Termites swarm during early Spring. Many homeowners may think they’re seeing ants but, in fact, they’re termites. If you experience what appears to be swarming ants in early Spring, have it checked out by an OPC professional. You may be able to catch termite issues early, before they get a chance to create too much damage.
Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper, undetected. It’s estimated that termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year. Protecting your home before signs of termites arise is one of the best ways to save money and keep your family safe when it comes to these destructive insects. They may be sneaky, but termites do leave warning signs. Indicators of a termite infestation include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, cracked or bubbling paint, mud tubes on exterior walls or crawl spaces, and a temporary swarm of winged insects in or around your home.
Simple Steps Can Help Prevent an Infestation
While termite treatment should be left to an OPC professional, you can take simple steps around the house to help protect your home from conditions that termites look for. Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris, install screens on exterior vents, store firewood and lumber away from your home, and eliminate moisture by fixing pipes and other home fixtures prone to leaking.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Termites can cause an incredible amount of damage to your home in a relatively short amount of time. Worker termites continuously forage for food to feed the other members of the colony. A single termite colony can reach thousands and sometimes millions in size. This may cause you to wonder, are your loved ones and pets safe from termites? The good news is, although termites are incredibly dangerous to the structure of your home, they’re not known to be dangerous to humans. Even though they do have the ability to bite, they usually won’t do so unless they’re actively provoked. As long as you and your family members stay away from the termite colony, you have nothing to fear.
Treatment Options
OPC Pest Services provides two termite programs to protect your investment:
- Termite Baiting Program Featuring Sentricon
- OPC Termite Management Program (TMP) Featuring Termidor
Call today and ask for a free, no-obligation termite inspection for your home!
