Identification of Spring Insect Swarms Insures Proper Pest Control Measures
‘Tis the season for termites to swarm. Mature reproductive subterranean termites (the most common species found in the nation ) develop wings and on warm, moist days the worker termites push them out from their "shelter tubes" that are connected to the colony deep in the ground and will emerge as a swarm. After a brief flight that may last from seconds to minutes, males and females pair, their wings break off and then they attempt to establish a new colony.
This distinctive flying swarm can be confused with flying or swarming ants. It is important to be able to distinguish the two so that appropriate control recommendations can be made.
The confusion may stem from the fact that both swarming termites and ants are attracted to light, which is why you often see insects (in this case ants) swarming around buildings. On the other hand, seeing insects around windows inside your home may conclude that you have a termite infestation.
The National Pest Control Association cautions you to identify your invaders before hitting the panic button. Distinctive identification of the termite and the ant are:
- Termites are yellow-brown to black in color with uniformly broad bodies and two sets of equal-size wings while flying ants have a very thin waist and have forewings that are larger and longer and a different shape than their hindwings.
- Another difference is the antenna. A termite’s antenna is generally straight, whereas the ant’s antenna has a definite elbow.
Swarmers are not normally strong fliers. They can be easily carried by wind currents. And although they only fly for 150 feet or so, a slight breeze may disperse them into other suitable environments.
In theory, if swarmers are spotted outside emerging from a tree stump at House A then House B nearby, might be visited and a colony started.
Termites are capable of infesting dead and down lumber, old fence posts, wooden bridges, firewood, and other wooden items located within reach of swarmers searching for a standing crop of cellulose, their basic nutritional staple.
And the results of their feasting can be seen in sagging roofs, sloping floors, stressed or broken beams, loose trim and cracked plaster.
If the swarm is spotted, or you see the presence of broken wings in your home, your pest control company can take proper steps to eradicate the pests. On the other hand, not seeing a swarm should not give the homeowner a false sense of security. A routine inspection can reveal the presence of termites in your home.
Homeowners, themselves, can detect the "shelter tubes" through which the insects travel from the colony in the earth to the wood they destroy.