Weather Conditions Point to Increased Termite Swarms Throughout Mid-Atlantic States

Moist Soil and Increasing Temperatures Provide "The Perfect Storm" for Termite Activity

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Apr 14, 2011, 03:12 ET

PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts at Western Pest Services, a New Jersey-based pest control company with branches throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, warn that recent weather conditions are creating the "perfect storm" for spring termite activity. Western Pest Services has already seen increased termite activity compared to this time last year.

"The harsh winter in the northern U.S., followed by warm, wet spring temperatures, provide conditions that trigger termite swarm activity," said Phil Pierce, entomologist and technical services manager for Western Pest Services. "Termite swarmers fly out of an established underground colony searching for a place to build a new colony. Since termite activity is hidden, most termite infestations go unnoticed until the termites swarm, and by that time, a property-destroying infestation could have gone unnoticed for quite some time."

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cost U.S. homeowners $5 billion dollars in property damage a year. These wood-destroying pests, which have existed for more than 250 million years, survive year-round in colonies that vary from thousands to millions of termites. Termites find conducive conditions for food and survival in places such as trees, soil and the wooden members of homes and other structures. Subterranean and drywood termites are the most prevalent in the U.S., with subterranean termite swarmer activity peaking during the spring months when temperatures begin to exceed 60 degrees. Subterranean termites cause 95 percent of all termite damage in North America.

"We started seeing termite swarms in the Mid-Atlantic States in late February," said Pierce. "In this area, that's not common."

Pierce recommends that homeowners pay attention to warning signs that indicate termite presence. This includes termite swarms, mud tubes along building foundations, and an accumulation of discarded wings. These visible signs may indicate a larger problem. Subterranean termites swarmers (reproductives) shed their wings once they fly, while the workers, the stage that eats wood, build mud tubes as a protective tunnel between the wood they feed on and their underground colony.

"By contacting a professional for an inspection or termite treatment now, homeowners can proactively reduce termite activity on their property while helping prevent future damage to their homes," said Pierce. "Our inspectors are trained to recognize and recommend changes the homeowner can make to discourage termite activity. Some things are very easy, like moving wood piles away from the house. When there is an infestation, our inspectors are experienced at providing effective solutions."

About Western Pest Services

Founded in 1928, New Jersey-based Western Pest Services serves both residential and commercial customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Western is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Learn more about Western by visiting www.westernpest.com. Connect with Western Pest Services on Facebook and YouTube, or on Twitter @WesternPestSrvc. Learn more about Rollins by visiting www.rollins.com.

SOURCE Western Pest Services