It’s that time of year again. The weather warms up, spring rain falls and suddenly you spot winged insects flying around your home. Before you dismiss them as harmless flying ants, take a closer look – you might be witnessing termite swarmers in action.
What are termite swarmers?
Termite swarmers, also called alates, are reproductive termites with one mission: to leave their colony, find a mate and establish new termite colonies. Unlike their worker counterparts that stay hidden in walls and underground, these winged visitors make themselves known, often in dramatic fashion.
Think of them as nature’s real estate developers – they’re constantly on the lookout for prime property, and unfortunately, your home might be the perfect location.
How to identify termite swarmers.
Not sure if you’re dealing with termite swarmers or just flying ants? Here’s how to tell the difference:
- termite swarmers have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae
- termite bodies have a uniform width, while ants have a pinched “waist”
- termite wings are equal in length, while ant wings are unequal
- discarded termite wings near windowsills, doors or light fixtures are a telltale sign
When these uninvited guests appear inside your home, it’s not just an annoying coincidence – it’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
What termite swarmers mean for your home.
Seeing termite swarmers inside your home is like catching a thief with their hand already in your wallet. Their presence typically indicates an established colony nearby, possibly already causing damage to your property.
Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States, and most of this damage isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance. By the time swarmers appear, the parent colony may have been feasting on your home’s wooden structures for years.
The average repair cost for termite damage? Between $3,000 and $8,000 – and that’s not including the cost of professional termite treatment.
When do termite swarmers appear?
In Eastern North Carolina and Tidewater Virginia, termite swarming season typically runs from late February through May, with peak activity often occurring after spring rainfall when temperatures rise above 70 degrees.
Different termite species swarm at different times:
- subterranean termites (the most common in our region) usually swarm during daylight hours in spring
- drywood termites often swarm in late summer or fall
- formosan termites (an aggressive invasive species) typically swarm at night in late spring
A single swarm can release thousands of termites, with each pair potentially starting a new colony that can grow to contain millions of termites over time.
What to do if you spot termite swarmers.
If you spot termite swarmers in or around your home, don’t panic – but don’t ignore them either. Here’s what to do:
- Capture a few specimens in a jar for identification.
- Note where you found them and when the swarm occurred.
- Check for discarded wings around windows, doors and light fixtures.
- Call a Terminix immediately for a termite inspection and treatment solution.
Remember, DIY methods aren’t effective against established termite colonies. These persistent pests require professional intervention with specialized equipment and trained technicians.
Protecting your home from termite invasion.
The best defense against termites is a good offense. Professional prevention is significantly less expensive than dealing with an active infestation and repairing the resulting damage.
Terminix of Eastern NC and Tidewater VA offers comprehensive Termite Control Plans that include annual termite inspections and treatment options tailored to your property’s specific needs.
Our experienced technicians know exactly what signs to look for and how to protect your biggest investment from these silent destroyers.
When termites swarm, we swarm faster.
Don’t wait until you see swarmers to take action. By then, termites may have already caused significant damage to your home’s structure.
Contact Terminix today schedule free termite inspection. We’ll help you establish a protection plan that gives you peace of mind and keeps these unwelcome guests from eating you out of house and home.