Florida homeowners beware–termite swarm season is almost here. Every year near the tail end of winter, termite activity increases throughout Florida and across the country. For around five to 6 months, termites start swarming, attempting to invade your home. Here’s what you need to know about termite season, so you can be prepared to defend your home against these damaging pests.
1. Termites Swarm in Late Winter/Early Spring
Termite swarms occur at the end of winter as temperatures start to rise. Massive numbers of winged termites, called alates, begin to leave their colonies in the spring, swarming in large numbers to start looking for a new home. While these plates don’t consume the cellulose in wood, they will when they grow up. As they set up camp in your yard, it won’t be long before they start feasting on your home. Often, seeing termite swarms–moving groups of dozens of termites–is a homeowner’s first alert to the presence of termites on their property.
Learn More: How Quickly Can Termites Cause Damage to My House?
2. Termite Swarming Season Is Different Than Termite Season
Termite swarming season is a relatively short window of time in Florida during the late summer and early spring. It’s the time period when young termites actively search for a new home. In reality, termite season is all year round in Florida. If termites are already present at your property, they’re likely feasting away on any wood sources they find. They can survive and thrive no matter the season, which is why you need to reach out to your trusted termite control experts the moment you see swarms at your property or any signs that you’re already dealing with infestation like:
- Discolored, drooping drywall
- Peeling paint in areas where no water damage exists
- Tiny, pinpoint holes in drywall
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
3. You Can’t Prevent a Termite Swarm
While there’s not much a homeowner can do to prevent a termite swarm, there are some proactive steps you can take to ensure a swarm doesn’t turn into an infestation later. Here’s what you can do:
- Ensure there’s no wood-to-soil contact around your home
- Repair all cracks or holes in your home’s foundation
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris
- Install termite shields around your home
Learn More: Termite Season Is Here: All You Need to Know to Protect Your Home in Orlando
Protect Your Property During Termite Swarm Season
If you see one or more termite swarms at your property, the best thing you can do is reach out to your trusted termite control experts immediately. If you see a swarm, termites are likely either close enough to invade your home—or, worse yet, they may already be inside. The professional termite control team at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Orlando will evaluate your risk and create a customized termite treatment plan to deal with any active infestation. Protect your property by calling us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free termite inspection.
