for getting rid of termites.