Unless you’re a hungry bird, it’s never a good thing when bugs start swarming on your property. Winged termite swarmers are often a sign of a larger termite problem, and their presence should be cause for alarm. But not everybody knows what to do about these flying pests or the potential danger they bring. If you want to protect your home or business from destructive termites, you can’t ignore termite swarmers. So, here’s what termite swarmers on your Denton property could mean.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite swarmers are the flying reproductive termites sent out by developed termite colonies when their nest has reached a substantial size. Termite swarmers are only active at certain times of the year, particularly in the early spring, which is known as “termite season.” Termites only release swarmers under particular circumstances, usually at the first sign of warm weather at the beginning of March. However, depending on the species, some termites may release their swarmers as late as November.
Termite swarmers are the potential kings and queens of new termite colonies. Their sole purpose is to find a mate and hatch lots of new termite workers. Unlike other termites that do their best to keep a low profile, reproductive termite swarmers appear out in the open both indoors and outdoors. So, while swarmers are the most visible sign of termite activity at a particular time in the year, it’s important to remember that termites are active all year long, and just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t chewing away at your Denton property.
Where To Find Termite Swarmers
Termite swarmers have wings, but unlike other winged insects like wasps and mosquitoes, termite swarmers are not talented fliers. So, if you spot termite swarmers on your property, the swarmers probably didn’t travel very far. The danger of termite swarmers isn’t the potential colony they may form, but the established colony nearby that sent them. If you’re seeing termite swarmers, it could mean that there’s a large termite colony on your property already.
You can spot dry-wood termite swarmers at dusk in outdoor locations. They are highly attracted to bright lights and often congregate underneath floodlights and along windowsills where light spills out. Common subterranean termites can shock property owners when they appear. Subterranean swarmers can be found indoors during the day and are a sure sign of an existing termite problem.
How To Prevent Termite Swarmers
You can discourage termite swarmers from gathering on your property by making a few adjustments, but the best way to prevent swarmers is to prevent termites from growing their colony.
You can prevent termite swarmers on your Denton property by:
- Controlling moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture and humidity. Subterranean termites need constant climate control to survive. Ventilate humid basement areas by opening windows if possible, or try installing a dehumidifier. Reduce soil moisture by fixing leaking spigots and pipes and ensuring that all drains and gutters are flowing properly.
- Turning off the lights: Drywood termite swarmers are attracted to light. Keeping your outdoor lights turned off can reduce the chances of swarmers coming to your property. Try to keep blinds and curtains drawn at night to stop swarmers from gathering on windowsills.
- Getting rid of termite food: If your yard has lots of organic debris, you’ve got to get rid of it. Piles of dead leaves or sticks, rotting logs, and fallen trees all attract termites. Trim up any hedges or bushes to prevent contact with your home or business and try switching to a cellulose-free mulch in your garden.
The best termite prevention always comes with help from the pros at Mayco Pest & Termite Control. With advanced termite control treatments and knowledgeable, friendly technicians, you can count on us to eliminate your termite troubles for good. So, if you’ve spotted termite swarmers in Denton, get in touch with us right away.