There is so much to love about spring in Alabama. With flowers blooming and beautiful weather, it is always welcome. Unfortunately, if there is one pest you should worry about in the spring, it is termites. A termite infestation in your home can cause you a lot of trouble, but the good news is that there are some simple solutions.
Birmingham pest control companies know spring is the time of year termites in our area swarm and find new places to start a colony. Read on to learn how infestations start, some ways to prevent them, and the best way to get rid of termites for good from the pros at EnviroCare.
The Types Of Termites That Infest Birmingham Homes
Here in Birmingham, we encounter two types of termites, Formosan and subterranean. Both of these termites are capable of causing a lot of damage over time. Formosan termites, in particular, are one of the most aggressive species in the world and are capable of causing structural damage in just six months.
Subterranean termites take longer to cause severe damage but can cause just as much destruction if they remain undetected. Part of the problem with both species of termites is that they work in areas of your home that you can't see, including behind walls and under floors. By the time you see noticeable evidence, the damage is likely severe.
Regular termite inspections from EnviroCare can help you catch an infestation early before significant damage occurs. Contact us today to learn more about our termite services.
How Termite Infestations Start
Termite infestations start in the spring when an existing colony releases swarms of winged termites to start a new colony. Seeing these flying swarmers is one of the first signs of termites in your house.
These swarmers search for a place to nest close to an acceptable food source. Both kinds of termites in our area prefer to eat soft, water-damaged wood. Often they are initially attracted to wood on the exterior of your house or moisture issues around your home.
These termites live underground and travel through mud tubes they create to go back and forth between their nest and your home. Areas on the exterior of your home that have wood close to the soil are especially attractive to them.
The best way to stop termites from infesting your home is to work closely with a termite specialist near you. Contact our technicians at EnviroCare for expert advice on preventing a termite infestation.
Five Practical Termite Prevention Tips For Homes
Working with a professional termite control company is the safest and most effective way to prevent termites. But there are steps you can take to avoid attracting them. Here are five termite prevention tips you can start with:
- Divert water away from your home's foundation with a gutter system.
- Repair any leaking faucets, pipes, or air conditioning units.
- Ventilate crawl spaces, basements, and attics, and use dehumidifiers when necessary.
- Seal any cracks or crevices that may provide entry to termite swarmers.
- Eliminate any areas with wood-to-soil contact, including mulch near the foundation and soil near the decks.
A termite inspection from our technicians at EnviroCare can help to find factors that may attract them and additional steps to take for prevention.
Professional Termite Control Is The Best Termite Control Solution
EnviroCare offers the best termite control solutions for your home, including prevention and elimination. Our termite and pest control services will help protect your home and family from troublesome pests. Contact us today to learn how to bundle and save on pest control.