How To Maintain Effective Spring Termite Control In Your Sarasota Homes
As the spring season ushers in warmer weather, homeowners in Sarasota should be on the lookout for signs of increased termite activity. Swarming and hidden structural damage are telltale indicators that these destructive pests have invaded your home. We at Super D Pest Control aim to empower Sarasota residents to prevent termite infestations and recognize problems early. Knowing what to look for allows you to spot evidence of termites and steps you can take to protect your home. With proactive vigilance and early intervention, homeowners can execute Spring termite control measures to prevent the costly damage termites inflict without the use of tenting.
Signs of Termites in Sarasota Homes This Spring
As pest control professionals serving Sarasota, we routinely inspect homes for signs of termite activity. Some indicators homeowners should look for include:
Visible Damage
The most obvious sign is visible damage to wood structures in the home like crumbling floorboards, baseboards, door frames and window sills. Termites feed on the wood in these areas and over time can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.
Swarmers
During the spring, mature termites called swarmers leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. Homeowners may see swarmers around doors, windows, and other entry points to the home. The presence of swarmers means there is an active termite colony nearby. Be on the lookout for detached wings inside the home from these swarming termites.
Termite Frass
Termites expel small pellets of wood as they feed. These pellets, often called frass, may accumulate below areas where termites are actively feeding. Frass is a clear sign that termites have found a food source and taken up residence.
Can My Own Spring Termite Control Methods Prevent A Termite Infestation?
As pest control professionals in Sarasota, there are some Spring termite control measures homeowners can take to keep swarmers and infestations at bay. First, eliminate access to nearby wood that termites feed on. Clear mulch, wood debris, and tree stumps within three feet of the foundation of homes. These can provide a path for subterranean termites to enter the structure.
Inspect the Home Exterior
Homeowners should inspect the exterior of their home, including the foundation, for any cracks or crevices leading inside. Seal these entry points to eliminate access. Filling small cracks in concrete foundations, repairing holes or damage in siding and wood trim, and sealing gaps around utility pipes can help block termites.
Monitor for Swarmers
During the spring, termites swarm to find mates and establish new colonies. Homeowners should inspect windowsills, doorframes, attics and crawl spaces for signs of swarming termites. Swarming termites lose their wings as they find a new home. Be aware of any detached wings around doors and windows as this may indicate an active infestation and requires professional pest control treatment.
Protect Wooden Structures
Any wood in direct contact with the soil should be pressure-treated. Decks, gazebos, and play structures should be properly protected. Treating exposed wood with a borate solution creates a barrier, protecting the wood from termites and other pests. For existing infested wood, treatment and repair may be required along with a barrier to prevent an infestation from coming back.
When Do I Need Professional Spring Termite Control and Treatment?
Termite damage causes millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses in Florida each year. In fact, termites cause more damage each year to Florida homes than hurricanes, floods and fires combined. It is also estimated that 50% of buildings in Florida will be infested with subterranean termites by 2040. While homeowners can take extra precautions to prevent termites, there may be a time when it is time to call in the professionals.
Signs of an Active Infestation
Look for visible termite swarmers, especially near sources of moisture or wood.
Swarmers have wings, dark bodies, and are poor flyers. You may also notice small piles of wood shavings under wood siding or near foundations, which indicate termites have been actively feeding and tunneling. Tap wood with a screwdriver—if it sounds hollow, it may have been damaged internally.
Preventative Treatments
To protect homes from termites, we offer professional treatments like perimeter barrier treatments, wood treatments and baiting systems. Barrier treatments involve trenching around foundations and treating the soil to form a protective barrier. Wood treatments involve drilling and injecting termite prevention chemicals into wood and sometimes concrete. Baiting systems use termite bait that is monitored; once termites feed on the bait, the colony is typically eliminated.
These professional treatments should be done by licensed pest control company like Super D Pest Control to ensure maximum effectiveness. Unfortunately, do-it-yourself treatments are not comprehensive enough to fully protect homes from termites in the long run. As the leading pest control company in Sarasota, we have the experience, training, and proper treatment methods to fully protect your home from costly termite damage. Homeowners should call us for an inspection at the first sign of termite activity or every year for preventative maintenance.
Call Super D Pest Control For Effective Spring Termite Control
Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it also marks the beginning of termite swarming season. Don't let these destructive pests ruin your home. Regular inspections, proper preventative measures, and calling in Super D Pest Control at the first sign of infestation can help Sarasota homeowners keep termites at bay. Call us today at (727) 433-5310 or click the "Let's Chat" tab below to schedule a free consultation.