What Termite Swarmers Could Mean For Your Merrimac Home

It’s Springtime in Massachusetts. Flowers are blooming and termites are swarming. Ugh! It would be nice if you only had to worry about new baby termites in the spring, but alas, this is not the case. What we do see are the mating swarms. It’s really the only time termites make a public appearance, so be on the lookout and call Freedom Pest Control as soon as you notice an issue.

What Does Termite Season Mean For You?

Termites are highly destructive, costing Americans $5 million dollars annually in property damage. There are over 2,000 types of known termites worldwide, but in Massachusetts, it’s the subterranean termites that plague us. And wouldn’t you know it, they are the most destructive species in the U.S. They are the source of 95% of termite damage in this country. This is not surprising when you learn that each colony has about one million members. They stay active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That’s a lot of destruction.

What Kind Of Damage Can Termites Do?

In all fairness, those little pests do have one redeeming quality. In wooded areas, they devour downed trees. This aids in the decomposition of the forest, putting nutrients back into the soil. You've got to give credit where it’s due, but if they can devour a forest, what can they do to your home? 

• They can eat 15 pounds of wood a week.

• Destroy foundation timbers.

• Damage plumbing.

• Eat your furniture, even antiques.

• Undermine your deck.

• Turn your boat into a snack.

• Eat your fence, your trees, and lawn furniture.

Oftentimes it’s difficult to spot termite damage. The colony takes years to develop and become active. At first, the damage is unnoticeable because it occurs in areas you rarely if ever visit. They prefer to enter the property unchallenged, using expansion joints, cracks in concrete slabs, and fireplaces. Basically, places that are difficult for an inspector to get to.

Subterranean termites are very easily disturbed, if they feel threatened, they will hightail it to a different location in the structure and begin munching in private. If you suspect these hungry pests have taken up residence in your home, DO NOT disturb them. Call us right away. As a homeowner, being aware is the first step towards saving a lot of money. Educate yourself about ways to spot a potential swarm and be sure to schedule an annual inspection with Freedom Pest Control.

Signs That You Have Termites

Here are some things to watch for as you go about your already hectic life:

• Small holes in walls, woodwork, doors or molding, accompanied by piles of tiny pellet-looking dust. This is called “frass” AKA termite poop.

• Shed wings on windowsills is a sign that they have made an appearance.What looks like a flying ant indoors is most likely a female termite. There are distinct differences if you know what to look for. Call us immediately if you find one of these inside.

• Mud tubes attached to walls. These are termite highways. They are necessary to their survival, because they need to stay hydrated. On the outside of structures, the mud tubes protect termites from the sun and predators.

• Hollow-sounding or drooping walls can’t be good. Oftentimes, the only thing holding them up is a thin outer layer, and the mud that the termites used to fill the tunnels. 

• Blistering paint implies moisture, and termites love moisture.

During your teenage years, you probably never thought you would need to know how to identify mud tubes or termite poop. Adulting is such fun! Keep in mind that doing so will potentially save you money, and that’s something teenage self could definitely get behind.

Don’t Waste Time, Call In The Pros Now