Termite Swarm Information

What To Do If You Experience A Swarm

Close off the room in which the insects are swarming

Save a few to show your inspector

Vacuum to remove the insects after the swarm

If possible, note the exact location from which the swarmers are emerging

Facts About Subterranean Termite Swarming

A swarm is a dispersal of winged termites to start new colonies.

Subterranean Termites typically swarm in the spring on warm, calm, sunny day following rain.

Termites swarming indoors will attempt to get outside by flying toward light around windows and doors.

Swarmers shed their wings after flight then mate.

Wood in contact with moist soil is a suitable colony site for Subterranean Termites.

Interior swarms of Subterranean Termites will not reinfest the structure or its contents.

A recent termite treatment may not prevent swarming, as the swarmers may have already moved above the treatment zone in the soil when the application was performed.

Tips For Control

Store firewood away from the house

Make sure at least six inches of the foundation can be seen all around the home. Siding should not extend into the soil. Mulch and soil should not be in contact with siding.

Make sure water drains away from the foundation. Accumulation of water next to the foundation is important for the survival of a termite colony next to a home. Rain gutters are ideal, however, the downspout should direct the water away from the house.

Roof or plumbing leaks can allow termites to survive above ground in a house. These should be corrected as soon as possible.

Certain woods are naturally resistant to termite attacks. Among these woods are redwood core, bald-cypress, mahogany, and Spanish cedar. These types of wood, however, will become susceptible after several years of exposure to weather.