Termite Season is Starting Early - What You Need to Know

How To Protect Your Home From A Termite Invasion

Yes, you read that title right. Termite season is predicted to start earlier with these warmer temperatures we've had. The 'swarm' as the weather begins to warm, usually at the beginning of spring after a rain.

These intruders don't need much room to squeeze into your home or business. In fact, they can enter a structure through a space as small as 1/32 of an inch.

More than likely, a home infested with drywood termites will require tent fumigation. Tent fumigation involves covering your home with tarps and introducing a fumigant gas to penetrate all infested wood. It is the most effective method of controlling drywood termite infestations.

What you should do now:

1. Move mulch/wood away from the foundation of your home

Any clutter, especially mulch close to the home, is asking for trouble. Wood-to-ground contact is a common access point for subterranean termites seeking entry into your home. Where possible, try to reduce wood-to-ground contact in the foundation of your home and any wood close to the perimeter.

2. Assess the perimeter of the home for mud tubes and rotting wood

In addition to removing this highway into your home, you also can treat wood with termiticide to make it unattractive to termites. Mud tubes are classic signs of these intruders. These pencil-sized tubes connect the nest to the food source (wood).

3. Repair rotted roof shingles and tiles

If you've started to experience leaks, weak shingles or tiles, it is important to get it replaced as soon as possible! The wood underlying your roof could very possibly be rotted or infested with termites, as they love the moisture-ridden wood. Be careful not to simply replace the wood without getting an inspection, as covering up the problem will just cause more of a headache down the road.

4. Divert water away from the home through downspouts and gutters

Check your gutters! Wet wood invites all kinds of problems, termites included. Termites constantly need to be surrounded by moisture. Prevent them making your home their home by ensuring that your gutters and water pipes are functioning correctly and removing water from the premises.

5. Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces ventilated and dry

Like we said above, you don't want to have to deal with water damage issues of any kind, but termites especially. These pests live several feet under the surface of the ground and thrive in the damp, cool dirt. Keep your home dry and free of excess moisture and decaying wood by repairing any leaks, cracks or missing caulking.

For more information on termites' whereabouts, check these 5 places termites could be hiding.