What Homeowners Need to Know About Spring Termite Activity
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When most people think of the spring, termites aren’t the first, or last, thing that comes to mind. But for termite professionals like Certified Sentricon Specialists®, the spring is peak awareness season: termites swarm and repopulate in early spring, creating thousands of new colonies that infest properties nationwide and cost U.S. homeowners over $5 billion annually in structural damages.
“It’s a common misconception that homeowners insurance covers the damage caused by termites. It’s important to share with homeowners that termite control is considered a home maintenance issue that can be avoided.”
- Amy Chapman, National Account Manager for the Sentricon system
To make sure you’re protected against termite damage — which is rarely covered by homeowners insurance — it’s essential to stay educated on how these havoc-inducing pests work and how Certified Sentricon Specialists work to stop them once they’ve invaded your space.
What to know about termites
As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time for a quick “self-check-in” to assess your property for termite warning signs, allowing you to put a plan in place if your home harbors an active infestation.
Signs of an active termite infestation
- Swarming: When spring weather arrives, termites gather in clusters and swarm. Swarms are brief; you might not notice flying termites around your property until they’re gone. Instead of looking for flying insects, Certified Sentricon Specialists usually look for other telltale signs, including discarded wings around windowsills, doors, heating vents, bathtubs and sinks.
- Mud tubes: Foraging worker termites need moisture to survive. To collect wood and feed the rest of the colony, workers create small, crooked mud tubes along walls, ceilings and floors that act as “highways” for termite activity. While visible, mud tubes are usually the width of a pencil or smaller and can be built in less noticeable places — in rafters or on plumbing pipes, for example.
- Damaged wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out. That means damage often doesn’t become visible until structural problems have occurred. Termite pros often look for “hollow-sounding” wall studs, baseboards and floors.
“Homeowners are seeking proactive opportunities to protect their investment and the Sentricon system provides a tangible solution that eliminates the entire termite colony. Consumer views on termite control have evolved as more information is readily available for independent research. In 2023, the purchase of preventive termite control with the Sentricon system occurred more often than a curative solution for a home with an active termite infestation.”
- Amy Chapman
Why it’s essential to work with a termite pro
At first glance, termites might seem easy to eliminate. After all, most homeowners have used DIY products to tackle ant infestations and other pest problems — aren’t termites similar?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Termite professionals, such as Certified Sentricon Specialists, know the dangers of trying to self-treat an infestation: not only are colonies exceedingly difficult to detect by non-pros, but they’re also far more dangerous if left improperly treated. A single termite colony can cost homeowners thousands in repairs, and repeat infestations are common.
Thankfully, Certified Sentricon Specialists are termite-detecting experts. A termite professional will look for common signs like swarming and damaged wood and check for more subtle indicators of termite activity, including bubbling or peeling paint and tight-fitting doors or windows.
“Arm homeowners with knowledge so they understand the value in protecting their largest investment – their home. Homeowner education is imperative. We’ve seen an increase in Formosan termite pressure in new markets where homeowners lack awareness of the severe damage they can cause.”
- Amy Chapman
At the same time, Certified Sentricon Specialists use the best tool in the industry for infestation elimination: the Sentricon® system, a chitin synthesis inhibitor that termites ingest, causing total colony elimination in a month or less.
The best part? Homeowners don’t need to check for signs of an active infestation to ensure continuous protection with the Sentricon system. By contacting a Certified Sentricon Specialist and installing the Sentricon system preventatively, you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes with a securely safeguarded home —24/7, 365 days a year.
Take termites out of the equation
Homeowners should remember two things regarding termites: infestations are nothing to dismiss, and termite pros like Certified Sentricon Specialists are best equipped to tackle termite threats properly. While termites can cause home-wrecking chaos if left unchecked, getting educated — and protected — is a surefire way to stop infestations in their tracks this swarm season.
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