A number of professional sources are predicting increased termite activity across the United States this spring and summer, primarily due to recent weather conditions. A cold winter followed by a warm, wet spring is likely to prompt winged termites to leave their subterranean colonies and attempt to establish colonies elsewhere. When a colony is located underneath or adjacent to a home or other structure, the termites might “swarm” around a window, in a garage, or in a crawlspace. It’s important to note that a termite swarm is not necessarily an indication of a new termite infestation. Without periodic pest inspections, an infestation can go unnoticed for years, even decades. Earlier this week, we encountered swarming termites at a home in Litchfield, which had not been treated previously. They emerged from a tiny gap between the front porch and the house, surprising the homeowner (who initially thought that they were winged ants). However, there were no signs of termite activity in the crawlspace, or anywhere else for that matter. This homeowner was fortunate; too often, homeowners discover a termite infestation only after it has caused hundreds of dollars’ worth of damage. The good news for local homeowners is that we offer state licensed termite inspections, in which a trained licensed technician thoroughly examines termite-prone areas of the home, including garages, crawlspaces, porches and decks, attached sheds, mulch beddings, etc. A termite treatment, while more involved and expensive than a treatment for, say, ants, is a long-term solution that protects the structural integrity and monetary value of your home. For more information on termites, or to request your termite inspection, call us...
