Summary
There are many types of termites you may see this time of year, and they may be harmless. Or, they could be a sign of potential colonization.
Termite swarms are common this time of year. These swarms may be harmless, just passing through, or they could be a sign of potential colonization. There are several types of termites including drywood termites, subterranean termites, and Formosan termites in our area. Of these three, Formosan termites are the most challenging because they are exotic, multiply literally into the millions and destroy the native ecosystem by overcoming other termites.
We are currently tracking reports of Formosan termites in the Oakview community. Although all new construction must have a minimum layer of protection, specifically for subterranean termites, as the homeowner you need to verify that your existing termite warranty also includes Formosan Subterranean Termites. It is unlikely that your home is protected against aerial infestations from dry wood termites. Formosan Subterranean Termites can form nests in your attic as well, but they require moisture from leaking, roofs, plumbing or HVAC to become established.
If your home is one to five years old:
- Soil barrier for subterranean termites: Foundations are treated prior to concrete being poured. Locate information provided by your builder to ensure your Termite Warranty is in effect.
- Termite Bait Stations: If your builder installed bait stations, ask for confirmation that bait stations have been inspected and reloaded. If you do not have any evidence of bait stations, you may want to consider professional installation along with a warranty.
- Borate Wood Treatments: Some builders use Borate treatments during the framing of your home. Check with your builder to determine if this treatment was done and ensure the warranty is still in effect.
If your home is older than five years old:
If you have no evidence of an ongoing termite warranty with a reputable pest control company, strongly consider a WHOLE HOME PROTECTION PLAN.
- Termite treatment and baiting from the attic to the soil.
- Bora-Care treatment for all exposed wood and drywall throughout the attic space
- Bora-Care/Termiticide foam in the wall voids around all plumbing fixtures.
- Trelona Termite Bait stations around the perimeter of your home.
- Annual inspection and bait station reload.
If you choose not to protect your entire home, the minimum protection includes regular inspections and spot treatments to ensure problems do not go unnoticed. Termites can infest a home and not show any evidence or damage for months or years. Pretreatments are ideal, however, if you have not properly protected your home, the sooner you treat, the least invasive and costly the treatments will be. Termite tenting should be a last resort.
Tempco Pest Control has served Southwest Florida for more than 30 years. We treat all types of termites and offer a termite guarantee for one year after treatment with extended warranty options available. Our environmentally-friendly, pet-friendly, family-friendly approach provides you with a lasting peace-of-mind. Please call (239) 693-2330 or email us at NoTermites@TempcoPest.com for a NO OBLIGATION INSPECTION AND ESTIMATE.
