Spring is termite season, and experts are predicting a particularly active one this year because of our mild winter.
Termite season is the time when infestations and swarms are seen.
Regardless of where you live, when the temperature rises, particularly if you live in an area with a lot of rain, termites become more prevalent.
Now is the time to have your home inspected and, if necessary, treated for termites.
How Termites Work Colonies of termites can live under homes for several years before they eventually make their way inside.
They work silently and invisibly, and are small enough to get inside of basements, crawl spaces, and concrete slabs through cracks and openings as small as 1/32nd of an inch.
Termites are tiny, but powerful.
They can chew through wood, flooring, and even sheet rock.
Because termites eat wood from the inside out, they can do widespread damage for years before they are detected, and can even compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Know the Signs of an Infestation By identifying signs of an infestation early, you can save a lot of money, and perhaps your home.
Here are a few:

• Hollow-sounding wood - If wood sounds hollow when you tap it, it may be because termites are eating it from the inside out.
  
• Groups of winged insects ("swarmers") or discarded wings.
  
• Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces - Termites can enter through the thinnest of cracks, and are particularly likely to enter a house near the foundation, roof siding, vents, and windows.
  
• Mud tubes on exterior walls - Subterranean termites build these on the surfaces, like your home's foundation.
  The tubes provide moisture while they are searching for food.
  That is why it is best to store things like mulch, firewood, and wood chips away from the home.
  They provide tempting moist areas for termites to live.
  If they are against your home, it's an easy trip inside.
  
• Wood-colored droppings called "frass" - These are left by termites as they eat through infested wood.
  That is why it is important to keep gutters, downspouts and crawl spaces free of debris and insulation materials.
  

When to Call a Termite Control Expert If you suspect termites, or if any of your neighbors have them, it is best to call a termite control specialist immediately.
A pest control expert will inspect your home inside and out for areas that are vulnerable to termite infestation.
Some termite control experts will do a free inspection.
If they find signs of termites, they can recommend the best treatment method for your particular home or business.
Termites cause more damage to homes than fires, storms, and earthquakes combined.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage every year.
That is why it essential to take the simple precautions outlined to avoid an infestation, and to find any termites before you begin to see their effects on your home or office.