Things to Consider: Termite Protection for Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Termite Protection for Swimming Pools

If you or someone you know has a swimming pool, consider termite protection, because termites are attracted to water. We recently received a call at The Bug Man office from a customer who discovered termite damage in the vinyl lining of their swimming pool.

“But termites eat wood,” you reply. “They don’t eat plastic. Why would they eat the liner?”

Termites are able to sense when there is water on the other side of a pool liner. So, if they are desperate enough, they will eat through the liner to get to the water.
The damage caused by termites to pool liners is often gradual. People may not suddenly notice it. However, they may see that their water gets a little low sometimes, yet think nothing of it. Eventually, they may also find tiny little holes in the pool liners. The tiny holes likely came from termites eating the lining to get to the water.

Pools that don’t use liners are not immune to termite damage. Due to a number of factors, and the GIANT source of water, many pools are at risk.

Closely related items in this conversation are hot tubs. They too are a source of water and are often covered with wood.

In case you’re not that familiar with the lifestyle of a termite, their colonies are forever on the hunt for food and water. Many pools and spas are built with wooden framing at the bottom or underneath the vinyl. Lots of pools and spas have a wooden decks surrounding them. The combination of wood touching the ground and a huge source of water inside is quite dangerous.

So what should you do if you had no idea that you needed to protect your pool and hot tub from a termite attack? Well, we recommend inspecting your pool and/or spa to check for damage.

However, we cannot do a termite treatment or an inspection on a pool if it is full of water. We can only do an inspection and a treatment during the construction stage, or if the liner is being replaced. If you’re in the Rutherford and Wilson county areas of Middle Tennessee, we can come out for a free termite inspection. We would be happy to provide you with a free quote and a treatment plan.

Your pool and hot tub are for your enjoyment. They are not meant to be a termite buffet.

If you know somebody who has a pool or spa, please inform them that they may need termite protection. Lots of people are unaware that termites target pools and spas. It’s easy to share this article on Facebook, send out a quick tweet or email it to a friend or family member.

For a free quote, reach out today!

Termite Swarms in Smyrna and Murfreesboro Tennessee

Termite Swarm

Termites are on the move in Middle Tennessee. They can be identified as ants with wings and can swarm by the thousands.

Termite Swarmers – A Termite Story from March 2011
The Bug Man received our first termite swarm call this week.  This occurred in Smyrna at a residential slab home.  The termites entered the structure behind the refrigerator through a crack in the concrete slab.  During the inspection, we found that the termites have damaged the walls and trim behind the refrigerator.  In this situation, we will recommend a soil treatment to eliminate the termite colony and recommend the damages be repaired.  In this case, the termites were discovered early and only minor damage has occurred.

Termite swarms are usually the first evidence a homeowner will discover when they have a termite infestation.  They are described by many homeowners as flying ants, or ants with wings. A homeowner may also discover mud shelter tubes on foundation walls built by the termites.  These shelter tubes provide a highway between the soil and the food source, and help protect them from predators.  Shelter tubes can be found on crawl space walls, exterior walls, on interior walls and in cracks between moldings.

If you ever experience a swarm of  “ant-like” bugs in or around your home, we recommend that you have them identified by a professional. Termites will usually swarm between March and June in the Middle Tennessee area.  The swarms are triggered by humidity and temperature.  We will usually have a significant number of calls after a heavy rainfall when the humidity levels are high.  Swarms usually occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  If you arrive home from work and find large quantities of bugs on the floors and windowsills, this is a good indication that you have experienced a termite swarm.   Catching a termite infestation early is the key to preventing damage to your home.  A trained professional knows where to look and what to look for when it comes to termites.

Termites are still swarming now in May. Here’s a video of a termite swarm in Murfreesboro in May 2011:

We are always here to answer any questions you may have about all your pest needs.  The Bug Man 615-217-7284