How to Deal with Termite Swarms

It’s that time of year again! As the weather warms up, it’s time to keep an eye out for swarms of termites. With the billions of dollars in damage that these destructive pests cause in the U.S. alone every year, it’s important to know what to look for and how to treat termites. Do you know what termite swarms look like? Do you know how to handle them if you spot them? In this blog, our team of termite control experts at Deans Services shares what homeowners need to know about termites in their homes.

What Are Termite Swarms?

When termites want to create new colonies, they send out termite swarmers. These winged pests exist solely to find a mate, reproduce, and begin a new termite colony.

What Do Termite Swarms Look Like?

These pests have wings and black bodies, which makes them look very different from the rest of the colony and are often mistaken for flying ants when they pour out in search of a cozy place to start a new colony. This can be dangerous since by the time a colony sends swarmers, it is already producing thousands of destructive workers, and if the swarmers are thought only to be ant swarmers, a very serious problem will continue unresolved. If you should suspect activity, call our office. One of our experts will be glad to dispatch a field rep for definitive identification.

When Do Termites Swarm?

Attracted to light, termites often swarm during the daytime, emerging from mud tubes in their underground nests. When you see them flying outdoors, you can expect their nest to be located near or on your property. When you find them indoors, likely, they’ve already taken up residence inside your home.

How Long Do Termites Swarm?

A termite swarm typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and involves the termites swarming around a light source like windows or glass doors. They’ll die within a few hours if they don't find soil. The aftermath of a swarm will usually consist of dead termite swarmers or their discarded wings on window sills, countertops, or around furniture. In most cases, you’ll never see the termites themselves, just any damage they may cause when they create a colony in your home.

What To Do About Termite Swarms

To start, you can try to contain them by closing the door to the room they’re swarming in. Another option is to vacuum up live swarmers. If you keep the bag with the dead insects inside, you can show it to your local pest control company for proper identification and a thorough termite inspection. Your best option is to immediately call a termite technician because seeing a swarm likely means that you already have a termite infestation. By acting quickly, you can avoid costly damage to your home.

Defend Your Home Against Destructive Termites

Termites can be a nerve-wracking sight for homeowners. If you’re worried about the potential of termites taking up residence in your home, there are precautions you can put in place to protect your home. Perhaps the most secure is to get a professional termite inspection and consider investing in termite monitoring. Catching a termite problem early can save you a major headache. If you need effective termite control services in Florida, trust our local team at Deans Services in Florida. Give us a call at 352-515-9826 to learn more about how we can help keep your home safe from these destructive pests!