Are Termites More Common During the Summer?

As the summer months approach, there are a number of things homeowners start to think about. The kids are going to be out of school, the days will get hot and the garden will be running at full force. One thing I’ve noticed a lot of people start to wonder about come summer time is termites. Termites are a problem that a homeowner wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy. They are a bug that feasts on wood and causes 5 billion dollars in damage every year. A lot of people wonder if termites are more common during the summer. Generally speaking, the answer is yes.

Termites can cause damage any time of year, but subterranean termites often swarm on summer days. They form colonies underneath damp soil, and create little mud tunnels to move about. These mud tunnels are what allow them to make their way up to your house. Once they penetrate your foundation, or any other sort of wood source, they will eat it. The tricky thing about the way they eat is they do it from the inside out, so you may not notice that there is damage until it collapses. You can keep an eye out for termite damage by searching for tiny slits on the outside of the wood. These slits may be an entrance that the termite created to get on the inside.

Homeowners usually see these damages occur during the spring and summer because that’s when termites are the most active. Subterranean termites build colonies in the soil surrounding your house. That means you can find them in your foundation, framing, furniture and hardwood flooring. When you’re searching for termites, do not be fooled by any smooth surface that may appear on the outside of a stretch of wood. Termites prefer dark and humid environments, so they don’t really like to eat on the outside of wood. Knock on it. If it sounds hollow, that is a sign that termites are inside feasting away.

As you begin preparations for the summer months around your home, be sure to consider the possibility of a termite infestation. Knowing where they hideout and common ways they get in is a good step toward termite infestation. If you need added protection, give us a call. We’re always happy to chat.