Termite season typically gets started in late February into early March, and it usually begins with a swarm. Are you prepared for the onset of termite season?

What is Swarming?

A termite colony is made up of three groups. The workers are tasked with maintaining the colony. This includes constructing nests and foraging for food. Soldiers are there to protect the colony and are sterile. Neither of these groups of termites has wings. The final group is the swarmers, aka the reproducers! The swarmers do have wings, and when the weather gets warmer, they leave the colony in large groups, or swarms, to seek out new nesting sites to establish new colonies of their own. Swarming can be one of the only visible signs of a termite infestation, but similarly, the lack of a swarm does not necessarily mean that you do not need termite treatment in Knoxville. It can take up to 4 years for a colony to mature enough to produce a swarm, and termites can do a lot of damage to your home in that time. It is recommended that you have regular inspections and arrange a suitable program of termite treatment in Knoxville to protect your home from the damage caused by these pests.

Signs of Termites to Watch For

Sometimes a swarm, and the shed wings that they leave in their wake, are the only visible sign that termites are present. However, termites are not only a problem in the springtime. When the climate is warm enough, termites can be active all year round, silently eating through wood undetected.

Aside from swarms, there are other signs that you may be able to spot if you know what to look out for. Most species of termites do not crawl on the open ground like other pests; they build mud tubes to facilitate travel between the colony and its food source. These are about a quarter-inch to an inch in diameter and can easily be seen on foundations, walls, and skirting boards. Cracked, bubbling paintwork can also be an indication of the presence of termites. You may also notice that wood sounds hollow when tapped, indicating termites may have been eating away at the wood from inside. If you see any of these signs, it is important to consult a pest control expert to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville.

Preparing for Termite Season

The best preparation for termite season is to call a licensed pest control company to discuss appropriate termite treatment in Knoxville. However, you can take other proactive steps to prepare and protect your home.

• Be sure to fix any leaks around the home, whether in the roof, pipes, or outside faucets.
• If you have exterior lights, turn them off at night, or switch to yellow bulbs, which are less likely to attract swarms.
• If you have any rotting exterior wood, it should be repaired as quickly as possible.
• Firewood should be stored raised off the ground and at least 15 feet from your home, and pick up any loose pieces of wood lying on the ground.
• Keep the gutters clear of any debris and fix any damaged sections.
• Cut back tree branches and vines that may touch the house.
• Do not allow pooling water, especially next to the foundation. Set up adequate drainage.

These steps can help make your home less attractive to termite swarms seeking new places to nest.

What to Expect From Termite Treatment in Knoxville

At Otis Termite & Pest Control, we have extensive field experience in dealing with termite infestation and prevention. When you request termite treatment in Knoxville, we will first conduct a free inspection to evaluate the situation. We will then develop the best termite treatment to suit your needs. We have found that using termite bait systems alone is not effective enough to treat an infestation. It could take months for termites to find the bait stations. That is why we use them in combination with Termidor foundation treatment for immediate results and ongoing protection.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.