Why can Hidden Termite Problems be Found During the Summer Months

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Why can Hidden Termite Problems be Found During the Summer Months

For many Hampden County homeowners, summer is a busy season! Homeowners are outside more, decks and patios are used more often, and home improvement projects are completed more frequently throughout local towns, including Springfield, Longmeadow, Chicopee and Westfield. Termites, however, are also very active during the summer months; therefore, many homeowners throughout Hampden County are beginning to research Residential Pest Control before minor pest nuisances become significant financial burdens because of structural damage.

Termites can be difficult to find because they often remain hidden for an extended period. Most homeowners are unaware of an infestation issue until they notice wood that has been damaged, paint peels from the walls, or areas on or near windows and floors are soft. By that time, the infestation is generally well-established and likely spreading behind the walls of the house.

Reason Why Termites Are Extremely Active During The Summer :- 

Warm weather and moisture are favorable conditions for termites. Due to the moisture associated with summertime, including rain, high humidity and damp wood around homes, this makes it easier for the various colonies of termites to expand.

Most parts of Hampden County, especially neighborhoods with older housing and wooded regions, see a significant increase in termite activity throughout the summer months.

While summer is a wonderful time to enjoy your home, unfortunately there are many summer hazards that could pose a threat to your home and family.

Some examples include:

- Moisture buildup in damp basements or crawlspaces

- Water leaking from outdoor faucets or plumbing pipes

- Wood lying directly on the ground

- Moisture being retained in landscaping mulches next to your foundation

- Cracks are located around door and window frames

- Poor ventilation in attics and basements

Termite infestations have been found in homes that have been completely cleansed and maintained well due to the moisture being hidden in areas that are not easy to see.

What Are the Early Indicators of Termite Activity?

One of the major issues with termites is the way they work without attracting attention. Unlike other pests, termites generally work from inside of wood and cause gradual damage over time.

There are several early warning signs of termite activity that homeowners can look for this summer.

Subterranean termites build long, narrow tubes of mud to use as an escape route between their nests and food sources.

You may observe the following:

  • Underneath or adjacent to walls of a basement

  •  Beneath or adjacent to wooden framing

  •  Underneath or adjacent to crawl space access areas

  • In the vicinity of foundation cracks

Mud tunnels are generally one of the earliest visible indications of a termite infestation.

Wood That Sounds Hollow

If the wood in an area sounds hollow when struck, it is likely that termites have already established a feeding site.

Other related signs may include:

- Wood trim is soft

- Wood has bubbles or uneven paint

- Wood flooring feels weak

- Windows are beginning to stick

- Small (less than 1/8") cracks are present

Flying Termite Swarms Should Never be Overlooked!

Summer is when termite colonies produce swarmers to begin producing new nests (the development of the next generation) after a rainstorm or in very humid conditions.

You may find:

  1. Small flying insects clustering around lights

  2.  Wings from insects shed - often on windowsills

  3. Swarms of flying insects clustering near decks and/or garages

  4. More insects in your house than normal

Seeing swarmers generally denotes that there is a nearby colony - the reason you should have a professional termite inspection done immediately.

Moisture issues are a major leading factor for many termite infestations. If there is even a minor amount of water leaking into your home, there is a good chance that you have created an inviting environment for termites.

Here are some common sources of excess moisture to consider:

  • - A roof leak

  • - Wet wood or decking

  • - Standing water near the foundation of your home

  • - Poor drainage after it rains

  • - Very high humidity levels in your cellar

Therefore, if you can minimize moisture levels surrounding your home, you are drastically minimizing your chances of suffering from a termite infestation.

Do-It-Yourself Ways to Help Provide a Termite Free Home

While hiring an expert to perform a termite inspection is vital, there are many steps that homeowners should consider doing on their own to help minimize the potential for any termite infestation in their home.

Helpful Hints for Preventing Termite Infestations

- Keep firewood stored away from the house.

- Repair leaks immediately.

- Regularly clean out your gutters.

- Get rid of any standing water surrounding your home.

- Seal up all cracks in the foundation.

- Do not pile mulch against your home.

Have your home checked for moisture problems at regular intervals.

Why You Should Use a Professional Termite Inspection Company:- 

A store-bought spray can kill some visible insects, but often does not eliminate the entire colony, which may be located behind walls or underground. Effective termite control requires experience and inspection tools as well as ongoing planning.

At Atlantic Exterminating, we concentrate on identifying termite infestations early and developing treatment solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each homeowner in our area. We take into account the seasonal pest problems that families face in Western Massachusetts, and we work diligently to assist them throughout the year.

Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back

Reliability, honesty, and effectiveness are what homeowners in our area are looking for when seeking a pest control provider. This is especially relevant when dealing with termites since hidden damage can become costly very quickly.

What Differentiates Us

> Over 50 years of pest control expertise

> Comprehensive understanding of Hampden County's pest issues

> Friendly, responsive customer support

> Customized treatment strategies

> Safe, effective pest management methods

> Thorough inspections and preventive measures

> Residentially oriented service throughout Western Massachusetts

We are dedicated to providing homeowners with open communication, reliable service, and long-term protection rather than short-term solutions.

Always at your service:- 

Take Care of Your Home Now to Avoid Entering Summertime with Termites!

Termites do not go away on their own and the sooner you detect the signs, the better.

If you encounter signs of termites like mud tubes, flying termites, softwood, or moisture issues on your land; hiring a residential pest control company for Hampden County would help resolve the conflict before the expense escalates.

Atlantic Exterminating provides service to homeowners located throughout Springfield, Holyoke, Ludlow, Chicopee and surrounding communities to protect against termite infestations during peak breeding times for termites.