Tinton Falls comes alive in spring, with gardens blooming and trees turning green again. But termite colonies may be on the move as residents welcome the warmer weather. Homeowners may notice an increase in termite swarms or fresh signs of damage after a heavy spring storm. The spread of termites during these times is due to the presence of moisture, softened soil, and structural vulnerabilities that storms leave behind. That is why homeowners in Tinton Falls usually need help from pest control experts at alliancepestservices.com. These experts will handle infestations of any size and ensure homes do not deal with the same issues again in the future. Below are factors that contribute to the spread of termites following storms in spring:
Moisture
Spring storms soak the ground, raising humidity levels and softening soil around homes. This creates perfect conditions for termites to expand their tunnels and reach new food sources. Termites depend on moisture to survive because their thin exoskeletons dry out quickly. After rainfall, damp soil allows them to move freely without exposure to sunlight or dry air. The waterlogged ground also helps maintain the humid environment they need inside their underground colonies.
Storm Damage
Termites can exploit the physical damage that storms cause. Heavy rain, hail, and high winds can weaken roofing, siding, and window frames. Even small cracks or gaps left behind create fresh access points for termites.
Wooden materials exposed to rain absorb moisture. Damp wood becomes softer and easier for termites to chew through. Also, fallen branches or debris piled near the foundation give them natural bridges from the soil to the house. These conditions usually appear in neighborhoods with older homes or wooded surroundings after a spring storm. Early inspection after a storm is key to stopping them from turning storm damage into a nesting opportunity.
Swarming Season
Spring marks the height of termite swarming season in New Jersey. Swarmers are winged reproductive termites that leave their colonies to start new ones. They emerge once the temperature warms and humidity rises.
The air becomes heavy with moisture and the ground stays damp after rainfall. These tell swarmers that it is time to to take flight. The soft soil makes it easier for them to burrow once they shed their wings and build new colonies. Multiple storms may hit Tinton Falls back-to-back in spring, so the process repeats, helping colonies spread faster across properties.
Flooding and Foundation Moisture
Water may seep into crawl spaces and basements when heavy rain or flooding occurs. Tinton Falls’ clay-heavy soil holds moisture longer, keeping foundations damp for weeks. Termites thrive in this type of environment because it protects them from drying out while providing access to structural wood.
Flooding also washes away soil barriers that might have been part of a pest control treatment. Termites regain easy access to the property when those barriers break down. This is why infestations may appear soon after long rainy periods.
Termites that establish themselves near wet foundations will expand upward. They use wooden joists, beams, and insulation as feeding grounds. Even a minor leak or standing water under a home can support thousands of termites. Keeping these spaces dry through dehumidifiers or sump pumps helps reduce long-term risk.
Fallen Trees and Mulch Attract Termites
Spring storms may leave behind fallen limbs, tree stumps, and piles of wet mulch. These materials provide termites with an easy food source, shelter, and direct pathways to nearby structures. Debris that stays close to foundations makes it easier for termites to move from rotting wood to the home itself. In some cases, homeowners unknowingly worsen the problem by using storm debris as mulch or leaving damp wood near the siding.
Mulch traps moisture around the foundation and can harbor termite colonies beneath its surface. So, it’s essential to maintain at least a foot of clearance between mulch and walls to prevent infestations. Also, removing dead trees and branches promptly cuts off the easy bridge termites often use after storms.
