Here’s Why to Be Aware of Termites this Spring & Beyond

termites

Spring is right around the corner—can you believe it?! With the first week of spring quickly approaching, we thought it necessary to let you know the dangers of termites and the damage they can cause. 

Once termites start, they never stop. They love to feed on wood, leaving it weak and brittle with damaging outcomes for homes. Because these bugs chew perpetually, they rack up the cost for homeowners all around the U.S. for property damage that insurance often doesn’t cover. 

Locational Information

Termites love to infest areas that are warm and wet. Areas with colder weather have fewer issues because the termites will die. Here is a list of the top 5 most termite-infested cities in the United States: 

  1. Mobile, Alabama 
  2. San Antonio, Texas
  3. Memphis, Tennessee 
  4. Tampa, Florida
  5. Los Angeles, California 

And the list doesn’t stop there! If you’re worried and wondering about more places on the “no-go” list, we encourage you to be proactive by asking us about the places you should avoid. 

Fun fact! Did you know that termites are found in every state except Alaska? So, if you’re truly terrified of an infestation, maybe you should pack your bags, grab a heavy coat, and head up north! 

Observation and Recognition

To prevent infestation, it’s important to check your property regularly and take the necessary steps of protecting your home. 

Start by looking for wood damage in and around your home—even the smallest abnormal signs should be considered! Watch for signs of termite tunnels which is a tubular structure that can last anywhere between 5 to 8 years. These pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels can appear on the foundation and crawl-space walls, indicating the nests that termites call home. 

Also, keep your eyes peeled for signs of moisture, drainage problems, leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow. 

Action Steps for Prevention

#1 Hire a Professional: call us at Vulcan Termite, and we’ll come out for a professional pest management inspection

#2 Clean Up: get rid of woodpiles and other forms of outside debris to eliminate potential nesting spots for termites.

#3 Inspection: schedule annual plumbing, HVAC, and other kinds of inspections to make sure your home is high quality. 

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Call us at Vulcan Termites, of course! If you have a termite issue, we are your pest control heroes and are ready to help!