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It’s Termite Season

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog post originally appeared on the Pest Control Technicians, Inc. blog and is shared here by permission of PCT Founder & President Joe Silvestrini.

Springtime in Philly is the time that many locals consider to be the best time of the year. During this season, the city emerges from months of cold, dreary, cloudy days and begins to enter into beautiful springtime with sunny, warm, and bright days ahead. While it seems as though you have little to worry about this season, think again! This is also the season in Pennsylvania this is known as termite season. Termites are attracted to the warmth and sunshine during this season, similar to how we are. These pests are known for their destructive nature, and we want to help protect you and your family from these pests.

According to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, these pests are known for causing over $5 billion in damages yearly. We want to help you avoid any future damages or costly repairs, and now is the perfect time to prepare your home before we truly enter the height of termite season.

Springtime is here in Pennsylvania and so are Termites.
The Eastern subterranean termite is the primary termite species in Pennsylvania, and it swarms during the months of March, April, May, and June. During this season, the reproductive termites emerge from their underground colonies in search of new sites to establish nests. If they find a suitable location, they will shed their wings and begin to mate, laying the foundation for a new colony. The height of the termite season in Pennsylvania is throughout the summer months, however, there is enough time to prepare your home and become knowledgeable on ways to avoid any run-ins with these destructive pests.

What does a suitable location look like for a termite?
The combination of wood and moisture often creates a suitable location for termites, which they typically find in the soil around buildings and homes. Termites require a dark and humid environment to survive, so they may inhabit areas that are shielded from direct sunlight and have poor ventilation, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics.

Now that you are aware of different environments to avoid in your home or workplace, it is also important to be aware of what it might look like if you happen to encounter termites in these areas. Termite damage can take a variety of forms, however, there are several common signs that may indicate the presence of termites:

  • Hollowed or damaged wood: if you tap or knock on a wooden structure and it sounds hollow, this could be a sign of termite damage.
  • Mud tubes: It is common for termites to build these tubes along the surface of the walls, foundations, and other surfaces. Termites create these tubes about the diameter of a pencil and can be found on exterior walls, in crawl spaces, and in other areas where they are active.
  • Blisters in wood flooring: Some termites can live and feed entirely within the wood. As they feed, they can create tunnels and chambers that may cause the wood to appear blistered or uneven.
  • Sagging or warped floors and ceilings: termites may cause structural damage that can result in floors or ceilings that appear warped or sagging.

Let the professionals help you through termite season!
While it is important to be knowledgeable about termites and how they can cause damage to your home or business, it is ultimately more important to let the professionals take over and take control. Experts recommend inspecting your home quarterly to prevent these insects from invading your space.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pest Control Technicians, Inc. was founded by Joe Silvestrini in 1976. Joe graduated from Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He is a past president of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute and the Pennsylvania Pest Management Association. Joe founded the company on the premise that there was a better, more scientific approach to pest management than the pest control industry was providing at the time. This scientific approach turned out to be the future of the pest management industry and the secret to the success of Pest Control Technicians, Inc. PCT is recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a Steward of the Environment for its creative and effective programs for the reduction of liquid pesticide use. Learn more at www.pctbugfree.com or email Joe at: jsil@pctbugfree.com.

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