April showers bring May flowers … and teeming termites. Heavy rains mean termite season is here and swarms have already been reported in the area.
Jim Odom, a Terminix chief inspector for the Houston area, has been dealing with these intruders since 2005. According to him, termite season is year-round, but hawkers come out after rains and warm days in spring. Houston is great for termite activities because of its location.
“They’re more common in the humid climate we have along the Gulf Coast,” said Odom.
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The termites you are likely to see flying around in May don’t look like the termites you find in the forest of your home.
“Usually the only termites a customer sees are what we call reproductive alates, or hawkers,” Odom said. “The rest of them are usually hidden.”
According to Odom, the swarmers resemble “flying ants”. And by the time you see these flaws in your home, it’s probably too late. The hawkers at this time of year are likely Formosan termites, known for their particularly voracious appetites.
“If you catch hawks in your house, there is likely a (termite colony) in your house,” Odom said.
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At this point, you are likely to see thousands of dollars in damage. Treatment includes removing the colony and treating the wood at home, in the ground, or both. Termites cause $ 5 billion in property damage each year, according to the National Pest Management Association.
Most pest control companies recommend getting your home checked for termites every year or so. It can help prevent a colony from overtaking and turning your home into a meal.
“Like any pest, termites are much easier to control if you catch them in advance,” Odom said. “Prevention is always better than cure.”
Aside from spotting swarmers, here are five signs you might have termites in your home:
- Bubbles in wooden floors. Dark spots or bubbles in the ground can indicate termites chewing on the bottom or the inside of the wood.
- Hollowed out or damaged wood. Wood that looks like honeycomb or sounds hollow can indicate termites.
- Evidence of swarms. After swarming, termites usually leave wings behind. You may also see some dead termites.
- Mud hoses. Tubes in the mud the size of a straw allow termites to get to the food source.
- Damage to household items. Termites don’t just feed on wood. They can also damage books, artwork, furniture, and more.
If you think you have termites, contact a pest control company for treatment and removal.
