Summer should be a fun time for outdoor activities, swimming, and barbecues. In Boise, there are a lot of summer activities to look forward to during this time, like hiking. Must trail hikes are from Idaho Penitentiary or around the hills of Camels Back. However, with all these outdoor activities comes the risk of termite infestation. Termites are very common during summers in Boise and can cause severe damage to your home if left untreated.
With temperatures rising, Idaho homeowners should be aware of termite risk and take preventative measures to protect their homes from potential damage later in the season. Termites thrive in warm weather and cause devastating damage to homes if they remain unchecked. From holes in the floors of your home that may lead to structural instability to ruins of drywall and other infested materials, preventing termite infestations is essential. In this blog post, we’ll explain why summertime is such a critical time for termite treatment – so you know how best to protect your home from these pests.
Types of Termites in Idaho
Termites are small, wood-destroying insects that live in colonies and feed on cellulose-based materials. In Idaho, the three most common species of termites are subterranean, drywood, and damp wood. Subterranean termites dig underground tunnels to gain access to wood in your home or other structures. Drywood termites build nests inside the wood, while damp wood termites prefer wet or rotting wood.
Why Termites Are a Major Problem During Summer
Termite infestations can happen any time of year, in fact they are still active in winter. Still, they’re especially common during the summer months, so during this time, it is important to be vigilant and inspect your property regularly.
In warm and humid weather, these pests are more active as they search for food sources to feed their colonies. Termites swarm as the weather begins to warm, usually at the beginning of spring or summer.
Termites Signs of Infestation
It’s important to know the signs of termite infestation so you can take action if necessary. Signs of an infestation include visible tunnels in wood beams or walls, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, mounds of soil near your foundation, and piles of discarded wings near windowsills and doors. You should also check for mud tubes on the side of your house, which are tunnels that termites use to travel between their nest and food sources.
Termite Treatment During Summer in Boise
Summer starts in June and ends in late August in Boise. During this time, it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent termite infestations. Here are some tips for preventing termite infestations during summertime:
Fumigation: Fumigation is the most effective and thorough pest control for termites. During this process, the entire home is exposed to a gas that kills any existing termites in your home and their eggs.
Pesticide Treatment: Pesticides can help protect your home against future infestations by killing existing termites.
Bait station: Bait stations are small containers filled with insecticides that only target termites. The bait is placed around the perimeter of your home, and when the termites feed on it, they spread the poison to other colony members.
Termite Prevention
Prevention is always the best defense against termites. Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of an infestation:
- Reduce moisture in and around your home by repairing leaks or clogged gutters.
- Keep firewood, mulch, and other organic material away from your foundation.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s exterior.
- Use pressure-treated wood for decks and porches.
- Dead trees and stumps should be removed from your lawn. Termites in trees should be treated by a pest control specialist to avoid infestation.
- Monitor the soil around your foundation for signs of termite activity.
If you suspect a termite infestation, acting quickly and contacting a professional termite exterminator is important. A professional pest control expert can accurately diagnose the problem and provide an effective treatment plan to protect your home from these destructive pests. Proper prevention and timely intervention can help protect your home from termite damage this summer.