Winter Weather Leaves Homes Susceptible to Termite Infestations
Franklin Pest Solutions Michigan City advises homeowners to remain vigilant of termites as the weather warms
The winter trifecta of snow, ice, and wind may leave some homes damaged this spring and vulnerable to the most destructive pest – termites. Franklin Pest Solutions, protecting you from termites in Indiana, advises homeowners to be aware of the property threats posed by termites and brush up on some simple tips to prevent or detect an infestation as weather conditions improve.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Termites are known as “silent destroyers” due to their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. They cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year – an expense typically not covered by homeowners insurance. By the time you notice termite damage or signs of termite infestation, the colony could be well established. It’s super important to get routine home inspections to make sure these things are caught early before major damage is done.
Pictures of termite damage
“When spring rolls around, termites emerge from their overwintering spots in search of mates and new structures in which to establish their colonies – most often our homes,” warns Dave Sloop, Branch Manager for Franklin Pest Solutions Michigan City, IN. “Unfortunately, termites can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so homeowners should routinely inspect the foundation of the home for signs of termites, including mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint, and softwood that sounds hollow when tapped.”
Termites in Indiana
So just how much of a risk is there for your house getting termites in Indiana? There are several factors that determine how attractive your house may be to a termite. For example:
- Is your home wood-framed?
- Is your home on a slab that’s less than 6″ thick?
- Do you store firewood 2′ or less from the foundation?
- Do you have sprinklers that soak the exterior walls of your house?
- Is there a wooden fence post 2 feet or less to the foundation of your home?
- Are your home’s gutters well-maintained and draining properly?
- Is there mulch around your house?
- Do you have trees, shrubs, or bushes touching the house or less than 2′ feet from the house’s foundation?
Pictures of Termites
The most common species of termites in our area is the subterranean termite. These can sometimes look like maggots, flying ants, or even small grubs. Take a look at the following images to familiarize yourself with the many faces these wood destroyers take on.
How to Get Rid of Termites
Termite control is not something you can tackle on your own. They’re not a DIY pest that you can buy spray for at a home improvement store, unfortunately. And once you discover termites, you may also soon figure out that repair and treatments are not covered by most homeowner’s insurance plans. This is why we stress routine inspections, so you can catch conducive conditions before a colony settles in.
Most professional pest control companies have two options available for termite control in Indiana:
1. Conventional Liquid Termite Treatment
Termite Prevention
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers are a number of valuable tips to help homeowners prevent termites from inflicting serious structural damage to their biggest investment:
- Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and AC units on the outside of the home.
- Fix fascia and soffits and rotted roof shingles.
- Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
- Divert water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
- Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
“Although the winter season isn’t quite over yet, it’s never too early to schedule a termite inspection,” added Sloop. “In fact, all homeowners should have their property inspected for termites by a licensed pest professional every one to three years.”
Check out this video for more on termites and our Sentricon service!
Don’t risk it. Get an inspection today. Our experts will give you that peace of mind you deserve…
