What you need to know about Termite Swarmers
So, you think you know everything there is to know about termites. Well, that’s probably not the case at all. There’s a good chance you don’t know anything about swarmers. That’s right – the little critters that hatch from eggs and fly off to start new colonies. Believe it or not, swarmers are a whole different story than the rest of the termites in your colony.
What are termite swarmers?
Termite swarmers are the reproductive stage of the termite colony. They are tiny, flying insects that emerge from the colony to mate and start new colonies. Swarmers are different than the other termites in your colony because they have wings.
What do swarmers look like?
Swarmers are tiny, flying insects that look very similar to ants. They are about 1/4-inch long and are black or dark brown in color. They have two pairs of wings that are the same size and shape.
Where do swarmers come from?
Swarmers come from eggs that are laid by the queen. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which are the immature stage of the swarmer. Nymphs develop wings and become swarmers when they are ready to mate.
When do swarmers fly?
Swarmers fly when the weather is warm and humid. Therefore, they usually fly in the spring or summer, when the weather is most favorable.
What do swarmers do?
Swarmers fly to other colonies to mate. After they mate, the female swarmer will lay eggs and start a new colony. Male swarmers die after mating. Oh, the beautiful agony of nature.
Why should you be concerned about termite swarmers?
Swarmers are a sign that your colony is mature and producing eggs. This means you have a serious infestation on your hands, and you need to take action immediately. Swarmers can also indicate that you have a dry wood termite infestation, which is a more serious problem than a subterranean termite infestation.
If you see swarmers, call a pest control professional right away. They will be able to determine whether you have a serious infestation and recommend the best course of action. But, don’t wait – swarmers can mean big trouble for your home.
What can be done after you notice termite swarmers?
A pest control professional will be able to determine the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action. This may include treatment with pesticides, removing and replacing damaged wood, or installing a termite barrier.
If you don’t call a pest control professional and take corrective action, the infestation can continue to grow and cause extensive damage to your home. The result will be costly repairs or, in some cases, a total rebuild of the structure.
The main thing to remember is:
Termite swarmers are the reproductive stage of the termite colony. They are tiny, flying insects that emerge from the colony to mate and start new colonies. Swarmers are different than the other termites in your colony because they have wings.
Swarmers signify that you have a severe infestation on your hands and need to take action immediately. If you see swarmers, call a pest control professional right away. The quicker you take corrective action, the less damage the infestation will cause.