What are the swarming insects in my home?
Termite infestations may not be something most people think about until they see swarming termites in their homes during late spring or early summer. Termite swarming can happen in both homes and businesses, and even though no one wants them around, these swarms can provide useful information.
Termites are attracted to moist wood
Termites are a very beneficial part of the eco system in that they decompose dead plant matter, replenish soil nutrients and support plant growth. This is great for the environment and the cycle of life but not so good when they get into your home. Termites are attracted to your home when it presents conducive conditions in which termites thrive in, moist wood. Termite infestations are often found when homeowners are replacing their windows or doors. Over time, sealants and caulk break down allowing moisture to get into the framing creating a termite friendly environment.
Swarms are signals of a larger infestation
A termite swarm signals the presence of a termite colony in a home. Since termites typically work unseen, swarming is a clear and noticeable sign of an infestation, unlike other less obvious signs that might go unnoticed for years, leading to increased damage. Termite swarmers, known as alates, are the reproductive members of a colony. Unlike worker termites that cause damage, alates’ purpose is to reproduce and create new colonies. They do not bite, sting, or eat wood. Before a swarm, alates prepare a launch site, then they fly briefly to mate and find a new home, often resulting in low survival rates since many die quickly from dehydration, especially if they swarm indoors with no access to soil.
Professional chemicals are essential for colony elimination
When faced with a swarm, many consumers instinctively reach for an aerosol spray, which can complicate cleanup and give a false sense of security. Most over the counter pest control products are repellent based products which do kill on contact but then pushes the bulk of the colony away from the area sprayed into untreated areas of the home further spreading the infestation. Allowing a Pest Management Professional to treat with products designed for long term eradication of a termite colony will significantly decrease cost of eliminating the colony and protect your home long term. The goal is not to just kill the insects that are seen, but also the whole colony that are in unseen areas of the home and ground.
What can I do if I see termite swarm activity?
Calling a Pest Management Professional like Restoration Pest Management for an inspection as soon as possible will help in identifying the insects and providing proper treatment. Both Termites and Carpenter Ants swarm in a very similar way, however treatment for each can be quite different. If you start seeing flying insects in Spring-Summer it is important to get a clear close up picture of one of the insects before the swarm moves on.
Do not spray swarmers with any over-the-counter type pesticides. Termites and Ants both need to be treated with non-repellent chemicals that allow the insects to track the chemical throughout the colony wiping out the entirety of the colony, not only killing the insects that are seen on the surface.
Vacuuming up swarmers and not allowing them to mate and start a new colony is helpful in not enabling the colony to proliferate. However, this does not solve the issue of the current colony that can be hiding unseen in the walls of your home.
Looking for the best way to get rid of termites in Columbus, Ohio? Restoration Pest Management offers customized treatments to keep termites out of your home for good. Our experienced team uses reliable and efficient methods to control termite colonies around your home. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your home from termites.
