Why Fall Is an Overlooked Time for Termite Activity
Termites don’t take a break in the fall
The termite swarming season is primarily in spring when reproductive termites leave the colony to mate and establish new colonies. It’s during this time you’re most likely to notice them. However, once the swarms subside, termites return underground, making them far more challenging to detect. Many homeowners assume that because they don’t see termites, the problem has gone away, but termite colonies are still active, growing, and feeding on wood and cellulose materials.
Fall activity can be even more dangerous than spring activity
With fewer visible signs of termites and less vigilant homeowners, infestations often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Termites can quietly invade your walls and areas like attic beams, support joists, and crawl spaces, chewing through wood and weakening structures over time.
Termites survive colder weather
Some homeowners mistakenly think termites can’t survive the upcoming winter, but that’s not true. Even if North Atlanta experiences a colder-than-usual winter, termites simply retreat to areas where temperatures remain stable. This might be deep underground or inside your climate-controlled home. Their activity doesn’t stop; they just move to places where they stay hidden and protected.
Pro Tip: Even if your home looks fine, termite activity in the fall can silently cause damage. Regular inspections now can prevent costly repairs later.
Fall Prevention Checklist for Termites
Protecting your home from termites is about being proactive, not reactive. Combining DIY prevention measures with professional termite control provides the strongest defense. Homes in Alpharetta, Duluth, and throughout North Atlanta that aren’t actively protected are at high risk for infestations, and once termites get in, damage can happen quickly.
DIY Termite Prevention Tips:
- Seal gaps and cracks: Check doors, windows, and your foundation for openings that termites could use to gain entry. Even small gaps in siding or around utility pipes can be a doorway.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact: Termites often enter homes where wood touches the ground. Move firewood off the soil, adjust fence posts, and ensure mulch isn’t piled directly against your foundation.
- Control moisture: Termites are attracted to damp environments. Keep gutters clean, ensure proper drainage around your foundation, and repair leaking pipes or faucets near wooden structures.
- Remove decaying wood and organic debris: Rotting wood, stumps, and damp mulch near your home create a perfect environment for termites. Clear these items from your property.
- Schedule a professional termite inspection: Even the most diligent DIY prevention isn’t enough. A professional can identify subtle signs of termite activity, such as hollow-sounding wood, small mud tubes, or damaged wooden structures.
Remember: DIY methods make your home less inviting to termites, but don’t eliminate nearby colonies. Professional monitoring is key.
How got bugs? Termite & Pest Can Help
Once termites establish a presence near your home, it’s only a matter of time before they invade. That’s why relying on DIY methods alone isn’t enough. At got bugs?, we back your preventive efforts with professional termite solutions tailored to your property.
Our termite control and prevention services include:
Trelona® ATBS baiting systems
These systems eliminate entire colonies before termites even reach your home. The bait attracts termites, who carry it back to the colony, effectively reducing the population at its source.
Termidor® liquid barriers
This solution targets active infestations, creating a protective barrier around your home that stops termites from entering and eliminates existing termite colonies.
Why professional control matters: Termites are highly organized and difficult to detect early. They can silently cause structural damage over months or even years. Professional solutions provide peace of mind, knowing your home is monitored and protected year-round.
Whether you’re getting ready for winter, noticing early signs of termites, or want to prevent infestations before they start, got bugs? ensures your home stays safe from these wood-destroying pests. By combining DIY prevention with professional termite control, you’re giving your property the best defense possible.
Contact us today to protect your home from termite damage and prevent costly repairs down the road.
