Termite Control Tips for Murrieta Summers

In summertime, most homeowners are probably more concerned about backyard barbeques and vacations than pest control. Murrieta residents may find their leisure plans cut short, however, if they discover an infestation of termites. So, while you’re thinking about what to do with the kids now that they’re out of school and how to stay cool during the hot days, you may also want to think about how well your home is safeguarded from things like termites, ants, and other pests that often thrive in warm weather. Are Termites More Common During the Summer Months?

Of course, no one wants to deal with termites during any time of year, but if you knew that they could be more common in the summer would you do anything different? Considering that termite infestations cause $5 billion in damage each year, it’s clearly better to deal with the problem as soon as possible with professional termite control. Murrieta homeowners should know that a certain species of termites – subterranean termites – can be more common in the summertime. So, if you’re wondering whether termites are more common during the summer months, be warned. Subterranean termites are known to swarm on warm summer days and if you see them you need professional help right away.

Tips for Spotting Subterranean Termites in the Summer

How do you spot subterranean termites? Since they form colonies complete with mud tunnels for transportation in the damp soil underground, they can be hard to spot at first. But they won’t stay underground forever. Eventually they are going to find the wood source they’re looking for, and if it happens to be the foundation of your home they will keep eating from the inside out until it’s gone. Here are a few tips to make sure that doesn’t happen:

• The best way to spot termite damage before it erodes your home from the inside out is to check for little slits in the outside of the wood foundations of your home. Termites need entrances and exits for their wood tunnels, and this is a sure sign of their presence.
• You may find these slits in the foundation or frame of your home, as well as in your wooden furniture and hardwood floors.
• If the surface of a piece of wood seems smooth, make sure to knock and see if it sounds hollow or solid. If it’s hollow, there are probably termites feasting inside.

The summertime is a perfect time to relax, but it’s still important to think about things like termite and ant control. Murrieta homeowners must consider the possibilities of a pest infestation during the spring and summer, since many species are more active when it’s hot outside. Should you find signs of an infestation, take care of it right away. Call Black Knight Termite & Pest Control to resolve the problem and resume your summer ASAP.