It is finally spring, and we are putting the winter behind us. But, with spring comes spring showers, and those spring showers have an impact on termite swarms. Here's what you need to know most.
You may not know this but subterranean termites (the most destructive termites in the United States) are moisture pests. They need moisture to survive. That is why they build mud tubes on foundation walls. They cannot allow themselves to be exposed to the drying effects of the air and the sun. And, since they need moisture to live, flying termites are drawn to areas that are moist as they search for a new place to establish a nest. Your goal should be to make your property as unattractive to termite swarmers as possible. You can do this by creating conditions that allow your yard to stay dry.
We're not suggesting that you should rig your yard with a hundred fans to dry out your yard after it rains, that would be impractical...and probably cause a blackout. But there is something practical you CAN do. Check your gutter system to make sure there are no obstructions or breaks. It is important that all of the rainwater be channeled away from your home. It will reduce the amount of moisture in the ground next to your foundation walls, and allow the sun to dry that ground faster, and it will prevent the wood of your home from being damaged. That is, after all, the main reason we have gutter systems. Someone, at some point in history, realized that it was a bad idea to have lots of rainwater running down the side of their dwelling. Water leads to rot, and all of the problems that come with rot. One of those problems is termites.
When the wood of a home rots, it becomes even more attractive to termites and other wood-destroying organisms. While subterranean termites can eat sound, summer wood, they don't prefer it. They are more inclined to attack rotted wood first. Partly because it is moist, but also because it can be consumed more quickly.
Spring is when we get the most termite swarms. Don't give those swarms any reason to congregate on the walls of your home or near your foundation. Create the conditions that allow the sun to quickly dry up any moisture that is left after those spring showers.
It is also a good idea to have ongoing termite protection from a trusted professional like Parkway Pest Services. Ongoing, always active, termite control is the only sure fire way to prevent termite damage. If you'd like to learn more or schedule service, reach out to us before those spring rains come. We'll be happy to assist you.