In the great outdoors, subterranean termites are less seen during the winter months because they move deeper underground to find the warmth they need to survive. They may still be active, but we just don’t see them as much because of how deep they have to go. When termites have made our homes their place of residence, however, they are active all during the winter since our homes offer a climate-controlled environment that allows them to continue normal operation of their colonies. If you think you’re free from termite risks in the winter, think again! A termite infestation will remain active all year round in your home, often causing damages you can’t even see until they’re extensive. Termites are a year-round problem for Illinois residents.
Termite Prevention Tips
Have you heard the horror stories of homes and businesses so badly damaged by termites that they are uninhabitable? Or the repair bills for termite damages are so large the property owner couldn’t afford to fix it? These are the realities of termite infestations. It is much more cost effective to prevent a termite infestation than it is to try and fix the problem after it occurs. To make your home less of a target and less attractive to termites, take the following prevention measures:
Repair leaking faucets, exterior AC units, and anything causing moisture in and around your home since termites need moisture to survive.
Keep weather stripping in good shape and replace loose mortar around basement windows and foundation.
Use downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks to divert water out and away from your home.
Keep about 18 inches of space between the wooden portions of your home and soil.
Keep firewood piles at least 20 feet away from your home.
Inspect your home regularly for mud tubes, hollow sounding wood, or uneven and bubbling paint.
What To Do If You Suspect Termites
If you notice shed termite wings or dead termites around entry points including windows and doors, tunnels made from mud running along walls, or rippled or blistered wood - chances are you have a termite infestation. Termites cause billions of dollars of damage each and every year - so if you suspect you have termites, do not wait! Call Quik-Kill for a termite inspection. If you do have termites in your home, we’ll eliminate the infestation and help you take steps to prevent future termite infestations from occurring.