Watch Out for Termite Swarms
We’re all dealing with a level of uncertainty facing the effects of the coronavirus here in Volusia County Florida, but one thing we can be sure of is we’re in the middle of termite season, which occurs every year between March and April as the temperatures start heating up and these conditions cause termites to swarm.
Florida Home Owners Should Look Out For Termite Swarmers (Flying Termites) During the Spring
Termite swarms, which often occur after rain, are when winged termites begin to fly together in non-aggressive groups attempting to mate and find new food and nesting sources. It’s easy for homeowners to mistake these subterranean termite swarms for flying ants and assume that once the flying offenders are gone, the threat is over. Not so.
Even though the swarm of flying termites may be a short-term occurrence and swarmers aren’t able to cause damage to your property without the wood chewing capability, these invaders are looking to start a new termite colony. If this colony is near your home, this can be the beginning of possible future termite damage as the colony feeds on your home’s structure year-round, no matter the month, season, or temperature.
Destructive Termite Types in Volusia County Florida 2020
Here in the US, we deal with three major kinds of termites, damp wood, dry wood, and subterranean, but here in Florida, the most destructive are subterranean termites. The two kinds of subterranean termites, Asian and Formosan, which live in the soil and prefer moist environments pose the biggest threat to the local Volusia County area.
Although the difference between the Asian and Formosan types of subterranean termites is microscopic, these creatures consume wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week wreaking havoc on Florida homes and causing an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year according to the NPMA.
Subterranean Termites Thrive in the Warm Humid Florida Temperatures
Asian termites, which are a relatively new species to Florida, thrive in tropical climates and live from 5-8 years swarming from February through April. Formosan termites have plagued Florida, since 1980 when a large colony was found, and their swarms can last later into the year. Both Asian and Formosan termites live underground building tunnels allowing them to move protected and undetected under and eventually into homes and businesses. A single colony of subterranean termites contains millions of termites and with a 50% increase in the combined populations of subterranean termites from 2010-2015 the entire state of Florida will experience termite infestations within the next 20 years.
Protecting Your Florida Home from Termite Damage
Unfortunately, because of these trends termite swarms and subsequent infestations will be a regular occurrence and yearly danger to properties in Daytona, Ormond, Port Orange, and other communities in our area. Termite damage for many Florida homes has become more a matter of where and when, than if it happens, and the damage caused over multiple years by an unknown termite infestation in your home can cost 10’s thousands of dollars to repair and a typical homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover any of the destruction.
According to Matt Conrad, General Manager of AllStar Pest Control. “Many homeowners don’t realize they have conducive conditions for termites. Mainly moisture areas around the house including air-conditioning condensation draining to one spot, gutter drainage, and other sources of moisture. Today I found termites at a customer’s property that had wood in the ground by a puddle of water next to the air conditioner. That is something every homeowner can prevent. Termites are not only attracted to wood, but they are also attracted to moisture”
Don’t take a chance and risk possible termite damage to your property. Let the expertly trained and experienced termite professionals AllStar Pest Control keep your home or business protected from termites and have the peace of mind your property is safe from these silent destroyers.