It’s a brand new year, and lots of people are very excited to see last year go. So in the spirit of new beginnings, it’s time to start thinking about how your termite control fared through 2020. Over the last year, many families spent more time in their homes than they had ever before. From working at home and schooling at home, to quarantine movie nights and endless board games, every nook and cranny of your home has been lived in over the last 12 months. But, you may not have been looking closely enough to notice the status of your termite control.
If you don’t already have termite control in your home, stop what you’re doing, and give us a call today. As a homeowner in the state of Florida, it’s only a matter of time before a colony of termites tries to make their home inside your house, or somewhere on your property. We don’t say this to scare you, but to remind you of the reality of these bugs. Florida’s climate is ideal for termites, and we treat homes for termite control in this area each and every day.
If you’re already investing in termite control, it’s still wise to get in the habit of investigating your own property to stay ahead of any potential infestations. Here is a checklist of several things you should do at the beginning of each year two keep your home protected from Termites.
1. Take A Walk Around Your House
There is a type of termite called the subterranean termite that lives underground and builds mud tubes on the side of your foundation as a way to protect themselves as they make entry into your home. These tubes are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for. So now that the weather is a little cooler and the termites are moving a little more slowly it’s a great time to investigate the exterior of your home looking for signs that you might have a problem with subterranean termites.
2. Check The Trees On Your Property
Termites eat wood, and not just the wood that your home is built out of but your trees, your fences, your shed, and even the woodpile you have saved up for your evening bonfires. While you’re outside checking the exterior of your home for termites take a look at the other wooden structures on your property and see if you can recognize bug related damage. This is extremely important in areas where wooden structures like fences or decks make contact with your home. In cases like this, it’s easy for termites to jump from one structure to another and colonize your home before you even notice it.
3. Check Your Windows And Doors
One of the common signs that a homeowner needs to invest in termite control is the swelling of the wood in your windows and doors. This is not always a sign of a termite infestation, but it’s a good thing to keep your eye out for. Go around your house and take note of how easily your windows and doors open. When you do open your windows to let in a cool breeze, keep your eyes peeled for termite frass. Frass is the fancy word for termite excrement and it looks like tiny little balls. They’re most commonly found on window sills or on the floor beneath windows or other trim work. If you see frass in your home it means that you have at some point (if not currently) had a termite problem.
If you have your home fumigated for termites and you still see frass, don’t panic. You may see this for months or even years after the infestation is under control.
4. Check The Wettest Rooms In Your Home
Termites like many other pests thrive in warm damp environments. There are specific places in your home where they’re more likely to find something like this. For instance, your kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms, or any other place where there is running water and the potential for a leak is often the first place where termites can be found.
While this list is important it isn’t a replacement for regular termite control service. The years of experience that your termite control professional has can help uncover issues that you may not even notice when going through this checklist. But just like you wouldn’t drive your car around town without addressing the check engine light that’s blinking on your dashboard, it’s important to keep your eye out for what may eventually become a problem in your home.
When you’re ready to tackle your termite control the team at Holder Pest Control will be glad to help you. You don’t have to protect your home alone, give us a call today to partner with a termite control service that has your best interest in mind.
