Termite season is close to

With temperatures warming up in March, termites appear to be looking for mating partners, which is now a good time for Termite Awareness Week, March 7-13.

From April to July, termites appear in “swarms” at dusk on calm and humid evenings.

If you are unlucky you can spot them around lights, windows, fixtures, and window sills, all of which are preferred areas around lighted areas.

They are more visible at this time of year, but colonies are always active.

Still, with average temperatures typically dropping below 50 ° F, according to Dow AgroSciences, it is important to be proactive in Florida year round to reduce the risk of damage to your home and trees and save money in the long run.

The termite life cycle keeps the insects active all year round.

First, learn about the different types of termites to efficiently eradicate the insects.

Subterranean Formosan termites are common in our region and typically invade structures from the ground. They usually enter through expansion joints, cracks and utility lines in panels. Every wood-floor contact is an inviting entrance for Formosan’s underground termite infestation.

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Drywood termites have veins in the wing that rise upwards.

Drywood termites can be difficult to spot. Signs of damage can only be seen in small piles of excrement pellets under the infested wood. It can look like sawdust is ejected from almost imperceptible small holes in the wood, about 1mm in diameter. Drywood termites survive best at 60 ° F, but have been reported at temperatures of 110 ° F.

Termites prefer moist locations. Therefore, check locations near bath traps, soil in shaded areas, sprinkler heads for irrigation, and around roof outlets for activity.

There are currently two ways to protect a structure from underground termites: bait or liquid termiticides.

While liquid termiticides can provide temporary protection to a structure, underground termite colonies are not eliminated and the potential for damage remains, according to researchers at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. They recommend perimeter baits to help eliminate colonies.

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