Termite swarming season is about to start here in Virginia. As soon as next month, flying termite swarmers will start looking for new places to build their colonies. These termites are looking for an area with damp soil and a source of wood nearby to eat.

Taking steps now to remove any items or conditions around your home that might attract termites can decrease the chance that swarmers will choose your home. Once termites have set up their colony underground and started to eat away at the wood on your property, they can quickly cause extensive damage and require costly repairs. Completing these preventative steps now can save you time and money in the future

How to Prevent Termites at Your Home

Swarming termites are looking for both a food source and a habitable place to build their nest. The termites here in Virginia are subterranean termites, meaning they live underground and travel up to 400 feet to reach the wood they are eating. They also need a high level of moisture to survive.

Knowing these facts, you can prevent termites from landing at your home by:

• Removing Excess Wood – If you have any old tree stumps, unused lumber, or wooden outbuildings like sheds that you no longer need consider getting rid of those now. They provide an easy target for termites.
• Moving Firewood Away from Your House – For homes that store firewood, store the wood off the ground and make sure it does not touch the side of your house. If termites are eating firewood near your home, it is simple for them to move inside.
• Repairing Leaks – Leaks in your pipes or drainage system can result in a buildup of water that makes the soil ideal for termites. Check the area around your home and crawl spaces to make sure no excess water is building up. When you turn your irrigation system on in the spring, if you have one, check also to make sure it is not leaking.
• Direct Downspouts Correctly – All drainage from gutters should be angled away from your home and not drain into the soil next to the foundation. This can saturate your soil any time it rains in the spring.
• Schedule Your Annual Termite Inspection – Schedule a time for your annual termite inspection from ExtermPRO. We use regular termite inspections in Virginia to locate termite activity early on, if swarmers do start their colony in proximity to your home. This limits the chance that more costly damage will occur.

In March and April, be on the lookout for any flying termites near your home as well and make a plan to call ExtermPRO if you suspect those swarmers started an infestation at your home. Termite damage is a serious concern in Virginia, but prevention and early intervention can be significant when it comes to minimizing the cost of extermination and repairs. Learn more about our termite control services in Gainesville, Bristow, Haymarket, and beyond, today.