By 
Living in Apopka allows you to enjoy warm weather and beautiful greenery. However, it can also mean dealing with termites. These tiny pests can cause serious and costly problems for homeowners. Termites eat wood from the inside out, which means they can silently damage your house before you even realize their presence. Thankfully, you can stop termites from their tracks if you know what to look for and how to protect your home. Learn more about termites and how to prevent them below:
Know the Signs of Termites
Termites are sneaky, but they do leave clues. You only need to know where and what to look. Below are common signs of termites:
- Mud tubes. These are thin tunnels that termites build to travel between their nest and their food source. You will usually find them along walls, foundation lines, or crawl spaces.
- Discarded wings. Termites shed their wings when they swarm to start a new colony. Seeing clear wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures could mean a swarm has recently happened nearby.
- Damaged wood. Termites eat wood from the inside. Thus, they may have already done some damage when you discover their presence. You will usually know termites have compromised a wood’s integrity by knocking on wood around your house. It should sound hollow or break easily.
- Blistering paint or warped wood. This can happen when termites tunnel beneath the surface.
Swarming Season in Apopka
Termites are most active during the warmer months, especially in spring and early summer. This is when they swarm, leaving their colony in search of a new home. Swarms can happen more than once a year In Apopka’s warm climate.
Swarming usually happens after a warm rain, particularly in the evening. Call a pest control professional if you see a cloud of tiny, winged bugs flying around your porch light or windows.
Types of Termites to Watch For
Apopka is home to subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach your home. They are the most common and the most destructive.
Drywood termites live directly inside the wood. They do not need contact with the soil. Also, they are often harder to detect because they live deep in wooden structures. Knowing which type you are dealing with helps figure out the best way to stop them.
How to Keep Termites at Bay
Below are steps you can take to keep termites away:
- Keep moisture under control. Termites love moisture. Keeping your home damp is an open invitation for them. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are working properly so water drains away from your home. Check for leaky pipes, especially under sinks and around the foundation. You should use vents or fans to keep them dry if you have crawl spaces. Also, plants that are touching your house should be trimmed back. Plants trap moisture, and termites love using them as bridges to your home.
- Store wood smartly. Keep firewood or lumber far away from your home, at least 20 feet. You should not stack it against your house or near your foundation. Termites can crawl from that wood right into your walls without you even noticing. Also, use mulch sparingly and try not to pile it too high. It holds moisture and gives termites a cozy hiding spot.
- Seal the gaps. Termites can enter your home through small gaps and fissures. Look for any foundation cracks, gaps around windows, or openings for pipes or cables on the exterior of your house. These should be sealed with caulk or foam sealant. Termites should have as little access as possible. Additionally, keep an eye out for damage in the crawl space or attic, particularly if it includes wooden supports or beams.
Comments