Termite swarming usually occurs during the spring months, typically following a decent rainstorm. Swarming is designed to disperse and form new colonies for these termites. If you noticed any dead termite swarmers in or around your home, use the following tips to deal with this issue properly.
What Is A Termite Swarm?
Termite swarms, unfortunately, are common and necessary for the survival and dispersal of termites. When swarming termites, or alates, make their way out of a nest inside a home, they will attempt to squeeze through wall and foundation cracks to reach air for the first time.
The swarming termites are attracted to light, so they can often be found near light fixtures and/or windows. Termites will swarm only after a colony reaches a specific size and the weather conditions are ideal for flight. If you see a swarm of termites near your home, then it likely indicates that there is a well-established colony of termites already inside your home.
When Will Termites Swarm?
The timing of a termite swarm will ultimately vary based on species. Humid conditions, however, are ideal for every type of termite. Let’s look at the different species and when you can expect termites to swarm.
The flight timing will vary by subgroup. Subterranean termites, for example, will swarm during the springtime and in daylight. Drywood termites won’t swarm until late summer or early fall. Dampwood termites tend to swarm during the summer.
Regardless of subgroup, all termites will wait until a day after a rain shower and when the winds are very low. Damp soil aids in the nest-building process for newly paired mates, and humidity will offer better survival rates. It is possible for termites to swarm indoors purely by accident.
Where Did The Swarmers Come From?
Termite swarmers you see either flying around or dead likely came from a nearby nest that’s underground. Subterranean termites, for example, require a lot of moisture in order to survive and thrive.
If the majority of the termites you find are outdoors, it’s quite possible the nest is located somewhere in your yard. Places to check for a nest include old tree stumps, landscape timbers, or any place where soil makes contact with wood. If you find any dead swarmers in your home, though, you are likely dealing with an infestation underneath the home.
Why Do Termites Swarm?
Termites swarm only after their original colony is ready to expand after reaching a capacity level. This occurs once per year for most colonies. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction.
Swarmers can include males and females, and the number bred each time will vary depending on species. When outside conditions are right, they will launch into the air and pair off. The couples will shed their wings, mate, and find a new location for a nest. Typically, the launches will be spread out over a couple days.
What To Do If You Find Dead Termite Swarmers
Always protect your home or business from a termite infestation by investing in a full termite inspection. A thorough inspection performed by an experienced pest control service can give you peace of mind.
However, if you do believe your home is being infested by termite swarmers, it’s suggested to take the following actions:
- Confirm the insects are in fact termites. Many ants will also produce winged swarmers and they can be quite easily confused.
- Termites wings are all the same shape and length. Meanwhile, ant wings are larger in the front compared to the back pair.
- Termites have tube-like body figures, while ants have pinched waists and larger abdomens.
- Termites feature straight antennae, while ants have smooth antennae, including sharp bends in them.
If you notice any termite swarmers dead or alive around your property, it’s best to contact the team at Poor Boy Termite Control.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
Poor Boy Termite Control can solve all of you termite issues. We only deal with termites as the name implies. We use thermal imaging, with no drilling or guessing. At Poor Boy Termite Control we detect termites and treat them. If you have a termite infestation, Call Poor Boy Termite Control at (480) 994-4240 and schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse!
