Termites are tiny pests that can cause major problems for homeowners and businesses on Edisto Island. These small wood-destroying insects are known to cause over five billion dollars in damage annually across the United States, including here on Edisto Island.
Because they stay out of sight and are hard to spot, it can be easy to ignore termites until it is too late. But with the proper knowledge, you can keep your home protected. Learn about termites, when they are active, how to identify them, and how professional pest control on Edisto Island can protect your home and wallet.
What Is Termite Season?
Termite season can be misleading since termites aren't actually seasonal pests. Termites are active all year long. When people talk about termite season, they usually mean the period of time during the year when termites emerge from their nests to swarm and reproduce.
Termite swarmers are the reproductive members of a termite colony and are sometimes called alates. At the start of the swarming season, usually in the spring, male and female alates leave their current nests to mate. Once they find a suitable mate, they drop their wings and start a new nest, becoming the king and queen of that new colony.
How Long Does Termite Season Last On Edisto Island?
One of the reasons people love South Carolina is the weather. Sure the summers are a little warm, but our mild winters and beautiful fall and spring make up for it. Unfortunately, our temperate climate also means pests like termites can be more active.
Here in South Carolina, we are in Termite Infestation Probability Zone #1, which means termite activity is very heavy and occurs year-round. This activity is because we don't have the extended cold winters that force termites to stop working and find the warmth needed to survive. Our ground stays warm enough for termites to be active all year.
As we said before, termite season is considered the time when termites are swarming. Here are the different species of termites in South Carolina and when they swarm:
- Eastern Subterranean Termites: Daytime from February to May
- Dark Southeastern Termites: Daytime from March to June
- Drywood Termites: At night during the spring
- Formosan Termites: At night in the late spring
Remember that just because termites aren't swarming doesn't mean they aren't active. Termite swarming times vary yearly based on temperature.
Termite Warning Signs Every Edisto Island Homeowner Should Know
One of the problems with termites is that they do most of their damage in areas where you can't see them, meaning an infestation can spread for a long time before you are aware of it. Knowing the signs is the best way to protect yourself and catch a termite infestation early. The signs of a termite infestation include:
- Mud tubes on the exterior of your home
- Peeling paint
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Buckling or warped wood
- Squeaky floorboards
- Small holes in drywall
- Sawdust-like powder near holes in wood
Call us immediately for a professional termite inspection if you see any of these signs.
Why Professional Termite Control Is Essential
Termites are not a pest you can handle on your own. Professional termite control is always the best option if you see signs of termites or want to ensure your Edisto Island home remains termite-free.
At Apex of Edisto Pest Management, we are termite control experts. We offer termite inspection, treatment, and prevention plans to keep your home termite-free. We also provide pretreatment for new construction. Call us today for whatever your termite control needs, and let us protect you and your home.