Eastern Subterranean Termite Damage in Mantua Township, NJ; Swarming Season, Treatment & More

he number one damaging pest that affects homes across America is termites. There are many different species of termites found in the United States to fit almost any living conditions. However, here in New Jersey, the Eastern Subterranean Termite runs supreme. Ross Environmental Solutions will share more about this destructive pest and what you should do to prepare for there arrival.

Eastern Subterranean Termite Family Colonies

Eastern subterranean termites are one of the most common species of termites found in America due to their ability to adapt. However, they favor cool moist climates. The Eastern subterranean termite requires moisture and food to survive. They feed on wooden structures, wooden fixtures, paper, books, cotton and they will even feed on roots of trees and shrubs. Most termite colonies can go unnoticed for years. A mature colony can have an average of 300,000 members and as much as five million. A queen can have up to 5,000 to 10,000 eggs each year. Eastern subterranean termites will also form sub colonies where multiple colonies will share a single site and even help each other and care for different queens. Additionally, a single termite colony can live up to 10 to 30 years, once established.

Termite Swarming Season

Termite activity is usually heightened during mating season, which varies from state to state. Here in New Jersey, termite season begins in March and can last through May depending on the temperatures. During mating season, the swarmers come out and cluster in groups to mate. The swarmers are both male and female winged termites that appear to be little black ants, with long transparent wings. Once the swarmers mate, the males die, and the new queens seek a new nesting site. Swarmers are one of the first signs of a termite colony’s presence. You may even find tear drop shaped discarded wings of the queens. After mating and finding a nesting site, they will pull off their own wings. Some other signs of termites are mud tunnels that can be found on the surface of the ground or climbing up the side of the home. Subterranean requires hiding from the heat of the sunlight which is why they create these mud like tunnels to travel to different feeding sites.

Termite Prevention

Before termites arrive, you will want to begin preparing your home to prevent them from infesting. You will want to make sure there in no exposed wood especially those areas close to your home. Additionally, you may want to seal around windows and door frames. Caulk the smallest cracks with caulking glue to prevent queens from crawling inside your home. However, the most vulnerable point of a home is the attic. Attics require ventilation that termites can use to get inside your home. Many homeowners will use a dehumidifier to help keep the inside of the attic dry. Another option is to cover the attic vent with a fine screen to help keep termites out of the attic.

Termite Inspection & Treatment

When signs emerge of a termite presence, it is strongly recommended you have a professional pest control company come and help prevent and control termites. Ross Environmental Solutions can inspect and control termites found around your home. Contact Ross Environmental Solutions today!