Why Do Termites Swarm?
You’re outside relaxing in your yard, enjoying the warm spring weather when all of a sudden you see it. There, several feet away, is a fluttering, dark cloud of insects. It’s a swarm.
That swarm could be created by any number of insects, including termites. Swarming is common for termites during certain times of the year, and it can mean big trouble for homeowners. Keep reading to learn why termites swarm and what to do when you see one in your yard.
Why Termites Swarm
Swarming is a natural inclination for all termites, including subterranean termites. It occurs when termites leave their nest or get separated from their nest and need to start a colony of their own. To do that the termites need to reproduce and build up their numbers. When termites swarm, they are actually reproducing.
Swarms are made up of a particular type of termite. These reproducers, or swarmers as they are also called, have the sole purpose of reproducing and caring for eggs. Among them are the king and queen termites that help to establish and grow the colony.
Reproducers are equipped with two sets of long wings, but they aren’t very good at flying. All it takes is a good breeze to blow the swarm off course, away from their colony. Because of this, swarm flights stay close to the colony nest and don’t last very long. Once the termites are done swarming, they shed their wings and continue their work within the nest.
In warmer climates like Alabama termite swarming can occur throughout the year, but it’s most commonly seen in spring. Most swarms will occur during the day except when Formosan termites are present.
Take Action Quickly If You See Termites Swarming
Before going into disaster mode, first make sure termites are creating the swarm. The way to determine this is by examining the broken off wings and dead insects that are left behind in the wake of the swarm. Hold on to these so that your pest control company can properly identify the insects.
If it is a termite swarm you’ll need to take removal and/or preventative steps ASAP. Simply killing the swarm won’t take care of the problem. Termites that have broken off to make their own colony are establishing a place to live. They are also looking for food sources, which means they are seeking out a ready supply of wood. If you see a termite swarm in your yard, chances are a new subterranean nest has been built by soldier termites and worker termites are probably beginning to chew on something in your yard or your home. If you see a swarm in your home you already have an infestation that has to be handled immediately.
Look around your property for signs of termite activity and water-damaged wood. Termites prefer wood with water damage because it is softer and easier to chew through. They may also be feasting on stumps, leftover firewood or dead trees out in your yard.
Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Inc. specializes in helping Alabama residents get rid of termites quickly and efficiently with custom treatment plans. We recommend that all property owners ask which products are being used, if it is compatible with the construction materials used on their home and what follow up will be needed to ensure the colony is completely removed. If you have questions about termite removal give us a call today!
Photo source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-library/formosan-termite.html
Original source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/why-do-termites-swarm/