Once termites have taken up residence under your home and in your walls it is likely that they are eating away at the wood all year long. If you see signs of termites-no matter what time of year it is-you should call a professional to inspect your property and treat it if necessary. But, there are certain factors that increase your likelihood of developing a new infestation if you do not currently have one. The two main factors that put you at a higher risk for termites are the time of year and a lack of proper prevention.
Time of year
Termites do not go out and start new colonies whenever they feel like it. Instead, they rely on weather conditions to signal to them that it is time to move from their old colony in order to create a new one. Warm and rainy weather conditions create a perfect environment for termites to start a new colony. This is partially because most types of termites need moisture in order to survive and successfully establish a new colony. Rainy spring days can dampen the soil and wood around your home and attract termites. They are not made to survive out in the open when the weather is cold so the other requirement for termites to start new colonies is that the weather be warm. The combination of warm and rainy weather is typical of spring in many parts of the country. This time of year can put you at a higher risk for termites because they are out looking for places to establish new colonies.
Lack of proper prevention
A major factor that can increase your risk of developing a termite infestation is a lack of proper prevention. For example, wood stacked on the outside of your house can become wet during the spring rains and attract termites. Since the wood is touching your house they can easily also infest the wood underneath your home. Failing to make repairs to your home can also put you at a higher risk for termites. A leaky pipe can cause the wood underneath your house to stay saturated with water which is exactly the type of wood that termites seek out. As spring approaches it is important to take an inventory of the things around your home that could attract termites in order to prevent an infestation. Fixing these small issues can go a long way toward preventing a costly infestation.
Another way to prevent a termite problem is by having your home inspected by a pest control professional on a yearly basis. Spring is a great time to do this because you can include it as part of your spring cleaning and home maintenance routine. A yearly termite inspection will help you catch a problem early before they cause major damage to your home.
New termite colonies are usually started in the spring so you are at a higher risk of developing a new infestation this time of year. The good news is that with proper home maintenance and regular termite inspections you can prevent the majority of the issues termites cause.
