What Termite Season Means For Elizabeth City Homeowners

Despite what you may think, it’s unwise to only have pest remediation when insects and creatures are visible. Several critters can violate Elizabeth City homes without being seen. Even if they multiply rapidly, they might be out of view for weeks or months. Termites are great at hiding away until they’ve turned a place upside down.

Termites are wood-eating insects. In the United States alone, these bugs rack up a $5 billion deterrence and recovery bill for property owners. The amount is hardly ever reduced by insurance companies. Since termites often sit behind walls, they’re rarely caught. Get ready for termite season with helpful information from Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.

When Is Termite Season? How Do You Detect Termites? 

This might be unsettling, but it’s a fact that the termite season doesn’t end. Since there are so many subspecies, there’s always at least one that’s hustling and bustling. A few of the groups of termites in Elizabeth City are active in the spring. The winged swarmers ensure this, as they mate to begin fresh colonies. The brown, black, or yellow bugs are ½ of an inch long. Around light sources is where you might see them. While they’re buzzing around, the white or grayish-whiite workers are constantly chewing wood. They are about 0.12 of an inch long. Soldiers defend them, with their huge mandibles. Rectangular heads also distinguish them physically. Both typically remain behind foundations and in soil. Given that swarmers fly out, they are a critical sign of infestation. Additional traces are:

• Discovering the shed wings of swarmers; they are translucent and scaly
• Seeing mountains of fecal frass adjacent to termite maze patterns, mud tubes, and holes
• Walls that sound hollow 
• Hearing soft noises from inside walls
• Observing that paint is chipping and looks water damaged 
• Noticing that drywall that is dipping and losing color
• Tiles coming apart and floorboards giving way 
• Firm window frames and doors

Bases and walls are the heart of a home, and they’ll be crucially impacted by a termite invasion. As they weaken, they could fall over and hurt someone. Death is the most severe potential outcome. What is less dire but still important, is the possibility of having to relocate. You might be out of a place to live for a lengthy period, or even permanently. If you decide to have repairs done or you’re forced to by circumstances, the costs will be hefty. Bouncing back from termite upheaval isn’t a cheap or a simple process, no matter the degree of ruin. In relation to medical health, allergic reactions may happen. Diseases aren’t a worry.

What Are Ways to Prevent Termites?

Considering how termites operate, it’s best to consistently employ preventative methods. Yard and building maintenance are the two primary things to keep in mind:

• Decaying and fractured wood should be removed or restored 
• Have moisture defects and leaks fixed soon. Go first to those dampening wood. 
• Close gaps in foundations, caulk, and utility lines 
• All exterior vents should have screens attached 
• Regularly wash out vents and gutters 
• Avoid letting loose wood, such as carpentry panels, touch soil.
• Place plants and wood piles two feet or more from the property 
• Cut the grass and trim greenery often 

How Will Albemarle Termite & Pest Control Handle Termites?

Our name, Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, is an indication of how we are specially equipped to exterminate termites. The technicians on our staff are highly trained. They’ll know how to accurately identify species and nesting locations. They’ll apply safe conventional liquid treatments or install Advance Trelona Baiting systems. Warranties are always included. Pre-construction options and Wood-Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR) are available. Call us at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today for a no-obligation inspection!