It can be alarming when termites seem to appear out of nowhere in your home. One minute there are no signs of termites, and the next minute it seems like they are everywhere. So why does this happen? There are a few key reasons why termites may suddenly emerge in large numbers in your home.
Termites Are Secretive
Termites are masters of remaining hidden. They build tunnels and nests out of sight within walls, floors, foundations and other hidden areas. A termite colony can live inside your home for several years while going completely undetected. You may not notice the early signs of a termite infestation such as mud tubes along foundation walls or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Termites continue to multiply and expand their nest during this time. It is not until the colony reaches a large size of thousands to hundreds of thousands of termites that their presence suddenly becomes known. When the colony gets this large, increased foraging activity leads to increased sightings of swarmers and damage to wood.
Swarming Season
Termites swarm when a mature colony reproduces. During the swarming season, large numbers of winged termites will emerge from infested wood inside the home. This usually occurs in spring to early summer but may happen at other times in warmer climates.
Seeing swarmers around your home is often the first sign that a termite colony has been living there for years without detection. The swarmers are reproductives that will fly off to mate and start a new colony. Meanwhile, the existing colony remains behind in the wood to continue feeding and growing.
Searching for Food and Water
An increase in termite activity indoors may also happen when a colony’s food source has been exhausted. If termites have fed on all accessible wood in one area, they will begin to explore new areas in search of food. This may bring them out into the open as they move between food sources.
A disruption to their water source can also cause termites to become more visible as they search for water. Termites need constant moisture to survive. If something dries out the area of the nest, large numbers of workers may emerge in an attempt to find new sources of moisture.
Signs of an Established Colony
There are a few signs that indicate a termite colony has reached a large, established size inside your home:
- Sudden presence of swarmers inside or around the home
- Mud tubes extending along foundation walls, support beams or other structures
- Hollow sounding wood when tapped
- Blistered paint or drywall
- Sagging floors or ceilings
If you notice these signs, it means the colony has likely been growing unchecked for a long time and has become large enough for its presence to be obvious. The termites may seem to have appeared out of nowhere, when in fact the infestation has been present for years.
How to Get Rid of Termites
When termites appear in your home, getting rid of them as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage. Here are some options for termite control and removal:
Liquid Termiticide Treatment
Applying a liquid termiticide to infested areas of the home can eliminate termite colonies. Termiticides are insecticides designed to kill termites. A professional exterminator can use a combination of spray and injection application to treat infested wood, foundations and soil around the home.
Termite Baits
Termite bait systems can also eliminate termite colonies living in and around the home. The bait stations containing poison are installed around the home. Foraging termites consume the bait as a food source and bring it back to kill off the rest of the colony.
Wood Replacement
Severely damaged wooden structural elements may need replacement. Beams, support posts and other critical wood components can be removed and replaced if the damage is too extensive for the wood to be salvaged.
Fumigation
For severe, whole-house termite infestations, fumigation may be recommended. This involves tenting and sealing the entire home before releasing a lethal gas to penetrate all infested areas and exterminate the colony.
Getting rid of termites requires a multi-step approach focused on: 1) Eliminating the existing colony and 2) Preventing future termite infestations. Your pest management professional will determine the right course of action based on the extent and location of the infestation in your home.
Preventing Termites
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding a termite takeover of your home. Here are some tips that can help deter termites:
- Eliminate wood mulch and debris from around the foundation
- Ensure downspouts and gutters drain water away from the home
- Seal cracks in foundation walls, expansion joints and openings for utilities
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the home
- Have a professional treat soil around the home with a termiticide
- Install termite bait stations around the perimeter of the home
Avoiding moisture buildup and eliminating wood access to your home deprives termites of the essential habitat they need to establish colonies near your home.
Inspect Regularly for Termites
Regular inspections can help catch termite activity in your home early. Look for the signs of termites listed above, especially:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls or piers
- Swarmers on windowsills or near doors
- Cracked or bubbling paint
Conduct inspections annually and immediately contact a pest management professional if you suspect termites. Early detection gives you the best chance of eradicating termites before they cause major structural damage.
Conclusion
Termites seem to come out of nowhere due to their secretive nature as they eat away at wood undetected for years. A mature termite colony with thousands of workers will make its presence known when the infestation reaches an advanced stage. Swarming, depleted food sources and damage to the home are signs of a large, established termite colony.
Getting rid of termites living in your home requires professional treatment. Preventative measures focused on moisture control, wood removal and soil treatment can help deter future termite invasions. With diligent prevention and regular inspections, you can avoid having termites sneak up out of nowhere to take over your home.