Spring is the time for flowers to bloom, trees to bud, and unfortunately, also for some bugs to invade our homes. Yes, the warmer weather does much to awaken Mother Nature so that she can showcase her glory. Various insects sneak out of their winter spots to mate. Some even look for a new home, which could be yours. One such pest is the termite. That wood-munching home wrecker causes billions of dollars of damage every year across the country.

No, this bug is not some cute animal in a cartoon movie that swoops in to save the day. The reality is this; if you do not keep an eye out, you may soon find this invader wreaking havoc. A free termite inspection of your Pleasanton home from Times Up Termite is the first step to combat these pests. We help you battle the bugs with a tailored plan for your situation.

What Are Swarmers?

You may have never heard the term before, but swarmers are those termites that can reproduce. Here are a few more facts to consider:

  1. They can fly. Swarmers leave their existing colony by flying away, aided by two pairs of wings. The wings lie flat against them when not in use.
  2. They come out when the temperature reaches about 70 degrees. These are fair-weather bugs. They stay underground when it’s cold, but after the last frost, they take off for a new home.
  3. Females allure their mate with pheromones. Just like perfume, the female releases a pheromone. Once a male finds her, they break off their wings and set up house, even if it is in yours.
  4. Long live the queen! The new couple becomes the king and queen of their colony. The queen can live up to 30 years and lay millions of eggs. Imagine the munching that occurs from their spawn.
  5. It takes a while to establish a colony. It can take about three years to establish their colony. This means it can take a while before you notice them and realize the damage they have caused.

How You Can Reduce the Chance of an Invasion

You can thwart the termite’s attempts to eat your home and furniture:

  1. Pay attention to where water builds around your foundation. Termites like moisture. Keep them at bay by draining the moat and redirecting water and rainfall away from your foundation.
  2. Keep woodpiles away from your home, especially the foundation. Why leave them an appetizer that entices them to try a full course? Keep all wood away from your home and foundation as far as possible and only bring enough firewood into the home that you intend to burn for that day. Wood destroying beetles are also commonly found in firewood and can be very destructive if they get into your home.
  3. Repair and fill up cracks in your foundation. These bugs can squeeze through a crack the size of a credit card. When you see a crack, fill it quickly.
  4. Hire a professional to conduct regular termite inspections. Our team at Times Up Termite knows exactly what to look for and can remedy the situation in a variety of ways, saving your home.

Prevent an Invasion with a Free Termite Inspection

Stop an invasion before it begins when you choose Times Up Termite for your next termite inspection. Our decades of experience give us the advantage over these wood-boring insects. The result is your money and your home saved from disaster. We work with many different pesticides, including Altriset, an eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide. We use this because it is the better choice for a home with children, pets, or pregnant moms. Give us a call today for your free termite inspection.

Call 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of experienced, licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. You can also contact us online to request a free termite inspection.