What are Termite Swarmers?
Some types of termites begin to swarm during early spring as the weather begins to warm. Termite swarmers are an especially common sight after a rain event. The termite swarmers you see aren’t the termites that are feasting on the cellulose in your home’s wood; that’s done by worker termites. Instead, these swarmers are termites that have gone out in search of a new home.
Swarms generally don’t last more than 40 minutes, and if the termites aren’t able to find soil quickly, they’ll typically die of dehydration. While termite swarmers themselves are a nuisance more than anything, their presence does indicate that a termite colony exists close by.
Where are Termite Swarmers Most Likely to Be?
You may find termite swarmers out in your yard. If this is the case, then there’s a good chance that you have subterranean termites living in a rotting tree stump or in a nearby stack of lumber. If you see termite swarmers inside your home, that’s a telltale sign that you have a termite nest somewhere inside of your house, such as in your attic or crawlspace.
Termite swarmers are attracted to sunlight. For that reason, you may find dead-winged termites on your window sills or around sliding glass doors.
What to Do About Termite Swarmers in Belleville
If you think that you see swarmers in your Belleville, IL home, the first thing you need to do is confirm that they are in fact termites. Several species of ants have winged adults, and it can be hard to distinguish winged ants from termite swarmers. While winged ants are a nuisance, they’re not destructive and you can likely deal with that infestation with a few well-placed ant traps.
Simply getting rid of termite swarmers isn’t enough to protect yourself from termite damage. Even if you kill the swarm, the worker termites from the original nest are likely still busy at work within the walls of your home, causing significant damage to your property.
At Brady Pest & Termite Management, we specialize in helping Belleville homeowners eliminate their pest problems, promoting your comfort and safety while safeguarding the value and structural integrity of your home. Contact us today for your on-site inspection and consultation.
