When you think of the spring season, you think about flowers, showers and the beginning of warmer weather. One thing that most people forget about is that with the warmer weather and damp conditions — pests will start coming out of their winter hiding spots and find their way into our homes. Two of the hardest spring pests to get rid of are termites and fire ants. So how should you prepare for possible termite and fire ant infestations?
Termites
Termites are pests that are active year-round, but spring is a terrible season when it comes to termites. Termites typically swarm in the spring, so termite swarm season is almost upon us. However, it is possible to identify the warning signs of termites beforehand.
Here is what you should look out for:
- Wood damage: While it is difficult to spot, wood damage in your home or outside your home could be a good indicator that you are experiencing a termite infestation. Keep in mind that termites feed on softer wood, such as door frames and the wood surrounding your windows.
- Mud Tubes: Termites burrow and create tunnels in the soil to feed on the wood in or surrounding your house. The tubes are usually brown and no larger than one centimeter in diameter. The tubes are made up of soil and plant material. The tubes will run along any surface that extends upwards. This could include: concrete, brick walls, or drywall.
- Termite Swarms: If you are witnessing a termite swarm, it is likely that you will see another. Contact your Houston pest control professionals immediately.
Fire Ants
Fire ants prefer warm and sunny conditions – which makes spring and summer in Houston the ideal seasons for pests to thrive. Fire ants have a sting that can be very painful and are notorious for viciously defending their nests. If the nests are disturbed, they will swarm and sting in large numbers.
Fire ant nests, that are often referred to as ant piles or ant mounds, can contain hundreds of thousands of ants, including at least one queen ant. Ant colonies grow rapidly, so if you see one fire ant mound, there is a possibility that the colony will spread across your property and others.
Due to the sheer number of fire ants per mound, fire ants are a pesky pest to get rid of.
Here is what you should look out for:
- Visible Nests: Noticing a visible fire ant hill or mound is the first sign that you have a fire ant infestation. Fire ant nests are mounds of dirt that can be up to 61 cm in diameter and up to 18 cm high. If you see multiple nests, you will have a much harder time removing them from your property.
If you notice any fire ant mounds on your property, it is best to contact a professional immediately. A professional pest control company will know the best and safest way to remove the pests from your property, without the looming threat of fire ant bites.
Preventive Pest Control: Your Ally Against Termites and Fire Ants
The next few months will bring on many different pests. Keep an eye out for the above warning signs that you have a termite or fire ant infestation. If you need assistance with termite or fire ant removal, contact Preventive Pest Control today. We can keep help keep all spring pests at bay. To learn more about our preventive pest control measures, contact us today!