Ask anyone who’s suffered termite damage on their property and they’ll tell you that they wish they had done more to prevent termites. A termite infestation can be difficult to notice until it's significant in size, and by then, irreparable damage may have already been done. But staying vigilant during termite season can help protect your property from these destructive pests. Here’s what property owners need to know about termite swarmers in St. Louis.
What Is Termite Season?
When the conditions are right, large termite colonies will send out winged reproductive termites known as "swarmers" to establish new colonies. Termite season refers to the period in early spring when termite swarmers venture out to mate and colonize.
Depending on the species, termite season can begin as early as March and continue through November. Swarmers can appear both day and night, and, while usually found outside, swarmers can also emerge indoors if there is an existing colony within your property.
Termites are active year-round and can survive cold winter temperatures, but warm weather brings about changes in their behavior. While termite season is when termites pose the highest risk of infesting your property, it’s also when you can best defend your property from infestation.
What To Know About Termite Swarms
The presence of termite swarms on your property is often the first sign of a bigger problem. When you see termite swarmers, it means that there is a termite colony nearby that is developed enough to send out reproductives. Termite swarmers are poor fliers and can’t travel great distances to mate. In other words, if you see swarmers on your property, it’s very likely that there is already an existing colony, too.
Based on the behavior of the swarmers, you can usually determine what type of termite is infesting your property. Subterranean termite swarmers often appear indoors during daylight hours. Drywood termite swarmers congregate at dusk and are often found around outdoor lights and windowsills where light sources emanate.
How To Prevent Termite Swarmers
While you can’t stop termite season from coming, you can make your property less hospitable to termite swarmers and reduce the chances of a colony-forming. Here are a few things you can do to prevent termite swarmers.
- Reduce moisture. Termites prefer damp, humid conditions. Clear away any clogs or blockages in drains and gutters that are causing water to accumulate. Consider installing a dehumidifier in your basement.
- Turn off lights. Keep your outdoor lights off at night to prevent termite swarmers from congregating.
- Reduce food sources. Remove any cellulose-rich material that attracts termites. Relocate any woodpiles away from the property, switch to a cellulose-free mulch in your garden, and make sure that no wooden segments of your property are making direct soil contact.
- Create a barrier. Install a barrier of gravel, sand, or stone around the perimeter of your home or business if possible. This reduces the likelihood of termites accessing and infesting the wooden portions of your property.
The best thing you can do to protect your St. Louis property from destructive termites is to get in touch with the experts at Arenz Pest Management Solutions. Beginning with a thorough inspection, our termite control services are designed to be as comprehensive and effective as possible. Using industry-leading Termidor® treatment, we will eliminate existing termites at the source and will treat both interior and exterior areas of your property as needed. We will perform follow-up treatments to ensure that you stay termite-free for as long as you work with us. Get in touch with us today to schedule your no-obligation inspection.
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