bunch-of-termites

There are termites near your home. They could be a few blocks away, or they could be in your backyard. What is important is that you know what sets apart a home that attracts termites from one that doesn’t. Here is what you should know about termite castes, flying termites, and termite season as well as some helpful tips and tricks to identify and keep termites away from your Hudson Valley property.

Termite Castes

All termites live inside a caste system. Even small termite nests are run by reproductives, provided for by workers, and protected by soldiers. One thing that is interesting about termites is that they are not territorial with others of their species. Several nests can exist and share one piece or structure of wood. They are not worried about running out of food, they are only concerned with gathering as much as possible.

Flying Termites (Swarmers)

The most common species of termite in our area, the subterranean termite, creates swarmers (flying termites) once a year. Something to know is that small termite nests do not require swarmers. It is only as colonies outgrow their living areas that they release these reproductive scouts into nearby areas. If you notice white, ant-like pests around your living areas, it could mean your home is already infested with termites. If you see these pests outdoors, however, it means your home is under review and could be at risk.

Termite Season

Termite season changes depending on where you live. Here in Hudson Valley, termite season usually runs from late spring to early fall and slows down exponentially as the cold sweeps through. Something to note is that termites that have established a nest inside a home before winter hits will keep eating despite the cold outside. This is to say, homeowners only get a reprieve from these destructive insects during the winter if their home is not yet infested.

How To Spot Termite Damage

There are many signs of termite infestation that you can use to know termites are inside your home. Many include damage related to the spread of moisture within your walls and the hollowing out of structural wood. Some examples of this involve overly squeaky floorboards, tight-fitting windows and doors, and moisture spots on your ceilings, walls, and floors. Unfortunately, these clues only start to show up after many months of termite damage. The only two early warning signs you have to spot these pests before they damage your home are termite swarmers and mud tubes.

Some Tips To Prevent Termites

If the thought of thousands of termite drones chewing their way through your home bothers you, you should implement some prevention tips before these pests invade. Here are a few our team recommends.

Address moisture issues around your home and property.
Avoid using wood-based mulch around your home’s exterior.
Store firewood and untreated lumber at least 30 feet away from your home’s exterior.
Repair or replace structural wood around your home that is water damaged, rotting, or in decay.
Clean up sticks, leaf piles, and organic debris from your property.
Pick up cardboard, newspaper, and other wood-based items from your yard.
Remove fallen trees and decaying stumps from your property.

When To Call In The Professionals

If you suspect your Hudson Valley home has a termite problem or are looking for a way to ensure these pests stay outside where they belong, do not hesitate to contact the pest control experts at Pestmaster® Services. Our team of experts will thoroughly inspect your home for these elusive and destructive pests and offer you an option that we know will best fit your need.