Where Do Termites Go in the Winter?

Where Do Termites Go in the Winter?

Discovering termites can be a shock in the best of times. Discovering them in winter can be even more surprising. Unfortunately, everyone’s least favorite wood-muncher doesn’t always subscribe to seasonal behaviors. So, are termites active in winter? And where do they go anyway?

You might expect termites to go dormant or die out in the winter. If only. Sadly, the truth is termites will remain active all winter long if they can. They survive primarily by finding a nice, warm climate to hole up in. If you’re not careful, it could be your nice, warm climate. Because termites don’t slow down, we don’t either. Here’s what you should know about winter termites and how to stop them.

Where Termites Go in the Winter

where termites go in winter

While it’s true that termites remain active during winter, that doesn’t mean they can survive the cold. As cold-blooded insects, termites depend on their environment to provide them with the heat they need to survive. When temperatures drop below freezing, termites will die out unless they find cover. It just so happens they’re very good at finding that cover.

Once termites have a place to survive, they can keep moving, eating, and expanding their colony like always. In the wild, subterranean termites survive by burrowing deeper into the ground. As temperatures decrease, so will their movements to the point that they may appear dead or motionless. In most cases they are still alive. Drywood termites on the other hand can burrow into wooden logs but once the temperatures drop below freezing, they will die off.

The most common termite in Michigan is the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). When the ground freezes, these termites simply dig their tunnels deeper. Eventually, part of the colonies’ “territory” is located beneath the frost line. Most of the termites stay in these tunnels for their whole lives. Workers, however, move in and out to connect the colony to its food source: wood.

What Termites Do in Winter

what termites do in winter

The same thing they always do – propagate! Of all the castes in a termite colony, only workers actually bore through wood. Worker termites dig through soil to expand the colony while simultaneously searching for food. When they find food, they eat through it, leaving behind hollowed-out tunnels. Termite workers carry the wood they eat back to the colony, where they use it to feed soldier and reproductive castes.

Over time, termites can significantly damage the wooden structures they feed on. Their continual feeding wears down the wood, and the tunnels they leave behind compromise its structural integrity. Meanwhile, reproductive termites continuously produce new workers to expand the colony. These workers will seek new food, and (of course) keep eating. The severity and range of termite-related wood damage will get worse and worse the longer an infestation lasts.

How Termites Enter Your Home

how termites get into your home over winter

Termites infest homes by accessing wood from the outside, near their subterranean colonies. They locate vulnerable wood by building complex networks of branching tunnels underground until they run up against it. When they find wood, they become devoted to stripping it of its cellulose for the colonies’ food source.

Termites use this same principle for infesting homes all year, even during the winter. They overcome the cold weather challenge by creating “exploratory tubes” out of mud and fecal material. They use these tubes to essentially extend their shelter up from the ground toward food sources. Exploratory tubes allow termites to access wood that’s touching or near soil without ever having to expose themselves to freezing cold.

How to Stop Them

how to stop termites this winter

The only way termites could access your home is by reaching a wooden structure while staying warm. Termite tunnels enable them to reach out of their colonies, but they can’t reach far.

Remove or protect wooden structures that are near soil. Wherever possible, ensure that wood doesn’t come within 18 inches of soil. Remove any wooden debris near your home, like stacks of lumber, firewood, sticks, trellises, or wood chips. Replace damaged wooden materials with non-cellulose alternatives or pressure-tested lumber.

By depriving termites of a way to get food, you’ll go a long way toward keeping them out. Remember that termites need moisture to survive, too. They’re attracted to wood that’s wet, in a humid place, or near wet soil. Reduce humidity and moisture in vulnerable areas like basements by patching drafts, repairing leaks, and dehumidifying. Make sure your downspouts, gutters, and sump pump drain moisture away from the building properly. The less suitable you can make your home for termites, the less interested they’ll be in infesting it.

Early Warning Signs of Termites

Unfortunate as it is to admit, termites continue to be a threat even in the dead of winter. Keeping your home safe from them means remaining vigilant all year long. Fortunately, termites are not unstoppable. If you keep a close eye out and follow the steps outlined above, you can ensure that nothing snacks on your home this winter.

Watch for mud tubes, termite holes and other signs of termite damage. Discarded wings from flying termites looking to establish a new colony is another sign you may have an infestation.

It’s Always Termite Season in Michigan

Spring, summer, fall, winter–no matter when you need termite help, remember that you can always call on Griffin Pest Solutions. We know how to find termites, wipe them out, and keep them from coming back. Protecting your property will be our pleasure!

 

What Are Flying Termites?

Flying termites

Flying termites are the reproductive caste members, or “alates” of their termite colonies. All termite swarmers are alates. Flying termites are responsible for seeking mates, laying eggs, and starting new colonies. While swarms aren’t directly dangerous, you definitely don’t want them to make a new colony anywhere near you.

The most common species of termite in Michigan are Eastern Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes), but drywood termites also reproduce via swarming alates. Remember: any termite infestation you encounter started with flying termites, so getting rid of any flying termites near you is crucial for preventing future infestations. Here’s everything you need to know to do that:

Do termites fly?

Not all termites fly. There are three castes of termites within a termite colony: workers, soldiers, and reproducers, or alates. Alates are the only type of termites that can grow wings. Subterranean, dampwood, and drywood termites each have a flying alate caste.

Termite with wings side profile

What are termites with wings?

Flying termites, or alates, are the reproducers of their termite colony. They are responsible for seeking out mates from other colonies. Single colonies produce both male and female alates. Colonies are capable of either inbreeding by pairing male and female alates from the same colony, or outbreeding by pairing male and female alates from different colonies.

Alates seek mates during breeding season (which is generally mid-February to March in Michigan).Only mature termite colonies that are three or more years old produce alates, so if you see some, chances are you’re dealing with an advanced termite infestation. On the bright side, swarmers can be a signal that it’s time to take action now – before the alates make yet another new colony to deal with!

What do flying termites look like?

Eastern subterranean termite alates are around ⅜” (10 millimeters) long with their wings folded. Whereas workers and soldiers are usually tan, dark orange, or light brown, flying termites are dark brown or black in color.

Flying termite’s wings are a translucent burnt orange color with a smoky, dark membrane. The wings measure about twice the length of the alate’s body when unfolded in flight. Alates are also the only caste of termite that have compound eyes.

flying ants vs termites Flying termites pictured above Flying ants pictured below
Flying termite (above)
Flying ant (below)

Flying ants vs termites

A lot of people mix up ants and termites because many ant species, including the wood-consuming carpenter ants, also have flying ant castes. In order to tell if the insects you’re dealing with are ants or termites, look for each of the following identifying characteristics:

  1. Wing length: Both flying ants and termites have two pairs of wings, but termite’s pairs are both of equal length. Flying ants’ front wing pair is longer than their second pair.
  2. Antennae: Flying termites’ antennae are broken into small, bead-like segments and look straight from beginning to end. Flying ants’ antennae have longer segments and the antennae noticeably curve or “elbow” at mid-point.
  3. Waist thickness: Flying termites have thick waists that are about the width of the rest of their bodies. Flying ants are more clearly segmented and have very thin waists.
  4. Dirt piles: Evidence of ant infestation is often easier to find than signs of termite infestation, because ant mounds are clearly visible outside around the site of infestation. If you can find dirt piles around your home, then the swarms around you are probably flying ants.
  5. Mud tubes: Termite colonies create mud tubes to access the wood they consume. Mud tubes are hollow corridors of mud and dirt that termites use to climb up the sides of walls until they can start tunneling through wood. If you find vein-like mud tubes running up the side of your home, then the flyers you see are probably flying termites.

What is a flying termite swarm?

Flying termites alate swarm

During mating season, all of the alates within a mature termite colony leave the nest to seek mates. Female alates, or would-be “Queen” termites release a pheromone attracting potential mates as they fly. Male alates from both the potential Queen’s colony and other colonies flock to this pheromone seeking a mate. The termite swarm is a large concentration of male alates attracted to a female’s pheromone.

Termite swarms are a key indication that termite mating season is in full swing – and that termites will be creating new colonies soon. When a male and female termite successfully mate, they will travel to a good place to start a colony together and then lose their wings. From this point on, they’re known as proper “King” and “Queen” termites and become the primary reproducers of a new colony.

Do flying termites bite?

No. Flying termites will never bite, sting, or otherwise directly harm humans at any time. There is no evidence that humans may contract diseases by coming into contact with them, either. In fact, termite swarms want absolutely nothing to do with you.

Unfortunately, however, they want plenty to do with the wood in your home. While termites aren’t directly dangerous, the infestations they lead to can pose quite a threat to your property!

What are common signs of flying termites?

Flying termites discarded wings on the ground

Flying termites aren’t a sure sign that you have a termite infestation… but unfortunately, the more you see, the more likely it is. If you see any alates indoors, for instance, then your home already has an advanced termite infestation. Remember: it takes years for colonies to develop enough to produce alates, so if they’re active near you, then the colony you’re dealing with is well-established.

Flying termites lose their wings when they mate or age out of reproductive capacity. Look for discarded wings around window sills, door frames, and wood. The more wings you find, the worse the infestation. While you’re in the area, look for the mud tubes described earlier around vulnerable areas outside. Finally, look for actual termite damage around your home. Termite damage can look like rotting wood, but look carefully for signs of tunneling or for termites themselves.

How to Get Rid of Flying Termites

Flying termites on the side of a home

First and foremost: treat the termite infestation itself. Chances are, if you’re encountering flying termites, especially indoors, then you’re dealing with a colony. The only way to wipe out your flying termites for good is to wipe out that colony. Look for other signs of damage. If you find them, call in the pros at Griffin Pest Solutions right away. Our Sentricon treatments can wipe out termite colonies of all severities and help ensure they never return.

That said, there are actually some “quick” treatments to help flying termites away during swarm season. First, cover or remove all the wood you possibly can. Remove tree stumps, take out mulch, pick up fallen twigs and sticks, bring in firewood, and cover your shed. Next, spray orange oil over surfaces where you’ve seen termites. Cover any areas where you think termites might go, too. The harsh citrus taste and smell will help repel the insects.

 

Unfortunately, these quick treatments are a band-aid at best. Until you confront the root of the flying termites problem, it will be very difficult to keep swarms from bothering you all season. Luckily, you have a great option for confronting that root problem: Griffin Pest Solutions.

As soon as you think you have a termite problem, just give us a call any time. Our experts will track down your termite infestation, wipe it out completely, and help make sure it never comes back. Beating termites – flying or otherwise – back to where they belong is what we do. No ifs, ants, or bugs!

What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

termite damage

Termite damage often resembles water damage. Termites hollow out wood by eating through it, compromising the structure’s structural integrity. This forces the wooden structure to bend,blister, buckle, or sag. Termites also leave behind external signs of their presence, including mud tubes, discarded wings, and wood-colored waste called frass.

Different types of termite infestations inflict different kinds of damage. Subterranean termites feed on soft wood along the grain, while drywood termites feed on hardwood against the grain. Subterranean termites damage wood faster than drywood termites. Unfortunately, they’re also the most common termites in Michigan. Subterranean termite infestations cause hundreds of millions of dollars worth of wood damage every year. The best way to keep termites from forcing you to contribute to this dizzying number is to learn to identify signs of termites feeding early. The faster you find the termites feeding on your home, the less of your wood – and money – they’ll eat through.

What is Termite Damage?

Subterranean termite damage on a door frame

Wood is termite’s primary food source. Worker termites feed and house their colonies by tunneling chambers through wooden structures. Subterranean termites never stop eating through wood and feed on any part of a home that contains soft wood. They frequently damage door and window frames, siding, flooring, railings, porches, and decks.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Unfortunately, termite damage can be difficult to identify until it’s extensive. Subterranean termites exclusively tunnel through the interior of wood. You may not actually see the damage they inflict until they’ve tunneled enough to compromise the structural integrity of the wooden structure they’re eating through. When that happens, termite damage can resemble either water damage or wood rot. Wooden structures will bend, sag, blister, darken, or even crumble under the strain of supporting weight they can no longer bear.

If you do happen to notice wood damage around your home, there are a couple of different ways you can tell if it’s termite wood damage or another variety. Here’s how:

Termite damage vs water damage

Water damage above a window frame

There are a few ways to tell termite wood damage and water damage apart. First, try to find tunnels in the wood itself. If you can positively identify hollowed-out tunnels, then you’ll have definite proof of infestation. Subterranean termites feed along the grain of softwood, leaving behind telltale “honeycomb”-like tunnels. Tap on any damage you notice with a hammer or screwdriver handle. If the noise sounds hollow, then it’s probably termite damage. If it doesn’t, then it may be water damage.

You should also pay close attention to where the damage is. Does it seem like a part of your home that’s likely to be water damaged? If the area is well-insulated from water, then termites are more likely. Try to find and correct any problems that could be causing water damage. Then, continue to monitor the damage closely. If it keeps getting worse and you know you fix any potential water problems, then you have termites.

Termite damage vs wood rot

Wood rot on the outside of a home's window frame

There are two types of wood rot: wet rot and dry rot. Both types of rot are caused by two different kinds of fungal growth. Contrary to the name, even dry rot only happens to moist wood, because the fungus that causes it needs moisture to grow properly. Both termites and rot attack the cellulose in wood, but they attack in different ways and for different reasons. These reasons give away enough differences to tell each type of damage apart.

First, feel the wood with your hand or a screwdriver. If it feels spongy or crumbles away, then it’s wet rot. You should also look for mold or fungal growth inside the wood; if you find any, then you have a wood rot problem. If the wood feels dry, then test its firmness. If it gives way easily in chunks, then it’s dry rot. If it feels hollow and you find tunnels, then it’s termite wood damage.

What Are The Common Warning Signs of Termite Damage?

Identifying termite damage can be quite difficult especially in its earliest stages. Luckily, damage isn’t the only way you can find out you have termites. There are a few telltale signs of subterranean termite infestation. Identifying these signs early and taking action is actually by far the most effective way to keep termites from (literally) eating you out of house and home.

If you get good enough at finding each of the following signs of termite infestation, hopefully you’ll never have to get good at identifying termite damage:

Mud tubes

Subterranean termite mud tubes on the ceiling of a home

Subterranean termites never leave the ground until they’re tunneling through wood. They make this possible by bringing the ground with them in the form of mud tubes. Mud tubes are long, thin tunnels made of mud, soil, partially digested wood, and termite waste and spit. Believe it or not, subterranean termites actually need to stay hydrated constantly, even as they chew through dry wood. Mud tubes help them do that by providing them access to moist soil and protecting workers from drying out in the sun.

Termites build mud tubes from the ground along any exterior sections of your home until they can access softwood. Outside, look for them on concrete foundations, cracks in walls and flooring or other exposed surfaces. You could also find them outside or inside in harder to see areas like beneath flooring, underneath siding and baseboards, or under a layer of wood. Mud tubes are about the width of a pencil, may appear flat and (surprise) muddy, and spread out along walls and other surfaces like veins.

Discarded wings

Discarded flying termite wings

The reproductive caste of subterranean termite colonies, called “alates,” are the only type of subterranean termites that have wings. Alates swarm during mating season (from February through April) to seek mates and form new colonies. After they either mate successfully or mating season passes, alates lose their wings. Depending on the severity of the infestation near you, you may find large piles of discarded reproductive termite wings piled up.

Swarming alates are attracted to light and warmth. You may see them congregating around window sills, door frames, light fixtures, and vents. Look for discarded wings in these locations and around the floor, sills, and any spider webs near them. If you find a large pile of wings, then there’s probably a termite infestation nearby. Remember: Flying termites only emerge from mature colonies that are at least two years old. If you actually see a flying termite inside your home, then you’re dealing with a developed and serious termite infestation. Seek professional help immediately!

What Can I Do About Termite Damage?

Unfortunately, termites can be very difficult to combat yourself, especially after they’re established. You could always remove the infested and damaged wood manually and replace it with treated or hardwood structures. You can also try to deter winged termites from building colonies near you by treating exterior wooden structures, applying orange oil to surfaces where the termites may rest, and cleaning up any wood scattered around your yard.

Unfortunately, even replacing damaged wood can’t do much about the underlying subterranean termite infestation that damaged it in the first place. In fact, we recommend investing in professional pest control before you replace too much wood. After all, the last thing you want is to simply provide more food for your termite colony. A professional termite inspection can find your termite infestation, wipe it out, and make sure it can’t come back.

 

If you think you have termite damage, give Griffin Pest Solutions a call right away. Our experts will be able to identify the type of damage you’re dealing with, find your termites, wipe them out, and make sure they never come back. When you choose Griffin for your termite pest control, you get service that lasts – no ifs, ants, or bugs! 

Why Are Termites in Michigan Such a Problem?

Why are termites such a problem for Michigan?

Termites, specifically the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), are the most destructive wood pest in Michigan. Every year, they inflict thousands of dollars of property damage to Michigan homes all over the southern peninsula. Though they’re more common in wooded, rural areas of Michigan’s LP, they’re prevalent in cities like Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids, too.

In other words, we’re saying if you live anywhere in Michigan’s LP, you shouldn’t assume you can’t get termites. In fact, they’re one of the more common pest infestations that plague unassuming Michigan residents all year round. It turns out termites love Michigan almost as much as we do, so it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. Here’s what you should know about your less-than-welcome neighbor, and how to keep them away from your home.

What are termites?

termite workers are translucent white and small than other castes. They do the work of transporting food back to the colony.Termites are classified in the same insect order as cockroaches, Blattodea. Unlike cockroaches, however, termites are eusocial, which means they live together in large colonies. The Eastern Subterranean Termite is the most widely distributed, common, and economically significant wood-destroying insect in the United States. A single Eastern Subterranean Termite colony may consist of up to five million termites. Their “subterranean” designation means they build their colonies in tunnels underground.

Within a termite colony, there are three castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Each of these castes performs a different function and has different physical characteristics. Workers are small (3mm long), wingless, and translucent white. They’re the only caste that actually breaks down the wood and carries it back to the colony. Soldiers are larger than workers, with elongated yellow heads and large black jaws. They defend the colony in case of attack. Finally, the reproductives (including the queen) are ⅜-½ inches long, black or dark brown, and have translucent wings. They’re responsible for populating the colony and establishing new satellite colonies. Learn more about the types of termites and how to treat them here. 

Where Did Termites in Michigan Come From?

Experts believe termites migrated to the midwest after they were accidentally transported here with lumber and soil.We don’t know for sure why or when termites originally came to Michigan. The Eastern Subterranean Termite was once native to warmer, southern climates like Texas and Florida. The pest has been gradually moving further north since at least the 1960s. Termites naturally expand their colonies to seek new sources of food and living space. They may also be transported in soil or infested wood. Some regions, such as Wisconsin, Toronto, and Ontario likely had their original populations transplanted one of these ways.

The Eastern Subterranean Termite is allowed to spread as quickly as it does because they can be frustratingly difficult to find. The most numerous caste, the workers, never leave the tunnels they build. Contrary to popular belief, winter doesn’t kill termites. The Eastern Subterranean Termites’ colony exists largely under the frost line. Workers can simply build tunnels straight from the colony to food sources and remain unaffected by freezing temperatures. If termites can’t access food in winter, they can go dormant until spring.

What Do Termites in Michigan Want?

Termites break down wood and paper products to access the cellulose inside.Termites feed on the cellulose found in materials like wood, paper, and cotton. Worker termites bore through wood to break it down into cellulose and carry it back to the colony. In the process, they create hollowed-out tunnels through their food sources. Termite colonies use these tunnels to access more food and expand their living quarters. Contrary to popular belief, termites can’t permanently live inside their wood-bored tunnels. Colonies require moisture to survive, so they have to periodically return to a water source such as soil.

The colonies’ need for moisture drives their search for food, as well. Termites can bore through and consume most types of wood, but they’re particularly attracted to moist wood. Wooden structures that are wet or in humid locations are ideal food sources for termites. The harder or more structurally sound a wood product, the more energy termites need to expend to bore into it. For this reason they also seek out damaged wood before structurally-sound wood.

How to Prevent Termites in Michigan

Stop termites by depriving them of food sources and protecting wooden structures.Termites infest wood that’s moist, damaged, or readily accessible. Keeping them out means making sure the wood in your home is none of those things. Start by looking for plumbing leaks, condensation, puddling, or excess humidity. Pay special attention to your basement, because most infestations start there. Find and patch up drafts, ensure proper ventilation, and consider investing in a dehumidifier. At the same time, look for any cracks or gaps in your foundation or in wooden structures.

Termites can build “tubes” along sheer surfaces to get at elevated wood. Even with these tubes, however, they can’t access wood much higher than 18 inches off the ground. Wherever possible, make sure wooden structures aren’t contacting the ground directly. Consider wrapping deck or porch pillars in hard plastic wrap. Protect wooden foundation with a similar barrier or other form of deferral. Whenever possible, prevent excess moisture buildup in your yard from puddles or inadequate drainage.

Termites infestations won’t knock your house down overnight, but they can do more damage quicker than you’d think. Termite damage can get expensive or even dangerous, so learning to prevent them is essential.

If you think you have a termite infestation, don’t wait; contact Griffin for termite treatment in Michigan today. Our experts have the skill, know-how, and tools to solve any termite problem quickly and permanently.

[cta heading=”Michigan’s Solution to Termite Problems” copy=”If your home or business is in Michigan and you have a termite problem, Griffin is your solution. We’ll wipe out your infestation for good… no ifs, ants, or bugs! “]

Becoming Aware of Termites

March 13-19th is National Termite Awareness Week, and for good cause too. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the US every year! Though they’re usually associated with tropical climates, termites have been a big problem for Michigan’s forests and homes for a long time. The most common termite in Michigan, the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), is by far the most destructive wood pest in the state.

Considering the property damage and danger they pose, it’s easy to see why a National Termite Awareness Week is important. To do our part, Griffin has put together this primer on the termites of Michigan. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your home from the wood-munching monsters: how termites work, what attracts them, and how you can keep them out.

white worker termitesWhat They Are

Termites are an insect classified in the same family as cockroaches. Like bees or ants, they live together in large, eusocial colonies. These colonies are made up of three “classes” of termite: workers, soldiers, and the reproducing “king” and “queen.” Only worker termites eat wood and cause property damage… though you don’t want soldiers or reproducers around, either.

Worker termites and are white and measure about ¼ of an inch long. Soldiers are a similar size but have longer heads and jaws. The “king” and “queen” termites are dark brown or black, and measure ⅜ to ½ of an inch long. They’re solely responsible for repopulating the colony, so any pest control targeting termites should prioritize getting rid of this termite “royalty.”

Termites only leave their colonies to mate. Young termite reproducers pair off and form swarms, and then search for suitable places to live. When a desirable location is found, the “King” and “Queen” excavate a mating chamber and proceed to start a new colony. In early stages, Queens can only lay 10-20 eggs, but if the colony takes off, they may lay up to 1000 eggs a day!

Termite pairsWhy They Infest Houses

Termites are famous for eating wood, including the wood used in manmade structures. This diet helps termites get all of the resources they need to complete their growth and mating cycles. Wood from homes provides them with cellulose, sugars, and starches. Termites can even derive all the protein they need from eating moist wood, which is part of why they’re partial to wet or humid places.

Along with wood to eat, termites require moisture, warmth, and shelter. Colonies often flock to homes because they can provide all of these. After eating, termites have to return to soil to refresh the moisture they lose. They build elaborate tunnel systems through wood and dirt, leading between outside and inside. Colonies typically live in hollowed-out spaces connected to their tunnels.

Termite colonyWhy They’re a Problem

Single worker termites can’t eat much on their own, but whole colonies can eat an astounding amount of wood, and they can get to structures more capably than you’d expect. Slowly but surely, termite damage can compromise your home’s structural integrity.

Enough damage could necessitate an expensive home renovation, and could even be dangerous! In extreme circumstances, termite colonies have done so much damage to a house’s structural foundation that the structure had to be condemned and demolished! Termites also go after wooden furniture. A termite infestation can ruin chairs, tables, floors, and decor. Of all the pest infestations, termites colonies tend to be the most costly.

termite infestationHow You Can Prevent Them

The trick to keeping termites away is to deprive them of the resources they need. Termites burn through a lot of their moisture chewing through wood. Pretty much the only time they stop eating is when they return to wet soil. If you can make sure your attic and basement stay dry, they won’t be as attractive as colonization sites.

The next step to termite protection is simply keeping wood safe. Make sure there’s a barrier of some kind between soil and wooden substructures. Treat any of the wood you can, especially wooden furniture. Store woodpiles on shelving, not the ground. Fix any rotting or plumbing leaks you find quickly. If your garden uses mulch, make sure it’s not cellulose-based. Seal cracks in your foundation, windows, insulation, and exterior walls.

For more ideas on where to start, check out our blog from 2015’s termite awareness day, our blog on combating Michigan’s most pervasive pest problems, or our termite pest control focus page. Remember: no matter how bad the problem, you have resources and options. You can do something about it.

How We Can Stop Them

If you do happen to end up with a termite infestation, call us right away. Griffin’s Termite Protection Program combines the latest science with a customized action plan, designed to your particular problem, needs, and specifications. Not only will we end your current infestation, we’ll help make sure termites can’t get in again.

If you have any more questions about termites, or if you think you may have an infestation, get in touch anytime. The faster you can drive those wood-munchers out, the more money you’ll save in the long run, so don’t hesitate!