Baby It's Cold Outside

Baby It's Cold Outside

(You bugs, you can't stay.) But it's just too cold outside!

(You have to go away.) But it's just too cold outside!

It may be cold enough outside that you won't have termites coming to infest your home this winter; but if termites have already taken root, they will continue their destruction, non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all winter long, and be happy doing so.

It takes between 2 and 4 years for a termite colony to fully mature and have enough termites to really cause damage. And if that colony goes undetected and uncontrolled, the rate of destruction will only accelerate exponentially as the numbers continue to grow. If your home has been infested with drywood termites, know that they do not need soil to survive. If they are subterranean termites, they may find shelter in the soil underneath your home or in crawl spaces which stay warm enough for them to live in and continue to be active in destroying your home, no matter how much the temperature outside drops.

It is unlikely you will see swarming termites between December and February here in Northern Virginia, but you may see other evidences.

Signs that termites have invaded your home:

• The discovery of pencil-sized mud tubes on your foundation. Subterranean termites will build tubes of mud from their nests in the soil up into the walls of your home.

• Seeing live termites.

• Warped floors or doorways.

• Discovering buckling paint or tiny holes in wooden structures.

• Finding wood that is damaged. Wood damaged by termites resonates with a hollow sound when tapped with a hammer.

How to inspect for termites:

To do a search for a termite infestation you will need a good flashlight, and a screwdriver, knife, or ice pick. You may also want to put on coveralls, as you will be crawling into tight spots that are potentially dirty. Start your search in the basement, using a bright flashlight. Look for mud tubes and the activity of swarmers. Make sure to inspect the following areas: all wood construction in the basement and crawl spaces, wood under porches, window frames, support posts, sills, and sub floors. Look closely where the wooden structure joins concrete. Examine any wood near your home: trees, stumps, fences etc.

What to do if you find termites:

If you've done the inspecting, and determined that you do, in fact, have termites in your home, or if you want to prevent a future infestation, you are going to want to contact the professionals. These are not an insect you want to take lightly. Termite infestations cost homeowners in the U.S. billions of dollars each year. Here at American Pest, we have 90 years of experience in pest control. Give us a call and protect your home today. Termites can stay active all winter long. Don't let them stay active in your home.