Spring is here, but so too are the bugs that come with it; and the two most common pests plaguing the homes of the Okanagan are termites and ants. As winter fades, spring sunshine has us warming up and becoming more active. And we’re not alone; with their winter slumber over, pests will seek the three basic needs that they require to survive and thrive: water, food and shelter. Unfortunately, your home may be the perfect place for them to find all three. Knowing the signs of a termite infestation, or the signs of an ant infestation, and what attracts these bugs can help keep your home clear of their wood-destroying wrecking crews.
TUNNELLING TERMITES
As the weather warms up during the spring, winged reproductive termites form large groups called swarms. These swarms are responsible for seeking out nesting grounds where new termite colonies can grow. Swarmers looking to start a new colony are typically the first sign of a possible infestation as these winged pests show up inside homes in early spring. If a swarm successfully founds a colony beneath your soil, worker termites will tunnel above the soil to begin munching away on your home’s wooden infrastructure.
Termites are one of the most destructive types of pests that can infest your home. They’re sneaky and secretive; they hide and live in your walls without showing any immediate signs of structural damage. They eat away at your home’s wooden infrastructure from the inside out. And while there are several different types of termites that can take up residence in your home, they are all dangerous to your infrastructure’s well being.
(For help in identifying whether you have termites or flying ants, read our recent article.)
ACTIVE ANTS
Ants are another common spring pest and are more active when the outdoor temperature is warm. They just love to seek out new food sources during the spring; and to them our homes are an all-you-can-eat buffet! Carpenter ants and pavement ants begin to emerge during the spring and can be destructive to your property. Carpenter ants are a common but infamous destructive pest. They nest inside of wood and can travel through your walls and your ceilings, all the while ruining your home’s wooden infrastructure. Carpenter ants are similar to termites because they also eat the wood, leaving it hollow and weak.
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than reaction, and there are things you can do to make your home a no bug’s land. Remove possible bug food sources like clutter and garbage, and eliminate all signs of water and moisture (e.g. drinks, spillage, and leaks). Seal cracks and openings around doors and windows and in your home’s foundation. Outside, keep gutters clear and direct water from downspouts away from your home. Never pile compost or wood against the side of your home, as this could provide easy access for termites and ants.
REMOVAL
Termites and ants and many other pests thrive during the spring, and they can be difficult to eradicate. If you try to remove an infestation by yourself, you risk leaving a few pests behind that can regroup and start a new infestation. When in doubt, there is no doubt that you should call the professionals. Experienced pest control technicians know how to fully remove pests and their offspring and end the infestation once and for all.
At BugMaster, our government-certified expert technicians are fully trained to deal with any and all pest infestations. If there’s a bug, we’re the ones to squish it. Be pest-free this Spring. Call BugMaster today.
