Termites are common wood-destroying insects that plague both homeowners and commercial property owners in Pennsylvania. They are a brown, winged insect that is continuously in search of food such as decaying wood, fallen trees, plants, and other sources of cellulose. Termites will eat these items and bring some back to their colony. The most common type of termite found in Pennsylvania is the Eastern Subterranean termite, which you may discover swarming in spring.
Signs Of Termites
Signs of infestation include small piles of wings, hollowed-out cavities in wood around your property, mud tunnels on the foundation of your home and softened floors or ceilings caused by damage to the structure. If you don’t have proper moisture control or business, you are more likely to see a termite infestation as the bugs prefer areas where wood comes in contact with moist soil. They feed on wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, furniture, and various other items. Even buildings with steel framing and masonry walls are targets because of the wooden door and window frames, wooden support beams (often hidden), cabinets, or shelving within them.
You may also find termites in leaf litter and near the foundation of your home where the insects will find cracks to enter and colonize. In the spring, termites swarm in large groups with the goal of expanding the colony. If you have areas where mulch piles up or decaying trees, these can make perfect homes for large groups of termites.
The signs that you have termite activity in your home are:
- Pencil-sized diameter, or larger, mud tubes running across bare concrete or masonry between the soil and any wooden part of your building.
- Thin, small, papery wings, all the same size, and shape, 3/8-1/2 in. long, on your window sill, counter top or floor (especially if it is late Spring and there has been a recent rain).
- Thin, “bubbled” or distorted areas of paint on wooden surfaces, especially if these feel cool to the touch.
- Any wooden building parts (especially if they are important support structures) beginning to “sag” unexpectedly.
Are Termites Active in Winter?
Termite infestations can happen in winter as the termites still need to eat and forage for food to feed their colony. Homeowners and business owners may be more aware of termite activity during the warmer months of the year because there are higher levels of moisture and colonies swarm. If moisture and a food source exist, termites can survive by building mud tubes within human made structures.
In the winter, termites will live farther underground or within the home where the temperatures and moisture levels are comfortable. Termites often burrow up to 40 inches below ground, and they frequently form mud tunnels both inside and outside of any given structure. Mud tubes allow termites to travel while protected from the elements and predators.
Regardless of how cold your winters are, termites can be a problem at all months of the year, and the damage they can potentially cause can be substantial over time. Addressing termites in the colder months may require a slightly different approach depending on the structure and infestation, but figuring out how to get rid of termites involves using a blend of methods for the best result.
Protecting your home from termites in winter and year-round involves monitoring the situation as each infestation is unique. Collecting information about the infestation in your home or business is a necessary step. Liquid treatments, bait, and continued monitoring completes a treatment plan for your structure, and the skilled technicians at Seitz Brothers know how to get rid of termites quickly.
Can I get rid of termites myself?
Trying to tackle an active termite problem yourself can prolong the eradication process and cause further damage to your structure. Spot treatments are also rarely effective, and many products available to the general public don’t have high rates of success. Without the proper entomological training, termite management training, and professional tools, trying to get rid of termites on your own is not only futile but a waste of time and money.
The best time to call a pest control professional is promptly after you discover signs of termites near or in your structure. The earlier you act on a termite infestation, the quicker Seitz Brothers can put a stop to new infestations and additional damage.
How does Seitz get rid of termites?
Our methods feature a comprehensive approach, and our experts have experience working in a variety of settings, such as residential homes, and all kinds of commercial buildings. Call us or fill out the form on this page to find out more about our services and how we can help prevent or get rid of the termites in your home!
