Termite Control

Termites swarm for one reason—to mate. Winged reproductive members of a colony are the only ones to swarm during this mating period. Once they pair up, they shed their wings and then return underground in a new location to form a new colony.

Termites can swarm at various times throughout the year, although they do so most often in the spring, typically on a warm day after heavy rainfall.

Signs of termites are subtle and often easy to miss. Typically, by the time these signs become apparent, the termite infestation has grown to large and dangerous proportions. Obvious signs of termite damage include sagging walls, buckling floors, and bulging ceilings in your home; doors and windows that are difficult to open and close are also a sign of potential termite damage. If you see mud tubes on the outside of your foundation walls, you’re dealing with a termite infestation. Any points where wood comes in direct contact with the soil is a good place to look for termite activity. If you see grooves along the wood, this is a good indication that termites are likely present.

Winged termites and flying ants can be difficult to tell apart, but there are several subtle differences between the two. Both insects have two sets of wings, but termite wings are equal in length while the front pair of ant wings are longer than the back pair. Termites have straight antennae, while ants' antennae are elbowed. Finally, termites have wide waists, while ants have segmented bodies.

Across the United States, termites cause over $5 billion in damages to structures every year. While it's hard to imagine this type of destruction, it helps to understand that a termite colony can quickly grow into a colony of hundreds of thousands of members, or in extremely extensive infestations, even over a million termites. That many termites continually eating away at your home can do a serious amount of damage in a relatively short period of time.

Homeowners' insurance does not cover termite damage as it is considered a preventable expense. Therefore, getting yearly inspections is wise, and taking preventative measures by getting termite control from Red Rock Pest Control is even smarter!