The colder winter months are behind us and the joyful weather of spring has arrived. The grass is growing, trees are budding, and winter clothes have been stored away. But, unfortunately, this is also time for termites to start swarming. Spring is when winged termite swarmers go out to begin new colonies. Then they enter their most active period when they send out new workers to eat and gather food for their ever-growing new colonies.

Armies of termites are capable of silently destroying the wood inside a home. They can eat through the wood in floors, ceilings, walls, furniture, window frames, door frames, and support beams. They are capable of doing this for days, months, and even years without anyone knowing they are there. This can cause tremendous damage, leaving a weakened structure which will need costly repairs.

You can be on the lookout for signs of termites throughout the year. If you have an infestation, termites may build mud tubes around the exterior and interior of your foundation. They also leave discarded wings in the springtime, leftover from swarmers. Sometimes you may find fine sawdust located outside of exit holes. 

Since termites are attracted to water-damaged wood, you can help avoid disastrous and costly termite damage by keeping your home dry by:

• Fixing leaky faucets and pipes, as well as running dehumidifiers in humid rooms.

• Clearing out clogged rain gutters.

• Directing runoff away from your home.

• Placing a band of crushed rock around your foundation.

• Repairing rotten shingles, soffits, and fascia.

• Keeping firewood stored a distance from your home.

Preventing termites on your own is not 100% effective or guaranteed. Professional termite protection is essential to keeping your home safe from wood-destroying termites. In the southwest, Schendel Pest Services is professionally equipped to take care of termite issues for you. If you are concerned about a current or potential infestation of termites in your home, give us a call. Find out more about our STEP program that guarantees termite elimination and protection. We start with a thorough inspection and develop a plan. We then completely eliminate all termites in all of the colonies located within the vicinity of your home, including the queens. We also prevent any future problems with termites by continually monitoring and baiting them. The best part is that we return annually or whenever new termite issues arise.

Call on the trusted professionals at Schendel Pest Services for all of your termite and other pest needs in the southwest region.