Spring has sprung, and so have termites! With warmer weather comes peak termite season, making it the perfect time for Invicta Pest Control to team up with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for Termite Awareness Week, which is taking place March 2-8, 2025. Recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events, this annual observance shines a spotlight on the billions of dollars in damage termites cause to homes every year and serves as a critical reminder for homeowners to take action against these silent destroyers before it’s too late.
Why Termite Awareness Week Matters
Termites may be tiny, but their impact is colossal. According to NPMA, termites cause over $6.8 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., a cost that’s rarely covered by homeowners’ insurance. These relentless pests, including subterranean, drywood, and Formosan termites, are notorious for their ability to infiltrate homes unnoticed, leaving extensive destruction in their wake if not caught early.
“Termites are masters of stealth,” said Michael Gilbert, board-certified entomologist at Invicta Pest Control. “By the time you notice visible damage, the infestation is often well established, with costly repairs on the horizon. That’s why scheduling an annual inspection with a licensed pest control professional is essential to protecting your home and peace of mind.”
Early Warning Signs of a Termite Problem
During Termite Awareness Week, homeowners are encouraged to look out for early warning signs of termite activity, including:
- 1. Mud tubes along walls and foundations
- 2. Discarded wings near windows or doors
- 3. Wood that is damaged or sounds hollow when tapped
- 4. Uneven or bubbling paint on wood surfaces
How to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Termites
In addition to scheduling annual inspections, homeowners can take simple steps to make their homes less attractive to termites:
- 1. Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks and maintaining proper drainage around building foundations.
- 2. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- 3. Repair damaged roof shingles and seal cracks in the foundation.
- 4. Keep an 18-inch gap between soil and any wooden parts of your home.
- 5. Don’t let mulch pile up against building foundations
Related reading: Termite Protection Can Prevent Major Damage and How Winter Damage Could Invite Termites.
For more on termite identification and treatment: Invicta termite control service | NPMA: Termite Pest Library.
What Termite Awareness Week Means for Raleigh Homeowners
Termite Awareness Week falls in March every year — and that is not a coincidence. March is when subterranean termite colonies in North Carolina begin their annual spring swarm. If you are going to see termite activity around your house, this is the window you will see it in.
A termite swarm looks dramatic but is actually a good sign — it means the colony is established and you have a clear visual cue to act on. Swarmers are roughly half-inch winged insects, often confused with flying ants. The easy tells: termite swarmers have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick body without a pinched waist. Flying ants have bent antennae, wings of different lengths, and the classic narrow ant waist.
If you see a swarm — inside or outside — vacuum up a few samples in a clear plastic bag and call us. We can confirm the ID and walk your property to find the source colony, often within the same day during peak season.
