Key Takeaways:
- Termite swarms usually happen in the spring.
- It could be termites if you see a swarm of insects near your home.
- Termites are disastrous to your home if they’re not exterminated.
- You should call a pest control company to help get rid of termites.
If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably well aware of the importance of termite prevention and treatment. They can cause severe damage to your home if left unchecked. But did you know there’s a specific time of year when termites are especially likely to swarm? That’s right – spring is when these pesky critters are most active, and it’s essential to be mindful of what to look for during this time. So, if you’re worried about termites or want to learn more about them, read! In this blog post, Classic Pest Control Operators, Inc. will discuss what you need to know about termite swarming season to protect your home from these pesky critters.
What Are Termites?
Termites are tiny, winged insects that reside in colonies underground. These colonies can number in the thousands and cause extensive damage to homes if left unchecked. Termites are accountable for $5 Billion worth of damage each year in the United States alone. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation and take steps to avert them from taking over your home.
Termite Swarms: What Are They?
A termite swarm takes place when a group of winged termites leaves their nest, searching for a new place to build a colony. This usually occurs in the springtime, although it can also happen in the fall. Swarms typically only last a few hours, but thousands of termites can emerge from their nest. After a termite swarm, the winged termites shed their wings and pair up with another termite to start a new colony.
Signs of a Termite Swarm
There are a few crystal clear signs that you may have a termite swarm on your hands:
- Winged insects flying around your home or near your foundation
- Piles of wings left behind by the termites
- Small holes in wood surfaces near where you saw the swarm
If you encounter any of these signs, you must immediately call a professional. A trained exterminator can determine whether you have a termite problem and devise a plan to eliminate the pests.
How to Prevent Termites
While you can’t prevent termites from swarming near your home, there are a few valuable things you can do to deter them from taking up residence:
1. Remove Any Wood That’s Touching Your Home
Termites are attracted to wood, so they’re more likely to build their nests in homes with wood siding or decks. If you have any wood touching your home, remove it or keep it at least six inches away from the foundation.
2. Store Firewood & Lumber Away from Your House
If you have a woodpile or lumber in your yard, ensure it’s at least 20 feet away from your house. Termites are attracted to the moisture in wood, so they’re more likely to nest in areas with a lot of wood.
3. Fix Any Leaks in Your Plumbing
Termites are attracted to moisture, so they’re more likely to build their nests in homes with plumbing leaks. If you have any leaks, ensure you fix them as soon as possible.
4. Ventilate Your Crawl Space
If you have a crawl space, make sure it’s well-ventilated. Termites are attracted to damp, dark places, so ventilating your crawl space will help keep them away.
5. Get Rid of Any Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for termites, so getting rid of any sources of standing water on your property is essential. This includes fixing leaky pipes or drains and ensuring no water pooling around your home.
6. Inspect Your Home Regularly
The best way to avert termite damage is to inspect your home regularly for signs of an infestation. Call a pest control professional immediately if you see swarmers or mud tubes.
Some Myths About Termite Swarm Debunked.
In this section, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about termite swarms:
1. Myth: If You See a Swarm of Termites, Your Home Is Automatically Infested and Will Be Destroyed.
This is false. Just because you see a few termites flying outside doesn’t mean your whole house will be destroyed. Most homes severely damaged by termites have had an infestation for years without the owners realizing it.
2. Myth: All Swarming Termites Are Male.
Both genders swarm. The only difference is that the males have wings and the females don’t. Both sexes are capable of causing damage to your home, so don’t think you’re in the clear just because you see a few wingless termites scuttling around.
3. Myth: Once the Swarms Mate, They Die
Nope! If anything, they’re just getting started. After mating, the female swarmer will shed her wings and find a place to create a new colony. The male swarmer will do the same, although he may mate with multiple females before settling down.
4. Myth: Swarming Termites Only Swarm During the Day
Swarming termites are more likely to swarm at night. However, it’s not unheard of for them to swarm during the day, especially if the temperature is just right. If you see a cloud of flying ants near your home, there’s a good chance it’s a swarm of termites looking for a new place to set up shop.
5. Myth: Swarming Occurs Any Time of The Year
Wrong! In the southern United States, swarming generally occurs from February through May. However, it can happen any time from late January to early June. If you live in a more northern climate, you may see termites swarm as early as December and as late as April.
Also read, Whether Termites Can Make You Sick or Not.
Here’s How Classic Pest Control Operators, Inc. Can Help You!
Classic Pest Control Operators, Inc. serving Weatherford, TX, and the surrounding areas, is a family-owned and operated business providing effective pest control solutions for over three generations.
We are experts in all things pests, including termites. Our experienced technicians will inspect your home or business and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate your termite problem.
We also offer preventative treatments to keep termites away from your property in the first place.
Give us a call today or book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
