If you've ever seen a termite swarmer, you know these pests are nothing to mess with. But, unfortunately, in Texas, we're incredibly familiar with the destructive power of these insects. Every year, thousands of homeowners and landlords have to deal with the damage caused by termites.
Learn everything you need to know about termite swarmers. You'll learn how to identify them, what attracts them to your property, and what you can do to prevent an infestation. By the end of this page, you'll be an expert on termite swarms!
Y'all better watch out for termite swarmers! These critters are known to invade Texas homes frequently. When it comes to dealing with them, knowledge is definitely power. Termite swarmers, or alates, are adult reproductives of the subterranean termite species. You want to avoid seeing these guys - their wings mean they're about to disperse and form new colonies in your neck of the woods, or they are already there. That could spell serious trouble, as it often means a mature termite colony is close. Recognizing them early on is pivotal in preventing damage that can cost thousands of dollars worth of repairs, so keep an eye out!
If y'all suspect that yer home might be infested with termite swarmers, one of the tell-tale signs is the presence of wings. First, come across a pile of little, mosquito-looking wings lying near window sills or other moist locations in your house. Then, you can confidently say you've got yourself in a termite situation. Another indicator is recurring mud tubes. The swarmers make these structures out of soil and saliva to protect themselves from predators as they search for food and shelter throughout your property. While it's easy to assume these tubes could be coming from something other than termites, they typically range in width from 1/4 inch up to 1/2 inch wide: big enough to tell 'em apart! So whether those pesky critters have taken refuge in your attic or underneath the hardwood floors, identifying them quickly should be your top priority.
When it comes to pest control, it's very common for people to confuse termite swarmers with flying ants. While both bugs have wings and similar body structures, there are some key differences y'all should be aware of. Ants keep their wings above the body while they are not in motion. Termite swarmers' antennae, on the other hand, have circular segments that appear like a string of beads and display either straight or slightly curved shapes. Compared to termite swarmer's antennae, ant swarmers showcase elbowed antennae with an extended first segment close to their head.
Yes, a termite colony can get too big! Once a colony has matured, it'll release swarmers searching for new nesting sites. The humidity in the air and temperature outside will determine the number of swarmers making their way into your home or property. If y'all ever see a bunch of these flying pests in your residence, it's time to call the professionals.
When it comes to subterranean termites, these types of critters are known for sending out huge swarms. Depending on the severity of the infestation, y'all could find yourself surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of flying termite swarmers at once.
You must act quickly when you get a termite swarm inside the house. When there is a termite swarm inside, that means there is a very established termite infestation in your home. This is a severe termite problem, and termite damage is imminent. Mature termite colonies are required for indoor termite swarms, so you know, at this point, you have an active termite infestation. Call a termite control professional at Pest Trappers in San Antonio before more structural damage can happen.
This could be from mature colonies in your home or a neighbor's home, but it is too close for comfort. First, make sure your home is protected. What these swarmers are looking for are wood and moisture. These swarming termites typically find a mate at a new home and head into the ground to start a new nest. So, if you see these flying termites around your home, it is best to have a professional come and inspect for signs of damage or infestation.
If y'all spot any swarms around your property, don't hesitate to call Pest Trappers in San Antonio for assistance! We'll be more than happy to come by and help y'all figure out if termites are the culprits for your pesky pest problem. We can work together to keep your home safe from future infestations!
Fortunately, there are ways to deter termites from setting up shop in your home. First and foremost, stay up to date on your termite treatments. Most treatments today last 10 years, but some companies will use termiticides that only last 1 year. Next, ensure you keep woodpiles away from the foundation of your property. If any trees or shrubs are touching the sides of your home, it's important to trim them back, so the termites don't use those as bridges to get in. Lastly, keep an eye out for excess moisture around your property. Ensure all gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and that all windows, crawlspaces, and other sources of moisture are correctly sealed. Taking these preventative steps can reduce the chance of a termite swarmer infestation in your home.
If y'all find termite swarmers on your property, then the first thing y'all should do is not panic - they may look threatening, but that doesn't mean your home is necessarily in danger. The next step would be to call a professional San Antonio pest control company like us at Pest Trappers to assess the situation and provide help. They'll use special equipment to determine where exactly the termites are located, so you can deal with them quickly and effectively. Knowing how to recognize and act fast on signs of a termite infestation is key to avoiding more severe damage.
Keeping termites out of your home can be tricky, but with a few preventative measures, you can avoid future infestations. Start by getting an annual inspection from a certified termite specialist to stay up to date on the latest treatments for existing and potential infestations. Next, reduce moisture in the air or around foundations by ensuring the foundation is well-drained; repair any water leaks; properly ventilate crawl spaces, attics, and closets; and ensure all gutters are cleaned regularly. Next, inspect foreign objects like lumber or firewood that are brought onto your property - if left untreated, these wooden items can contain hundreds of termites just waiting to establish a new colony in your home. Finally, keep any mulch beds away from the house as this often provides easy access for termite swarmers. Taking simple steps like these now could save you time, money, and your home in the long run!
Termites are nothing to mess around with. If you think you might have found them on your property, taking quick action is essential to prevent an infestation. This guide should help you identify and deal with termite swarmers. If you need more assistance, don't hesitate to contact a professional exterminator. Be proactive in preventing termites by regularly inspecting your property for signs of infestation and keeping an eye out for potential entry points.