Navigating Termite Season: Essential Tips for Homeowners

When we talk about a "season" for something, we usually mean the time when it’s most active—like basketball season in winter or baseball season in the spring and summer. Pests have their seasons, too. We all know when mosquito season kicks in (and we count down the days until it’s over). But what about termites? Spring is often called "termite season," but that term can be misleading. Harris Pest Control is here to break it down—what termite season really means, why it matters, and how you can protect your South Carolina home year-round.

Understanding termite behavior

Termites are social insects that live in large, organized colonies. Their diet? The cellulose found in wood. Worker termites collect food for the entire colony—including soldiers, reproductive termites, and the young. Often numbering in the hundreds of thousands, colonies can consume a lot of wood over time.

Because of South Carolina’s mild winters and comfortable conditions inside homes, termites don’t take a break like some other pests. They’re active all year long, silently damaging wooden structures without drawing much attention. Since they do most of their work out of sight, termites can go undetected for months—or even years.

When does the termite season peak?

Once a termite colony matures, young reproductive termites emerge to find mates and start new colonies. This event, known as a termite swarm, usually happens in the spring. These winged termites take flight on warm days, often after rain, searching for a new place to call home.

If you don’t see the swarm itself, you might notice piles of discarded wings—an unmistakable sign that termite swarmers are on the move. While spring is the peak time for swarming, termites don’t follow a set calendar. They remain active year-round, quietly causing damage.

Signs of termite infestation in your home

Since termites stay hidden most of the time, knowing the signs of an infestation is crucial. Catching these wood-destroying insects early can save you from costly repairs. Here are some key indicators:

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Blistering or bubbling paint and wallpaper
• Mud tubes on foundation walls
• Discarded termite wings or swarming termites
• Stiff or difficult-to-open doors and windows

Tips for preventing a termite infestation

While knowing the warning signs is important, prevention is even better. Stopping termites before they get inside can save you a lot of trouble. Here’s how to protect your home:

• Schedule regular inspections: Have a professional pest control expert conduct an annual termite inspection.
• Keep wood away from the foundation: Avoid wood-to-soil contact, including firewood stacks and fence posts buried in the ground.
• Eliminate excess moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to make your home less appealing to termites.
• Seal gaps and cracks: Tiny openings in your foundation, windows, and doors can provide entry points for termites.
• Maintain ventilation: Keep crawl spaces and basements well-ventilated to reduce moisture buildup.
• Invest in professional termite protection: A trusted termite control plan offers year-round peace of mind.

Professional termite control services from Harris Pest Control

DIY termite prevention can help, but your home is still at risk without professional termite control. With Harris Pest Control, you get complete protection, so you don’t have to worry.

Available in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and throughout our Pee Dee and Grand Strand service areas, our termite control starts with a thorough inspection to check for activity, damage, and potential entry points. We assess the situation and recommend the best treatment plan if termites are found. With over 50 years of experience, we use trusted, effective solutions:

• Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System with Always Active™: An eco-friendly baiting system ideal for homes with no current termite activity.
• Termidor® SC Liquid Treatment: A liquid treatment that eliminates active infestations and prevents future ones.

No matter what your home needs, Harris Pest Control has you covered. Plus, our treatments come with a transferable and renewable termite re-treatment warranty. If termites return during the warranty period, we’ll re-treat at no extra cost.

Don’t wait until termites cause costly damage. Contact our termite experts today to schedule your inspection and protect your home—this season and beyond!