Look out for termite swarms this spring in Pennsylvania. How to prevent an infestation

A cool start to the spring and plenty of rain in April and May are expected to lay the groundwork for a buggy season in Pennsylvania.

One of the most notable pests to watch for are termites — the wood-chewing insects responsible for damaging thousands of homes across the U.S. each year. Orkin, a national pest control company, estimates the average homeowner spends roughly $3,000 on repairs after finding termite-caused damage on their property.

Before termite season is in full swing, here’s what you need to know to counter their activity in your neck of the woods.

What are termites?

Termites are a group of insects classified as detritivores, meaning they feed on dead plants and trees. They date back more than 120 million years and are still viewed as a ferocious pest due to their tendencies to chew through wood, flooring and other household objects if infestations take hold.

Although they look similar in some ways, termites are not to be confused with ants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, termites sport wings that are roughly equal in length and antennae that are straight, while ants have front wings that stretch longer than hind wings and antennae bent at a 90-degree angle.

Native subterranean termites are the most common form of termite found in the U.S., the EPA says. You may also run into smaller drywood termites or Formosan termites, which are classified as an invasive species.

Termite swarms occur when termite colonies have reached capacity and seek to build a new one, according to Orkin. Termites in this state, also known as alates, swarm in the air to find new mates to reproduce and start a new colony.

Though they do not pose a direct threat to human or animal safety, termite swarms are perhaps the most visible sign of an infestation, Orkin says.

Termites typically swarm in late winter and early spring months, but timing can vary between each species. Swarms are more common on warm days following rain, Orkin says.

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Why are termites dangerous?

Termites are not much of a threat to bite you or your pets, but they can certainly sink their teeth into your wallet.

According to Orkin, soldier termites have the ability to bite humans, but that occurs only when they are handled or strongly provoked. Termites are far more likely to chew through wood and bite other insects than they are to attack humans or pets.

Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes across the U.S. each year, Orkin estimates. Americans spend more than an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair the damage they cause. Each year, termites and similar pests are responsible for roughly $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S., Orkin reports.

Destructive capabilities vary between termite species, colony sizes and the types and conditions of wood. Though they are active year-round, termites are generally less active in cooler temperatures.

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Preventing termite damage to your Pennsylvania home

The first step toward termite prevention is upping your awareness, the EPA says. To get started, examine exposed wood on your property for hollow spots, perhaps by using a flat-head screwdriver. Additionally, if you see an insect swarm, be sure to properly identify it before taking more extreme action.

You can get a head start on termite prevention during construction by using a concrete foundation and leaving ventilation space between soil and wood, the EPA advises.

The EPA also offers the following tips for termite prevention:

• Keep the soil around a structure’s foundation dry through proper grading and drainage, including maintenance of gutters and downspouts.

• Reduce the number of openings that can help termites access structure. Consider filling cracks in cement foundations and spaces where utilities pass through walls.

• Fix leaks immediately.

• Keep vents free from blockage, including jams caused by plants.

• Ensure trees and shrubs are not planted too close to structures. Don’t allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces.

• Do not pile or store firewood or other wood debris next to your home.

• Inspect your property periodically to help spot termite colonies early.

If termites have already taken a foothold on your property, it’s not too late to take action.

The EPA recommends employing several non-chemical treatments if you hope to avoid the use of pesticides. These include physical barriers (typically incorporated during construction), steel mesh and sands (as an alternative physical barrier) or biological control agents, including fungi, that have demonstrated success against termites, “particularly in laboratory settings,” the EPA says.

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Chemical treatments are available to treat termite infestations, but pesticides must receive approval from the EPA following a rigorous process. For now, the most common approved treatments to counter termites include liquid, soil-applied termiticides, termite baits, wood treatments and building materials that are “impregnated with termiticides,” the EPA says.

Many termiticides are highly toxic, the EPA warns. As such, their use is generally best left to pest management professionals.

Firms that offer termite services in the U.S. must be licensed by the states in which they operate. You can ask to see a given company’s license, and if you have questions, reach out to your state pesticide regulatory agency. In Pennsylvania, you’ll want to call 717-772-5217 or email pesticides@pa.gov.

The EPA maintains a guide surrounding pest control and pesticide safety, available online. The brochure covers a handful of topics, including choosing pesticides and properly storing them and disposing of them.