Springtime: The Best Time To Begin Termite Treatment
The skies are staying brighter for longer, the hockey season is in full swing, and you’re inexplicably feeling far less miserable than you did in January – it must be that spring in the air. However, this is also when termite treatment should begin. Unfortunately, that increase in temperature will also come with spring showers. Causing excess moisture, this unfortunately heralds the emergence of subterranean swarmer termites throughout Canada.
Ultimately, April is when Terminix Canada technicians start receiving more enquiries regarding termite treatment and termite control. Firstly, once you’ve discovered a termite infestation in your home, it’s important to act fast. By calling Terminix Canada’s termite removal team, you won’t only get rid of termites. You’re also taking preventative action to ensure you don’t face another termite infestation.
How Do Subterranean Termites Operate?
Take Ontario for instance. Did you know there are over 30 localized areas in Southern Ontario swarmed by subterranean termites? Over the years, areas like Toronto’s Lakeshore and the Wellington district have grown all too familiar with requests for termite treatment.
Firstly, you should know that termites build mud tunnels in the ground that connect the nest (moisture) to the food source (wood). These destructive little critters will happily excavate wood until only a thin layer is left on the surface. Ultimately, this leaves the inside hollow and cavernous.
Once the wood breaks, they use a mixture of soil, feces, and saliva to cover the holes while constructing the mud tubes. Rather impressively, these determined little devils even rebuild damaged tubes too. Crafty termites are more than capable of reaching sills and wood via cracks in a home’s foundation. Failing that, termite treatment is also requested when termites breach other gaps in a property’s perimeter. For instance, entering underneath the outside stucco.
When Do You Need Termite Treatment?
What about the warning signs before requesting termite treatment? Well, a termite infestation has likely taken place where mud tubes are prevalent. A pest that constantly leaves behind red flags, these dry or moist lines of mud are typically found in basements and garages. Elsewhere, warped, spotted, discoloured or striped wood may also be a sign of termites too. Knocking on wood and hearing a hollow sound can mean your home has suffered termite damage.
Types of Tunnels That Subterranean Termites Construct
Subterranean termites are able to construct four different types of tunnels. These are working tubes, migratory tubes, exploratory tubes, and drop tubes
Working Tubes
- Constructed from nests in the soil to wooden structures
- May travel up concrete or stone foundations
Migratory and Exploratory Tubes
- Arise from the soil
- Don’t connect to wood structures
Drop Tubes
- Extend from wooden structures back to the soil
Why Should You Worry About Swarmer Termites?
During the spring, termite colonies produce swarmers or alates. These winged adult termites resemble flying ants, and separate from the rest of colony. Swarmers are reproductive termites aiming to establish a new colony. Ultimately, if you aren’t careful, a new colony could be established on your property.
Swarming is most frequent on warm days after rain. This is due to termites’ attraction to moisture and light sources. Finding even one swarmer termite inside your home is a likely sign of a full-blown termite infestation.
What Measures Can You Take Before Termite Treatment Begins?
Before calling Terminix Canada for termite treatment, you can perform a little investigative work of your own. Firstly, you’ll require a flashlight and a screwdriver. A complete termite inspection means locating exposed shelter tubes and damaged woods.
Probe wood with your screwdriver, and inspect the exterior and interior surfaces of your home’s foundation. Particularly, you’ll want to concentrate on areas where wood is on, or near, soil. Importantly, you should know that a common sign of subterranean swarmers is their discarded shed wings at ground level.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to delve into the depths of basements and crawlspaces so do so carefully to avoid injury. Also, remember that areas where concrete joins wooden structures (such as steps and porches) may be infested. Additional preventative measures to get rid of termites include scrapping wood, old tree stumps, and fence posts. These are all ideal harbourages for termites on your property.
Leave Termite Treatment To The Professionals At Terminix Canada
Despite the initial investigative work we just mentioned, remember that proper termite control is a task best left to the professionals. It’s all well and good to spot a termite infestation but that’s precisely when you should call our team.
If you’ve stumbled across a subterranean termite infestation on your property, Terminix Canada provides termite extermination services from coast-to-coast. Helping homeowners get rid of termites for over 90 years, remove the termite infestation in your space by calling us for a free consultation today.