Termites are not only a highly destructive pest—they’re also very sneaky. Because they live underground and hide within the wood in your home, it’s easy for them to wreak havoc unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to know when termites are most active, so you can spot the signs and get rid of them—before it’s too late.
Keep reading to learn more about termites: when they’re active, how to spot them, and what to do if you find them!
When Are Termites Most Active?
Termites are active year-round. They don’t die out or “hibernate” in the winter like other pests. They can continue to cause damage 365 days of the year.
That said, they’re not easy to spot year-round.
Most of the time, termites reside in their underground colonies or inside the wood they’re feeding on. That makes them tough to spot for much of the year.
However, the good news is there is one period during the year when termites are especially active and easier to spot: spring.
In the spring, from April to May, eastern subterranean termites (Ohio’s most common termite) will swarm to reproduce. This period is often called “termite season.”
Termite swarmers are larger than other termites, black (instead of white), and have wings. They look something like flying ants, and are often mistaken for carpenter ants.
Termites swarm when the original colony is at capacity, and the termites prepare for some to break off into a new colony. Male and female swarmers leave the original colony, pair up, and search for a new place for the new colony. When male and female swarmers pair up, they shed their wings.
Termite swarming season is when termites are most active.
How to Spot Termites
Termite swarmers and discarded wings are the most obvious signs of a termite infestation. Inside, you can often find the discarded wings around window sills. You might also see the swarmers themselves, flying around.
However, that isn’t the only sign of termites.
Another clear sign of a termite problem is the presence of mud tubes. Mud tubes are built by termites to protect themselves from the air as they travel from their colony in search of food. As they eat through the outer layer of a board, you can see mud tubes trailing across the wood.
Other signs include hollow, rippling, or crumbling wood within your home. If you see holes and mud tubes in a structural board that should be solid, tap it lightly with a hammer. If termites have eaten away the inside, the board will sound hollow.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
As a homeowner, it’s important to be on the lookout for termites. After all, you want to protect your biggest investment!
If you see signs of termites or suspect termite activity in your home this spring, don’t wait to get help. (Termite control isn’t really something you can DIY.) A qualified pest professional can help you by determining if you have termites, evaluating the extent of the damage, and creating a comprehensive treatment plan for your home.
ScherZinger Pest Control is an industry leader in termite detection and elimination. We use the revolutionary Sentricon System, which is proven to eliminate colonies. We offer safe, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for termites and other household pests.
Need Help? Call the Termite Pros
Contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.