Typically, when someone mentions December, the first thoughts that come to people’s minds are about the holiday festivities, the inclement weather, and the approaching New Year. Yet, for homeowners in Columbia, South Carolina, December is a great opportunity to have a termite inspection done.
Even though most people think of termites in the context of warmer weather, here in the Southeast, they are a year-round threat. Taking a proactive step in December to better ensure the integrity of your home and set up an end-of-the-year termite inspection Columbia, SC.
Understanding the Termite Threat in Columbia, SC
With its temperate winters and wet weather, South Carolina creates perfect conditions for termites – especially subterranean termites. These pests, in all their life stages, are among the most destructive home-wreckers in the United States, capable of causing massive structural damage if they are not found and stopped in time.
Subterranean termites, South Carolina’s most prevalent and dangerous termite species, do not slow down or take a break for winter. Even though termites are less visible in December, their colonies are very much alive and functioning below ground.
Why December?
A home with less clutter is easier to inspect. By December, the majority of homes have undergone some form of cleanup since the fall. The outdoor spaces of the home are typically more organized and more accessible. Pest control professionals have the ability to get to the areas that they need to in order to perform a proper inspection.
In the past, pest inspectors had to check the foundation, crawl spaces, and outside walls of the home for infestations. These days, it’s a lot easier to see the signs of pest issues (or lack thereof) when the pest control inspector doesn’t have to work around a bunch of outdoor obstacles.
Planning Ahead for a Termite-Free Spring
Termites swarm in the spring, and warm weather can bring out large numbers of these wood-destroying insects. If you think you may have termites, a good time to schedule a termite inspection Columbia, SC is a few months before spring.
You and the inspector can look over your home in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of time to examine nooks and crannies. If the inspection reveals problems, you can make plans with the pest control service well before the spring swarming starts and the termites are primed to invade.
What to Expect During a December Termite Inspection
When you hire a professional to inspect your home for termites, you get a careful, detailed examination of the interior and exterior. The people doing the inspection will look for signs that termites are or have been living in your home, including:
Focusing on Moisture-Prone Areas
This includes basements, crawl spaces, and places close to plumbing. These are attractive environments for termites, which prefer damp homes.
Looking for Mud Tubes
This includes walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces. They’ll check for hollow-sounding wood that may indicate internal damage.
Visible Damage to Wooden Structures like Beams or Floor Joists
These problems can oftentimes (but not always) be due to live termites. Inspectors will pay special attention to visual and auditory inspections of the soil and wood around these structures to catch any signs of live insects.Tips for Homeowners in Columbia, SC
Keep Moisture under Control
Termites love to live where it’s wet. Make sure your gutters are clean, your downspouts direct water well away from your foundation, and there aren’t any leaks in your plumbing.
Eliminate Ground-to-Wood Contact
Do not keep firewood or wooden waste right next to your house, since storing it near your home’s foundation can lead to termite issues. Instead, keep all wooden materials well away from your home’s foundation – no less than 10 to 12 feet from the exterior walls.
Make Sure You Have Regular Inspections
It’s important to have regular termite inspection Columbia, SC even if you have not noticed any signs of termites. This is vital for the early detection of and protection against these pests.
Invest in Preventative Treatments
Think about applying a barrier treatment or installing bait stations to keep termites from invading your property.
The Long-Term Benefits of a December Termite Inspection
If you take the initiative, you can establish the enduring safety and stability of your home. Early detection and treatment of termites only proves beneficial. Termites are a version of the common cold – an ever-present danger that you can’t escape in this part of the country. Taking action in December will likely set up the next year to be termite-free.
Don’t Wait Until the New Year to Schedule Your Termite Inspection Columbia, SC
It may not appear that December is the ideal time for a termite inspection, yet for residents of Columbia, SC, it’s the perfect opportunity. Milder weather, minimal outdoor clutter, and the chance to look ahead to spring all make this month an appropriate time to consider the prospect of an inspection.