Termites are every homeowner’s nightmare, silently chewing through wood and causing billions in damage annually. Understanding termite season—when these pests are most active—can help you protect your home before costly repairs pile up. At Global Pest Services, we offer free termite inspections and certified structural repair services to keep your property safe. So, when is termite season, and how can you prepare? Let’s break it down.
When is Termite Season?
In the U.S., termite season varies by region due to climate differences. For most areas with warm, humid conditions, spring and summer—March through August—are peak termite season. During these months, subterranean termites, the most common home-damaging species, emerge to mate and establish new nests. Swarming often follows heavy rains, as moist soil helps termites build mud tubes to access your home’s wood.
However, termites don’t vanish outside these months. In milder climates, they remain active year-round, quietly eating through beams, floors, and walls. Even in colder regions, indoor colonies can thrive if your home provides warmth and moisture. Knowing when termites are likely to swarm helps you time inspections, but preparation is a year-round necessity.
Why Termite Season Matters for Homeowners
During termite season, winged termites—called alates—take flight to start new colonies. If you spot these flying pests near your home, it’s a red flag: a mature colony is nearby, possibly already damaging your structure. Swarms are most common in spring after warm rains, but summer heat can trigger them too. Once alates shed their wings, they pair up to burrow and lay eggs, potentially infesting your foundation or crawl space.
Termite damage isn’t just cosmetic. It weakens structural integrity, leading to sagging floors, cracked walls, or even compromised roofs. The average repair cost can hit $3,000-$10,000, and insurance rarely covers it. That’s why Global Pest Services offers free termite inspections—certified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture—to catch issues early. Our inspections use advanced tools like moisture meters to detect hidden activity, saving you from hefty bills.
How to Spot Termites During Peak Season
Recognizing termite signs during spring and summer can prevent major damage. Here’s what to look for:
- Swarming Termites: Winged insects near windows, doors, or lights, often mistaken for flying ants. Discarded wings in piles signal a swarm.
- Mud Tubes: Pencil-thin tunnels along foundations or crawl spaces, used by subterranean termites to travel.
- Hollowed Wood: Tap beams or floorboards—if they sound hollow, termites may have eaten the interior.
- Frass: Tiny, sawdust-like pellets near wood, indicating drywood termite activity.
- Warped or Bubbling Paint: Moisture from termite tunnels can distort wood or bubble paint.
These clues peak in warm months but can appear anytime. If you notice them, don’t wait—schedule a free inspection with Global Pest Services to confirm and act fast.
Preparing Your Home for Termite Season
Preparation is your best defense against termites. Start early—ideally before spring—to fortify your home. Here are practical steps:
- Reduce Moisture: Termites thrive in damp environments. Fix leaky pipes, improve drainage, and use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces. Check gutters to prevent water pooling near your foundation.
- Clear Wood Debris: Remove old stumps, firewood, or mulch from your yard. Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground.
- Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks in foundations, windows, and doors. Install screens on vents to block termite access.
- Maintain Landscaping: Trim bushes and trees away from your home’s exterior—termites use branches as bridges to siding or roofs.
- Schedule Inspections: Annual termite checks catch problems early. Our free inspections, led by certified technicians, use thermal imaging to spot hidden colonies.
These steps disrupt termites’ access to food and water, making your home less inviting during peak season.
Beyond Termite Season: Year-Round Protection
While spring and summer are prime time, termites work 24/7. Indoor colonies can chew through wood even in winter, especially in heated homes. For ongoing protection, consider professional treatments like liquid termiticides or bait stations. Global Pest Services’ 365 Pest Control Guard Program includes quarterly treatments and free re-treatments, ensuring year-round defense.
If termites do strike, damage can be extensive. That’s why we offer certified structural repair services, backed by Virginia Department of Agriculture standards. Our team rebuilds weakened beams, floors, or walls, restoring your home’s integrity with precision. Unlike many pest control companies, we handle both elimination and repairs, saving you the hassle of multiple contractors.
When to Act: Timing is Everything
The best time to prepare is late winter or early spring—before swarms begin. February or March is ideal for inspections and preventative treatments, as termites gear up for activity. If you’re in a high-risk area, don’t skip this step. Post-swarm season (late summer) is also a good time to assess damage and fortify for next year.
For homeowners in Hampton Roads—including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk—local factors like humidity and sandy soils amplify termite risks. Our free inspections are tailored to these conditions, helping you stay one step ahead.
Act Now to Protect Your Home
Termite season may peak in spring and summer, but preparation is a year-round mindset. With Global Pest Services, you get free termite inspections to catch issues early and certified structural repairs if damage occurs. Don’t let termites erode your home’s value—act before swarms hit. Call us at 757-421-7722 or book online for your free inspection today. Protect your investment and sleep easy knowing your home is termite-free!
