Known as "silent destroyers," termites are one of the most problematic pests for homeowners. They feed on a home's wooden features and build their colonies within walls. If they remain undetected, termites can cause catastrophic structural damage.
One of the telltale signs of an infestation is the presence of flying termites, also known as swarmers. Read on to learn all about termite swarmers and why you should call Go-Forth Home Services to get rid of these pests for good.
What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?
Termites are social insects that create and live in large colonies. They are often mistaken for ants as they look very similar. These insects are between 1/2 and 3/8 of an inch in length and can be brown, tan, or black. In each termite colony, there are workers, soldiers, and swarmers, along with a king and queen. The worker termites voraciously chew away at wood and carry materials needed to maintain their habitat. Soldiers defend the colony and protect the king and queen, who are responsible for reproduction.
When a termite colony becomes overcrowded, swarmers leave to find space to build a new one. They are attracted to light sources and will continue to move towards the light until they find soil. Their window to find a new colony is relatively small, as they can only be exposed to air for about 30 minutes until they die. Termite swarmers are winged insects that shed their wings. It's common for homeowners to find shed wings and dead swarmers by windowsills and doorways. If you find termite swarmers around your property, there's a good chance you have an infestation.
Flying Termites Could Be The First Warning Sign
In addition to seeing flying termites in or around your home, there are several other ways to tell if you have a termite problem. Here are several other signs to pay attention to:
- Squeaky or buckling floorboards
- Mud tubes found along the walls and foundation.
- Piles of termite droppings that look like salt and pepper
- Piles of wood pellets (also known as "frass") near walls or wooden baseboards and furniture
- Tiny holes in drywall
- Damaged wood that appears crumbled
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped on
- Stiff windows and doors that are tough to open
If you notice any signs of termites on your property, contact an exterminator like Go-Forth Home Services as soon as possible. Leaving an infestation unaddressed can lead to extensive damage and costly home renovations.
Five Tips To Stay Ahead Of The Termite Problem
Taking precautionary measures to keep termites away from your home is the best protection against an infestation. Here are five top tips to termite-proof your property:
- Seal cracks: Make sure to seal all gaps and holes in exterior walls to cut off access. Inspect walls around pipes that lead outside.
- Eliminate moisture: Fix all leaky pipes. Clean out gutters to keep rainwater flowing away from your home. Repair any leaks in the roof.
- Remove food sources: Repair and replace all dead or rotted wood inside your home. Declutter storage spaces and throw away old newspapers and cardboard boxes.
- Reduce soil-to-wood contact points: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house. Keep wooden siding at least six inches above the ground.
- Keep plants away: Trim back trees and shrubs that are too close to your home. Termites can use branches as a bridge to get into your home.
When do-it-yourself termite prevention methods fail, it might be time to call in the experts at Go-Forth Home Services.
Professional Termite Control In Richmond
The best way to get rid of termites is to rely on professional termite removal services, like those offered by Go-Forth Home Services. Since 1959, we've been a trusted source of pest control in Richmond. Our technicians will perform a full inspection to diagnose the problem and come up with a custom solution. We use Sentricon with Always Active to eradicate termites, the number one termite baiting system. For more information on how we can keep your home termite-free, give us a call today.