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Asante's Innovative Termite Warning System: Keeping Homes Safe

Asante, a leading company specializing in comprehensive home maintenance services, have made significant strides in enhancing termite prevention measures. Recently, they unveiled their proprietary "Termite Warning System" on their website, a unique initiative that offers timely information on the emergence of termite swarmers across 27 prefectures in Japan. This announcement is particularly timely as the swarming of winged termites this year is projected to occur slightly earlier than usual.

Understanding the Termite Warning System

Launched in 2007, the "Termite Warning System" is Japan's first initiative that notifies the public about the emergence of winged termites. Asante leverages the last decade's worth of swarm data coupled with climate statistics to forecast the peak times when these unwanted visitors take flight. The system includes both forecasts and real-time alerts based on customer-reported sightings of winged termites, primarily the Yamato termite. Typically, these insects appear only once a year between April and June, and many homeowners may not realize their potential for damage until it’s too late.

Year 2025 Forecasts

Asante’s unique analysis predicts that the peak of the Yamato termite swarming will occur around the same time as previous years, or perhaps slightly earlier than the norm due to increased temperatures observed nationwide earlier this April. Increased activity can be expected especially during warming afternoons following rain.

Overview of the Warning System

• - Investigation Period: Data is collected annually from April to June over a ten-year period (2015-2024).
• - Methodology: The company gathers customer reports of winged termite sightings and compiles this data by month and by prefecture.
• - Geographic Scope: The data is derived from numerous prefectures including Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, Niigata, Ibaraki, and more — across Asante's operational regions.
• - Platform Availability: The details can be accessed on Asante's official web page, which is live until July 2025.

For those interested, Asante has also collaborated with Weather Map to introduce the "Real-Time Termite Map" allowing users to visualize current termite activity in their vicinity.

Visit Asante's Termite Alert Page Here

Identifying the Signs of Termite Infestation

With winged termites taking flight during this seasonal period, it is crucial for homeowners to be observant. In Japan, the primary culprits causing significant structural damage are the Yamato and the Japanese termite. These termites can be active year-round, though they typically swarm between April to May (up to June in the Tohoku region) and from May to July for the Japanese termite. If homeowners spot these winged insects around their houses, it may indicate the presence of an established nest nearby.

Immediate Response to Sightings

Finding swarms of winged termites is a clear indication that a developed nest is nearby, potentially leading to significant damage. For immediate, temporary measures, homeowners can vacuum the insects or wash them away with warm water in areas like the entrance or bathroom. Nevertheless, using insecticides is not recommended, as winged termites may retreat into the ground, complicating the issue. It's crucial that homeowners contact experts for proper investigation and remediation strategies. If possible, retain some of the insects in a tissue for expert analysis.

Expert Insights

Tomoda Yuto, the CCO and Home Inspector at Sakura Office, notes that the market for used residences in metropolitan areas has been increasingly active, with a reported 10.2% year-on-year increase in transactions of used houses for the year 2024. For those considering purchasing older properties, understanding the risks of termite damage—and the importance of home inspections —is paramount. Tomoda comments on the increasing necessity for buyers to be aware of these risks in the active housing market.

About Asante

Founded in 1970, Asante has been a pioneering force in termite control and comprehensive home maintenance services in Japan for over 50 years. Their mission is to uphold safety for their clients while also extending the life of wooden structures, thereby contributing to environmental conservation as well as preserving Japan’s timber culture for future generations.

For More Information
Official website: Asante
YouTube Channel: Asante Termite Awareness Channel
Instagram: Asante Instagram
X: Termite Detection Dog Noah