Bradenton is the hot center of the construction industry, and new neighborhoods and modern houses are brightening the area. However, underneath the sheen of these nice new builds are costly issues, which many homeowners only find out about far too late. Newly constructed properties in the area are being attacked by subterranean termites that are creeping in and wreaking thousands of dollars of damage to the structure.
Most homebuilders care more about getting houses done as quickly as possible, which can result in buying a home subject to potential infestation, possibly within just a few years of moving into their new home. Instead, a timely professional pest control service from Prodigy Pest experts can identify weaknesses before they turn into an expensive headache.
Why Are New Housing Developments at Risk for Subterranean Termites?
- Construction Materials Attract Hungry Colonies
Termites are coming to new developments that use miles of untreated lumber and cellulose-based materials with which termites have a pre-installed attraction. The new wood has a greater moisture content, and that makes it even more attractive to them. Construction debris left in soil around foundations provides extra feeding sites.
- Soil Disruption Exposes Existing Colonies
Clearing and grading of land disrupts the permanent colonies of termites that are already inhabiting the soil. Rather than destroying them, this will usually spread termites across the development site. Colony-splitting near home foundations in search of shelter and food resources.
- Landscaping Creates Moisture Problems
Many new developments include extensive irrigation systems and recent landscaping. Watering too much introduces the moisture that termites need to thrive. Moisture and food for the bugs, such as mulch beds in contact with the home foundation, are highways for the movement of termites.
- Rushed Construction Timelines Skip Prevention
Some builders skip crucial termite prevention stages to get the job done quickly. On day one, properties limp under the burden of inadequate soil treatment, lack of moisture barriers, and improper inspection periods.
- Neighborhood Density Spreads Infestations
Because these tiny creatures dig tunnels underground, the risk of spreading from one home to another is high when the houses are built up so closely together. An infestation that goes untreated may leap to many other rooms in the same development within months.
How Does Bradenton’s Climate Fuel Termite Growth?
Ground termites thrive in the warm, humid conditions experienced in Bradenton all year round. Having average temperatures between 65°F and 85°F year-round, these pests are active during the months when northern climates experience population depressions. The moisture termites need to survive and grow their colonies comes from the region that receives about 54 inches of rain every year.
In a subtropical climate, termite colonies can increase in size and produce generations faster than in a cooler atmosphere. During the summer, the temperature rises well above 90°F, and the humidity is more than 70%; conditions become perfect for breeding. Even during winter months, the temperature seldom falls below 50°F, and colonies can remain active at levels not possible in colder areas.
Bradenton receives additional humidification from the Gulf of Mexico with sea breezes, and episodically from tropical weather systems. Such perpetual humidity maintains soil moisture in the area, to ensure the ground retains most of the moisture needed by vast tunnel systems that initiate outside the forest and run under homes. Along with the temperature, humidity, and sandy soil, this area is especially prone to attacks from Eastern subterranean termites.
How Can Expert Inspections Protect New Properties Long-Term?
New Bradenton developments need the early detection and prevention methods that a professional termite inspector can provide. Specialized technicians know regional termite behavior and can spot susceptible regions before infestations settle in.
A company such as Prodigy Pest Control, with experience working with Bradenton termites, knows what to look for during a new property inspection. Their advanced detection gear can detect your termite activity in its earliest form, when treatment methods can be at their least costly and most effective. Their technicians know how things are built in the area and how the type of weather conditions affects neighborhood-specific risk factors.