Termite swarmers are moving across Albany, and residents are doing everything they can to protect their homes. It doesn't matter if you see a hundred termites swarming a light or just a few, it can strike terror into your soul if you're a homeowner. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and make your home less of a target.

1. Make sure your gutters are working. Clean out any obstruction that keeps water from flowing out and away from your home. When gutters overflow, the water can soak the wood of your home, making it attractive to termites.

2. Leaking spigots. When fighting termites it is also important to make sure you don't have any leaks. Standing water around the outside of your home will lure termites in to nest. If you have areas where water collects, fill those areas in and force the water away from your exterior walls.

3. Termites are drawn to light. At night, you can see them swarming around lights all over Albany. Exterior lighting is a strong attractant for this wood-eating pest. But is keeping your lights off at night the best solution? Experts say it can be, but you have to consider home protection when deciding whether or not to keep those lights off. Another option is replacing exterior white lights with termite-resistant yellow lights. You will still have light coverage to deter human trespassers while making your lights less interesting to termites.

4. If you find swarmers inside your home, quickly vacuum them up and dispose of the bag.

5. Check window and door seals near the ceiling. If termites can easily gain access to wall voids they will be more likely to establish a colony.

Experts say the best way to protect your home is to have a professional pest control operator treat and check your home on a scheduled basis. Don't wait till you see termites fluttering around your exterior lights. By then you may have to wait for service.

Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage each year in the United States. These insects can weaken support beams and warp the structure of a home, creating home repairs that are difficult or impossible to fix. When it comes to protecting your home equity, yearly termite protection is a sound investment. Don't let termites catch you off guard. Make termite protection a part of your financial plan.

For effective termite control in Albany and the Capital district and Adirondack regions, contact us today!