Feb 28, 2017, 15:05 PM by Fred Speer

Unlike baseball season, which has an official start (Opening Day) and end (the last game of the World Series), termite season never officially ends.

Termites work 24/7 year round to consume and damage the wood supports, flooring, doors, cabinets, and siding in your house, deck, shed, or garage. There are no real days off for a termite.

And even though termites are one of the more silent pests that homeowners encounter (as there are few visible signs of their presence and they can go undetected for years), they can tip their antennae to their pending arrival.

Winged reproductive termites, or “swarmers,” emerge from mud tubes built by other members of the colony in search of mates and new locations for their colonies. Termite swarmers are most often seen on warm days following a rainfall, and can be confused with other flying insects.

Swarmers are attracted to light, and often are seen congregating near the exterior lights or window sills of your home. Knowing what is and isn’t a termite swarmer is a job best left to a professional, like the Clark Man, because a wrong diagnosis can be costly.

Research from the National Pest Management Association places the annual bill for termite damage in the United States at more than $5 billion.

In California, researchers estimate there are 17 different termite species, with the three most commonly encountered species being:

• Subterranean Termites – found in many areas of the state where moist soil is present; this is the most destructive termite species, and it swarms in the spring
• Drywood Termites – found mainly in coastal regions as well as the Central Valley; swarms in late summer to early fall
• Dampwood Termites – found in the central and northern coastal regions; swarms in late summer to early fall

The first step to keeping termites in check is to have an annual inspection of your home by a trained pest management professional. The Clark Man and his team of licensed, experienced termite inspectors will examine your home inside and out.

They will search around windows and plumbing; check out the attic, the basement and the crawl space. They will look anywhere termite colonies might be establishing a threat around your home.

If our inspector discovers a termite problem, he or she will recommend the most effective treatment method and customize the plan to meet your home’s specific needs. They will also advise you on appropriate repairs for any damaged areas.

As a final step, our inspector may recommend an ongoing termite-monitoring plan. Clark’s Termite Home Protection Service will guarantee that if termites do try to re-establish a colony around your home, we’ll be there to treat the problem before they can do any further damage.

Remember, if you think your home may have termites, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.