Did you know that in the United States alone, termites cause over $5 billion in property damages each year? That’s the case according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). But worry not. Even if you live in an area of the country that is prone to termite infestations, there are many preventative steps you can take to get ahead of the problem and save yourself a great deal of stress and money.
We’re here to help, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to put together a post compiling everything you need to know about termite season and what you can do to protect your home.
WHEN IS TERMITE SEASON?
Termites usually appear in the spring and summer seasons. However, due to the almost year-round warm temperatures in Dallas, termite infestation can be an issue for homeowners at any time. For most areas, however, termite season is between the months of February and May. During this time, termites do something called swarming. This is an event where fully mature termites begin to reproduce, spawning a new breed known as “swarmers” or “alates” that have wings.
HOW CAN YOU IDENTIFY TERMITE ACTIVITY?
Termites are subterranean pests that typically reside underground. However, it’s common for termites to find food within the wooden walls, flooring, and foundations of our homes – creating a destructive, costly issue over time.
There are many telltale signs of a termite infestation within your home, including pin-sized mud tubes running up your home’s exterior, rotten or squeaky floorboards in your bathroom, broken wings of swarmers lying around, and other wooden structural damage.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR HOME From Termites?
There are multiple things that can be done to protect your home and prevent termites. Some precautions include, but are not limited to:
Repairing or replacing rotting and damaged wood
Repairing leaks or moisture issues immediately
Sealing imperfections in your home’s foundation
Mowing your lawn regularly and taking care of other greenery
Cleaning, or inspecting, the outside of your home on a consistent basis
Inspecting your bathrooms for compromised wooden floorboards, walls, etc.
Calling a local exterminator to check for signs of infestation and eliminate any existing termite colonies
WHEN IS IT TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT?
If termite damage begins to affect the functionality of your home, it’s time to take action. West Shore Home specializes in convenient, high-quality bath, window, and door replacements. If you’ve experienced severe damage due to termite infestation, our trained experts will guide you through our styles, options, costs, and more to fit your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your project.
*Window and door availability varies by region
