Learn about the fascinating world of termite swarms through this article. They are not only some random occurrence. But an act by which groups communicate with one another to form new colonies and reproduce more insects!
Termites may also use tactics like grooming or putting chemicals onto each other’s bodies before joining up. It helps them get closer together for genetic compatibility- something that also takes place among royalty.
What is a Termite Swarm
A termite swarm is when a large group of winged male and female termites leave their nest to find mates and start new colonies. Swarms occur in the springtime, although they can happen at other times of the year depending on the species of termite.
During a swarm, you may see thousands of winged insects flying around or crawling on the ground. Know these insects as alates, and they are looking for a suitable mate so they can start their colony.
Once they find a mate, the alates will shed their wings and begin creating a new nest. Identify the process of shedding their wings as “mate casting.” When you see piles of discarded wings around your home, this is a sign of a recent termite swarm.
Why Do Termites Swarm
When a colony gets too big, or when conditions are right for reproduction, the workers will produce alates (winged male and female termites).
The main purpose of a termite swarm is to reproduce and create new colonies. But swarms also serve as a way for varied groups of termites to communicate with each other.
When a group of termites finds a good location for a new colony, they will release chemicals into the air to attract other flying termites. This helps them build their colony faster because they have more termites to work with.
Termites are social creatures that thrive in colonies. When young termite grubs develop wings and leave their parent colony, they do so as swarms to search for food sources around them or near other groups of similar species (i e when there is another community close by).
When Do Termites Swarm?
Gain insights on two types of termites that can swarm your home. Here they are:
Drywood Termites Swarm
Drywood termites swarm at night during August and September. These swarms happen after it rains, or when the humidity is high. You may see these insects flying around your porch light or inside your home. Once they find a mate, they will shed their wings and start looking for a place to build their nest.
The Desert Drywood Termite is a pest that can cause serious damage to your home. Identify them by their brown exterior and black head, with an orange collar around their neck. It gives them the name “desert dust” swarming during evening hours from July until September.
This is when they emerge out into open sunlight for short periods. It occurs before returning inside where there are more food sources available than anywhere else!
Dampwood Termite Swarms
Dampwood termites swarm during the day, after a rainfall. Light attracts these insects. You may see them flying around your windows or doors.
The Pacific dampwood termite is one of the largest species of wood-destroying insects in North America. Swarms happen in late summer and early fall. They go to lights near rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water where they live.
Spot them by their reddish-brown heads and dark brown bodies. Their wings are twice as long as their body length with three distinct veins running across them.
Dampwood termites swarm in the summer. But they are less of a concern to homeowners since it is at times that these insects damage homes. The moisture level needed for them is not high inside your house when you have damp wood floors or drywall nearby – which can attract swarming populations!
Check for Infestation—BioTech
Watching for a termite swarm is one way to detect an infestation. But it is not foolproof. When you see winged insects around your home and become concerned about an infestation, contact BioTech Termite and Pest Control for a more thorough inspection.
BioTech Termite & Pest Control has been providing quality termite extermination services in New York since 1991. Expect the use of the latest technology and methods to get rid of these pests for good. Consult us today!
When you see termites swarming around your home, do not panic. There are a few things you can do to keep them from coming inside.
FAQs
Does a Termite Swarm Mean I Have Termites?
Not necessarily. A termite swarm is one way for these pests to reproduce and start a new colony. But it does not always mean you have an infestation.
Several things can attract termites to your home:
– Wood that is in contact with the ground
– Water leaks in your foundation or crawl space
– Cracks in your foundation
– Poor drainage around your home
– Firewood, mulch, or leaves that are close to your house
You may find one, two, or even a dozen termite swarmers in your house. But this does not mean you have an infestation. These insects blew into the open door and are looking for somewhere to start their colony.
Should I Worry about Swarming Termites
When you see termites swarm, then yes, you should worry. This is a sign that you have an infestation and need to act.
Termite swarms can happen at any time of the year. But they are more common in the spring and summer. When you see them flying around your home, contact BioTech Termite and Pest Control for a more thorough inspection. We can determine whether you have an infestation and help you get rid of these pests for good.
The natural process of termites’ lives is swarming. Note that it is not so much the swarm. But when they meet their mating partners and build up an underground nest in homes where you live peacefully without worry for too long.
How Long Does Termite Swarm Last?
It depends on the species of termite. Some termites swarm for a few days, while others swarm for weeks.
Termite swarming season starts in late winter and lasts for about five to six months. The timing of this event is unique, as it occurs when termites are trying to colonize new homes or nests that they created over the summertime. You could say these annoying insects have been patiently waiting all year long!
Some species of termites, like the Formosan termite, will swarm at night. Others, like the drywood termite, will do so during the day.
Do Swarming Termites Outside Mean Infestation?
While you may see termites flying around outside, this does not mean you have an infestation. These insects could come from a colony that is nearby and looking for a new place to build their home.
Termites are social insects that establish colonies through the pairing off of males and females. When they reach their destination, these new couples shed wings together to form a termite hill or city – sometimes called “swarm”.
It is not always clear when one starts forming. But any time there is an active swarm in progress, it is sure neighboring hills will have budding cities on them!
How Do I Stop Swarming Termites
Unfortunately, there is no sure way to stop termites from swarming. But there are a few things you can do to keep them from coming inside your home:
– Keep your gutters clean and free of debris so they cannot use them as a bridge to your home.
– Remove any wood that is in contact with the ground around your home.
– Seal any cracks in your foundation or crawl space.
– Check that proper drainage exists around your home.
– Move firewood, mulch, or leaves away from your house.
During swarming season, close doors and windows as much as possible. It is also a good idea not to let outdoor lights attract insects during this time. They will come into your home looking for them!
How Many Times a Year Do Termites Swarm?
Termites are a fast-paced phenomenon: one minute there is no visible termite present, and the next moment, several of these winged insects emerge from their colony ready to fly or crawl around. Within another minute or so, hundreds or thousands will start swarming out to spread more wings across all areas in need!
The warm weather is a perfect opportunity for termites to swarm. New York homeowners should take this into account and protect their homes from these destructive insects before they cause any damage!
How Many Termites are In a Swarm?
Again, this varies depending on the species. But a swarm will contain hundreds or thousands of termites. You can identify a swarm by a large number of flying termites around your home. They are black or dark brown and about 1/4-inch long.
When you see a lot of them flying around your home, contact BioTech Termite and Pest Control. In luck, you may only see a few termites swarm near your home during their season. But for an active swarm, you will see hundreds or thousands of winged insects.
As you think of the best way to get rid of termites, professional treatment comes immediately into mind. They can identify what type and how much work they need for an infestation. That is before recommending appropriate measures that will solve your problem quickly without costing too much money in labor or capital costs!