It’s termite swarming season, where thousands of local of homes are infested by these voracious wood eaters. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), recent reports of termite swarms throughout the region could indicate an unusually strong termite season.
Illinois’ termite swarming season traditionally peaks from April to May, causing millions of dollars of damage each year. Entomologists throughout the region have commented on how the unseasonably dry month of March has delayed the impact of termite infestation this year, but explained that with warm, wet weather on the way, termite activity may escalate this month.
"Homeowners everywhere need to take it very seriously," said Dr. Nan-Yao Su, professor of entomology at the University of Florida. "It’s crucial that they commit to ongoing termite protection."
Unfortunately, many subterranean termite treatments don’t provide long-term protection. For example, from the day they are applied, liquid chemical treatments begin to weaken. Historically, they break down over time due to environmental factors and landscaping. Plus, liquid chemical treatments require hundreds of gallons of chemical solution in an attempt to create a barrier, but once a home is built on a slab foundation, a complete barrier beneath a home is nearly impossible to create. A small break of just 1/64 of an inch can allow termites through.
Su said there are subterranean treatments that offer the kind of ongoing protection required by Illinois’ high termite threat. "It’s like a termite alarm system," said Su. "It’s always making sure the home is protected."
The subterranean system provides long-term protection through proven elimination of termite colonies. Once the colonies are gone, the system goes back to the monitoring mode to intercept attack by other colonies. Another benefit: It’s environmentally responsible because just grams of bait are used only when and where termites are present. Additionally, it is less disruptive and more convenient than other treatments, such as liquid chemicals, because there is no drilling through floors and foundations.
Su feels more homeowners should consider this system to protect their homes from the costly devastation caused by subterranean termites.
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