Termite swarm season is an exciting, yet potentially troublesome time of year for many homeowners. As the weather warms up, termites become active, and they often enter homes and other buildings in search of food.
While some termite swarms are harmless and do not cause structural damage, others can be destructive and cause significant damage to a home’s foundation and wooden structures.
With the right preparation and a little knowledge, homeowners can successfully protect their homes from termite damage during the swarm season.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of termite swarm season and how to protect your home from termite damage.
Why Is There Even a Termite Swarm Season?
As temperatures and humidity increase during the spring and summer months, one thing to be on the lookout for is termite swarms.
Termites swarm as part of their reproductive cycle in order to disperse and create new colonies. Swarms can contain thousands of individual termites and indicate a potential infestation.
Termites are serious pests that cause extensive damage to structures if left untreated, so it is important to contact a pest control professional if a termite swarm is spotted.
Unlike other pests, termites typically remain hidden in walls, under floors, and in other hard-to-reach places.
This makes them difficult to detect, and homeowners may not be aware of a termite infestation until extensive damage has been done.
The presence of a termite swarm is a warning sign that an infestation may be present, and it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
An experienced pest control professional will be able to identify if a termite swarm is present and recommend a treatment plan to eliminate the infestation.
They can also offer advice on preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of future infestations.
With the proper precautions and prompt treatment, homeowners can protect their property from the costly damage caused by termites.
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What is the Termite Swarm Season?
It’s that time of year again in the state of Florida: termite swarm season! Termites can be seen swarming in late February and early March, which is the termites’ mating season.
During this time, termites will often emerge from the soil and take flight in search of a new nesting site. The presence of swarming termites is an indication of a termite infestation and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Swarming termites can be identified by their wings, which can range in colour from white to dark brown.
The best way to prevent a termite infestation is to maintain a pest-free environment by regularly inspecting for signs of damage and keeping wood and debris away from the foundation of the home.
What Attracts Termites During the Termite Swarm Season?
As the temperatures rise and the rain begins to fall, it is important to be aware that termite swarm season has officially begun.
- Warmer weather and increased rainfall are key factors in this season, and as a homeowner or business owner it is important to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation.
- Termites are attracted to light, especially during swarm season
- They are also attracted to vibrations such as those created by people walking or music
- Termites are also attracted to wood, which can be found in abundance around homes and other structures.
- Moist soil, which can be found in areas with poor drainage, can also attract termites.
- Decaying wood, which can be found in areas that have been neglected or are near construction sites, can also attract termites.
- Pheromones released by termites during swarming season can also attract other termites.
It is important to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation and to take the necessary steps to protect your home or business from the damage that termites can cause.
If you suspect that you may have a termite infestation, contact a local pest control professional to assess the situation and help protect your property from further damage.
Read also: How Important is Tent For Termites?
What are the Types of Termites You’ll Often See During the Termites Swarm Season?
Termite swarm season can be a worrying time for homeowners. Termites can cause extensive and expensive damage to homes and other buildings, so it is important to be aware of the different types of termites and how to prevent them from entering your property.
- Formosan termites:
These are an invasive species from Asia and are considered to be the most destructive type of termite. These termites can colonize large areas and cause significant damage to buildings.
- Conehead termites:
These also known as citronella ants, are found in tropical and subtropical climates. However, unlike other termites, they do not feed on wood but instead feed on plant material and other organic matter.
- Subterranean Termites:
Termite swarm season can be an unsettling time for homeowners, as it is the time of year when subterranean termites become most active.
Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive species, as they feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials.
Found in every state except Alaska, these termites are the most common species in the United States. Subterranean termites build large colonies underground and typically swarm during the warmer months of the year.
Unfortunately, subterranean termite colonies can be difficult to detect as the insects live and feed inside of wood and other materials.
During termite swarm season, these insects will leave their colonies in search of new places to build nests. Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of subterranean termites, such as mud tubes, wings, or discarded wings.
If a homeowner suspects an infestation, they should contact a pest control professional to help address the issue.
By being proactive and taking the necessary steps to protect a home, homeowners can help ensure that they don’t suffer any property damage due to a termite infestation.
- Black House Termites:
Termite swarm season is a time of year that homeowners should be on the lookout for pests. Black House Termites are a common species found in the southeastern United States and can cause major damage to homes and other structures.
During the spring and summer months, Black House Termites are more likely to swarm in search of new nesting sites.
Homeowners should be aware of the signs of a Black House Termite infestation, such as small holes in the wood, piles of sawdust, and discarded wings on windowsills.
To prevent an infestation, homeowners should take steps to reduce the risk of attracting Black House Termites, such as trimming back bushes and trees, clearing debris, and sealing up cracks and crevices.
If an infestation is suspected, homeowners should contact a professional pest control company for treatment and advice.
A pest control expert can help identify the cause of the infestation and provide the best solution for eliminating the problem.
- Drywood Termites:
Summer is just around the corner, and for homeowners, that means it’s time to prepare for termite swarm season.
Drywood termites are especially active during the late summer and early fall months when the weather is warm and humid.
Found in warmer climates such as the Southern US, these termites prefer to build their nests in dry wood.
Drywood termites can cause significant structural damage to homes and other buildings due to their habit of eating through wood.
Unfortunately, they can go undetected for long periods of time before the damage becomes noticeable.
That’s why it’s important for homeowners to take precautions to protect their property from dry wood termites by having their property inspected regularly and treating any infestations promptly.
Read also: Shocking Facts About the Termite Frass
Conclusion
Termite swarm season is upon us, and it’s important to be aware of the signs of swarming termites and the necessary steps to protect your home.
- To start, check for signs of swarming termites, such as discarded wings and mud tubes in and around your home.
- Additionally, monitor the area for termite activity, especially during the spring months when swarming is most common.
- To reduce the chance of an infestation, eliminate potential sources of food for termites, such as moisture and wood debris.
- Additionally, seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation or walls to prevent swarming termites from entering.
- You may also consider applying termiticide to the exterior of your home to help protect it from termite infestations.
- Finally, have your home inspected regularly by a licensed pest control professional to detect any signs of swarming termites.
If you discover signs of swarming termites, contact a pest control professional immediately to discuss the best ways to eradicate them. Thanks for reading
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