Homeowners can look for signs of infestation
TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2017) – February and March are subterranean termite swarming season, and according to experts, termite problems that have gone undetected may get worse in the coming months.
In weather with warmer nights and typically after some rain, termites leave their tunnels to look for a mate. This is known as the swarming season because termites will often be seen flying in or around homes and other structures.
“People who see termite swarms can consider themselves lucky because it points them to a problem,” said Paul Goodman, general manager of Arrow Environmental Services, a leader in sustainable pest and lawn services around the Southeast. “Otherwise, a termite infestation could go unnoticed for months or years, until it begins to affect the structure of the home.”
Depending on the size of the termite colony, damage can range from a small piece of wood to the entire frame of the house, which can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to repair. Homeowners insurance typically does not provide coverage for damage caused by termites, making these costs even more burdensome.
During swarming season, homeowners should look for termites swarming in or around the house. Termite swarms that occur indoors are often drawn to lights and windows that heat up with sunlight. Homeowners may also see the dead swarms of termites on windowsills or will find their wings left behind as they try to pair up and mate.
Subterranean termites that swarm are roughly one-eighth of an inch long with a two-segment black body and two sets of wings. The swarm can range in size from a few termites to hundreds, depending on the size of the colony.
To ensure that termites are found before damage is extensive, homeowners should have an inspection done once a year by a pest control company that specializes in termite control.
“Don’t wait until you see termites in your home to call a professional,” said Goodman. “The best course of action is to have a yearly inspection done by a trained professional. Preventative inspections and treatment with bait stations and or liquid termiticides can also be used to deter termites from entering the home.”
About Arrow Environmental Services:
Arrow Environmental Services is a leader in sustainable pest and lawn services around the Southeast, building on a family tradition established more than 100 years ago. Arrow offers residential and commercial pest control, termite control, insulation services, lawn and shrub pest control and fertilization, tree and palm care, and irrigation services in west and central Florida. We guarantee customer satisfaction to the fullest extent, “period.”
Arrow is one of four brands operating under Sarasota-based Environmental Pest Service (EPS). EPS, formerly Arrow Environmental Holdings, also operates Bug Out Service in Jacksonville, Skyline Pest Solutions in the metro Atlanta and surrounding areas, and State Pest Control in central North Carolina. For more information, visit www.arrowservices.com.
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