Most people are aware of how damaging termites can be for their property, even if they don’t really understand the specifics of how infestations start. The problem is, by the time a termite colony has formed, it can be too late for you to eliminate it and prevent larger hazards. That’s why it’s important to learn everything you can about termite season, the time of year when new termite populations form.

Termite Swarms & Termite Season

The termite season refers to the time of year, typically in the spring, when termite swarmers leave fully mature colonies to go form new ones. These swarmers, also called alates, are the only members of termite society that can mate -- or fly. They are responsible for finding new areas to form colonies, so they are the first sign of potential problems around your property. Once swarmers find an attractive yard to settle down in, they shed their wings and start churning out more and more termites. Before long, a single alate can produce a mature colony, capable of creating huge problems once it expands toward structures or large trees nearby. In order to prevent termite damage, entire communities need to be aware of these flying pests and take steps to prevent them from forming.

How Termite Problems Form

Termites almost always start outdoors. As burrowing insects, they form mounds or tunnels in accessible soils, particularly in yards or properties that provide access to lots of wood. That means wooden homes and businesses are all attractive targets for termite swarmers looking for new territory to claim. Here are some things that will attract them to your yard:

  • Wood: Since termites eat wood, it stands to reason that the more of it you have around your yard, the more likely you are to be a target of termite swarms. Excess debris or stored wood piles make for an easy first meal for growing populations.
  • Soil: To access wood, termites need to be able to tunnel toward it underground. Their sensitive eyes avoid light at all costs, so they won’t simply crawl around like other bugs.
  • Moisture: Some species of termite only eat damp or waterlogged woods. Excess moisture in soils can also cause erosion, which exposes plant roots and structural foundations.

How To Prevent Termites

In order to protect your yard from termites, you need to reduce those attracting factors and take steps to prevent infestations in the first place. While it’s important to note that these things provide no guarantees, here are some common ways property owners can reduce their risk of termites:

  • Landscaping: Keep plants trimmed back and debris cleared from your yard to make your yard less attractive to swarmers. 
  • Moisture control: Keep up on pipe maintenance and regularly check for water damage, which not only attracts termites but can open up access points to interior woods.
  • Crack sealing: Speaking of access points, termites can utilize tiny cracks or holes in your exterior walls and foundation to access the wood that’s supporting your structure. You need to routinely check for and fix any faults you find.

True Control Comes From Expert Guidance

The problem with termites is that the factors that attract them aren’t always easy to stay in control of. Hidden problems or access points can wind up creating a domino effect, where new termites grow on your property and spread like wildfire. That’s why it’s important to partner with pest experts, who can ensure that everything is being inspected and addressed as needed. Only professional methods can completely eradicate termites from your property, so if they’re already a problem make sure you call the experts immediately. At Ray’s Pest Control, we know how to protect local properties from termites before their colonies can grow into a problem. So, to get started on proper termite control, contact us today.