Your Guide To Termite Season in New England

Know Thy Enemy

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Eastern subterranean termites are North America's most common and widely traveled termite species. They're motivated by one goal: getting their tiny mouths on cellulose materials which is their primary food source. Wood, cardboard, paper, and cotton are all delectable meals for the Eastern subterranean termite.

Traveling in numbers, colonies can grow as large as 5 million workers. Still, even a smaller colony that can house close to 60,000 termites can consume an average of 5 grams of wood daily. That means consuming up to 3% of their body weight daily—and inevitable structural damage to your home if an infestation is unchecked.  

Although termites are one of the stealthier pests that homeowners can face, they inflict far more structural damage than other pests. But as with any pest prevention plan, knowledge is power. We've compiled the best tips and information into this article to help homeowners stay vigilant during peak termite season in New England—before it costs you a pretty penny in property damage.

Termite Imposters

Winged Carpenter Ants

Termite swarmers closely resemble another flying pest: winged carpenter ants. Winged carpenter ants represent a reproductive generation within a colony. They have a similar swarming season as termites, known to reproduce and migrate during the late spring and early summer. Carpenter ant swarms are considerably smaller than that of termites, and Termites also chew their wings off once they are through swarming. If you come across numerous wings within the same area, you’ve most likely discovered the aftermath of a termite swarm. While they can also cause damage to homes, carpenter ants are not nearly as destructive as the silent destroyers they are often mistaken for.

Ant Versus Termite

• ‍Different wing sizes: termites have wings equal in size and length, whereas ants have one long and one shorter wing on each side of their body.‍
• Antennae shape: termites have short, straight antennae, whereas ants have antennae with an elbow-like bend.‍
• Waist versus body: termites have long, straight bodies, but ants have a visible, defined, cinched waist above their abdomen.

Free Identification Support

If you are trying to determine if a winged pest, structural damage, or even left behind wings are that of termites or termite-related, Pest-End is here to help. Email a clear, zoomed-in photo to customercare@pestendinc.com, and we will gladly provide free identification.

Seasonality

Swarming Season - March-May

When talking termites, you'll hear one key term from experts season after season: swarming season. Swarming season is critical to securing your home and spotting the warning signs of a brewing or mature infestation.  

Swarming is like house hunting for termites. It refers to winged termites (swarmers) leaving their existing colony behind to find and infest a new home. They take to the skies in large numbers, find new mates, settle into a new place, and lay the foundations for a brand-new termite colony. Termites can swarm up to twice in one year, with both swarms usually happening close together—and in New England, the swarming season is synonymous with spring. Swarms are often more active in times of humidity, especially following rainfall.

Warning Signs

Catching sight of termites is rarely the first indicator that you have an issue with these destructive insects. But luckily for New England homeowners, termites have a habit of leaving telltale signs of their presence if you know what to look for.  

During the swarming season in particular, keep an eye out for the following:

• ‍Wings: when swarming termites mate, they shed their wings as they settle into their new home. Termite wings are light-colored, veiny, and look almost translucent. Discarded termite wings are often the first sign of an ongoing termite infestation.
• ‍Mud tubes: a termite's preferred means of travel are pathways called mud tubes—small tunnels that keep termites safe as they travel from one source to another. If spotted, avoid removing them yourself. Termites are persistent and will likely create another pathway—and potentially one that's even harder for you to spot.  
• ‍Damage: termites threaten the structural integrity of the wood, hollowing out the interior and causing bends, sags, or buckles. Be wary of any warps in walls, beams, windows, door frames, or furniture.  

Secure Potential Pest Entry Points  

Wood damage isn't only a sign of a potential termite infestation—it's also a way for termites to quickly access the tasty wooden structures in your home. These tiny terrors can squeeze into even the smallest cracks in wooden walls, window and door frames, furniture, and more. Even cracked paint on a wooden service could be a large enough entryway for termites to invade. Water-damaged, softened, or rotted wood is also easy to eat through and, therefore, vulnerable to termite activity. That makes moist basements and crawlspaces key spots for termite infestations—especially after frequent spring rainfall in New England.

The Solution

Industry Leading Protection From Sentricon®

When it comes to termites, there’s only one name in treatment and prevention that’s so widely trusted by homeowners: Sentricon®.

Sentricon® is the patented baiting system used worldwide to protect homes, businesses, and historic landmark properties. Sentricon® is a passive system, meaning termites come to it, so there’s no need for spraying control products.

Only trained and certified pest control technicians can offer, install, and service Sentricon® termite control systems, including Pest-End.

Trusted Experts in Termite Treatment and Prevention

We bring industry-leading materials and techniques to combat your termite problem and over 40 years' worth of tried-and-true experience in protecting homes from pests ranging from the common to unusual.

Using Sentricon® termite protection, Pest-End protects homes like yours from stealthy, wood-hungry termites across Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Ready to put an END to termites?

When you contact Pest-End with termite concerns, our technicians will work with you to assess the situation and inspect your home for termite signs and at-risk areas. After over four decades of servicing New England, we're well-equipped to identify even the subtlest indicators of termites and prepared to help you before your termite infestation becomes a costly complication.

Schedule a No-Cost Property Inspection

With the swarming season upon us, contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation property inspection. One of our experts will come to your home and provide a thorough examination and service estimate if termite activity is confirmed.

REQUEST A NO-COST INSPECTION NOW

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