Termite Swarming Season is Coming!

While cooler temperatures mean hibernation to many, termites remain active. They dig further underground to seek warmer temperatures necessary for their survival. While they may be out of sight, termites continue to feed 24 hours a day, making it critical to remove ideal termite nesting conditions and continue examining your home for termite infestations.

Identifying Termites

As spring arrives, you may notice winged insects – specifically, flying ants and termites. To distinguish between the two, examine their antennae, wings, and waistline. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waistline, and their wings are the same size. A flying ant will have larger front wings and smaller back wings, elbowed antennae, and a constricted waistline.

Termite Swarms

Usually, the first visible sign of an infestation is a swarm, which forms when termites begin searching for a new colony. Young adult male and female swarmers form large groups and select new locations to build colonies. Additionally, mating partners will pair and shed their wings, symbolizing that they are a couple. If you discover insect wings around light fixtures, doors, and vents, it is likely that a termite swarm is close by, and it could mean that a termite colony is forming.

If you are curious to see what a termite swarm looks like, watch this video captured by one of our technicians.

Signs of Termite Damage

Every year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. With over 2,000 different types of termites, not all present the same signs of damage. If you notice any of the following warning signs, a HomeTeam termite expert can help identify the type of termite and the best treatment:

• Mud tubes extending upwards on exterior walls, wood beams and in crawl spaces.
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
• Dark or blistered wood structures caused by moisture buildup.
• Bubbled or uneven paint.
• Small piles of feces resembling sawdust found near a termite nest.
• Discarded wings near interior doors or windowsills, indicating the presence of swarmers.

  

Preventing Termites

Warmer weather and more frequent rain showers mean that termites will begin swarming, making it even more important to remove conditions ideal for termites to breed, feed, and nest. Here are some ways to prevent a termite infestation:

• Trim and remove vegetation from around your home.
• Eliminate moisture and standing water, repairing leaking faucets and pipes.
• Create a 4-inch gap between soil and wood.
• Dispose of wood debris.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Separate mulch from your home’s foundation.

HomeTeam Termite Treatment

For help preventing and treating termites and other common household pests, contact our experts at 855-855-4873 or visit www.pestdefense.com. Our specialist can provide you with information about our termite treatment options for existing and new home construction, which include wood and soil treatments and live baiting. The Sentricon® System with Always Active™ technology is the No. 1 brand in termite protection, and this termite baiting colony elimination system is active from day 1. Combined with HomeTeam’s professional monitoring service, you can be assured your biggest investment is being protected 24/7.

Sentricon® and Always Active^TM are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences.