What You Need to Know About Termites in Vermont
Termites are active throughout Vermont and can pose serious risks to your property.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- How to tell if you have a termite infestation
- Are termites a problem in Vermont?
- What to do if you have termites
- How to save money on homeowners insurance
- FAQs
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When you think of
Vermont
, you probably think of hiking through picturesque forests or skiing down snow-covered mountains. While many folks are fortunate to call Vermont home, they must be wary of a certain unexpected visitor: termites.Subterranean termite colonies are commonly found throughout southern Vermont cities, making many homeowners susceptible to damages from these pesky insects.
Knowing what signs to watch out for and preventative steps to take can save you the cost and inconvenience of property damages. Luckily, the
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How to tell if you have a termite infestation
One of the main concerns with termites is their ability to cause damage without being noticed for long periods. If you can recognize the signs of infestation early on, you can avoid much of the destruction that a colony may cause.
Keep an eye out for the following signs of termite infestation:
- Termite swarms: A termite swarm occurs when reproductive termites leave the underground nest to form a new colony. Termite swarms happen very quickly and are easily missed. Watch out for discarded wings on your window sills or home entry point, as they are often discarded after the flight.
- Termite tunnels: Termites form mud tubes of dirt and cellulose and use them to travel in the soil. These tunnels will appear as brown trails that are roughly the width of a pencil and often lead into your home’s foundation.
- Damaged wood: Damaged wood is less easy to spot, as termites typically do the most damage to the interiors of walls and floors. If you can see visible damage to the wood in your home, the damage is likely significant.
- Tap or knock on walls to check for a hollow sound. Hollow-sounding wood is most likely damaged by termites.
Key Takeaway Regularly checking for such signs as termite swarms, mud tunnels, and weakened wood can help you catch infestations early and avoid further damages.
Are termites a problem in Vermont?
According to the US Forest Services’
Termite Infestation Probability Zones
map, the southern portion of Vermont is in a slight to moderate probability zone, making it the area of the state most vulnerable to termite infestation.Even people in low probability areas should still exercise caution and use prevention strategies to avoid any potential damages. To be a responsible homeowner in Vermont, you should develop an understanding of the types of termites and their activity patterns.
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the only species of termite in Vermont, making it easier for homeowners to recognize the signs of an infestation. Swarms of this species typically occur on a warm day after a rainfall between March and May.
These termites infest homes by building mud tubes to access untreated walls, doors, or trims.
The subterranean species is highly destructive and can cause buildings and homes to weaken and collapse.
Drywood termites
Although drywood termites have yet to establish colonies in Vermont, these insects may travel to Vermont from transported wooden objects like crates.
Damage from these pests is typically extensive and costly to repair. Be alert on days of high temperatures and heavy rains, as such weather can instigate a drywood termite swarm.
MORE: The 16 perils of home insurance
What to do if you have termites
If you suspect you have a termite infestation, the best course of action is to call a professional pest control company to exterminate the population.
Three main methods of extermination may be used:
- Liquid pesticide barrier: This method will create a lasting chemical moat around the perimeter of your home that will kill any termites that attempt to cross it.
- Baiting: This method of extermination uses small batches of bait to attract the species and exterminate the colony. It's a less invasive approach, so it may take months for the extermination to be complete.
- Fumigation: The most invasive approach, fumigation pumps gas into your home to kill all termites at once. This method is used for major infestations and requires that inhabitants of the home (including pets) wait at least 24 hours after the fumigation to return to the home.
How to save money on homeowners insurance
Knowing the warning signs of termite infestations may save you thousands of dollars in repairs, since termite damage is not covered by most home insurance policies.
To protect yourself from other situations, like fire or theft, you’ll want the right home insurance policy in place, and
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FAQs
Do most homes in Vermont have termites?
The probability of a termite infestation in Vermont is lower than in many other states. If you live in the southern part of Vermont, you are at the highest risk of an infestation.
How often should you treat your Vermont home for termites?
If you are treating an infestation in your home with bait stations, a professional should be monitoring the treatment every few months. Liquid termiticide, however, can last for about five years.
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