It’s Termite Swarming Season: How Do I Protect My Home?
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Spring is swarming season for termites in Texas, so even though these subterranean insects can be active all year, you might actually see them. And if you didn’t have them before, it’s during this time of year you might acquire them.
We are nothing if not timely here at Upon Closer Inspection, so it feels like a great time to talk about termites, the most familiar and dreaded of wood-destroying insects.
So how can you protect your home from termites as they fly through the air in their weird little cloud-like formations? Let’s get into it.
What’s a Swarm, Anyway?
When a termite colony starts to get overcrowded, some of the “reproductively mature” members will break off and fly away to form their own new colony: this is a swarm.
They’re attracted to light, so you might find them near a window or other light source. They’ll also be looking for adequate food and water, so an ideal location for them to set up shop has access to moisture and wood or another source of cellulose.
Swarming termites look similar to flying ants, but not exactly the same. Termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thicker waist, while ants have elbowed antennae, uneven wings, and a pinched waist. Why is this important? Flying ants don’t eat your house.
If you see a termite swarm, it’s a good indication that you either have or are about to have a termite infestation and should call a pest control professional STAT.
Can Termites Damage Electrical Wires?
Yes! While they primarily feed on wood, when termites infest an area close to a panel box like this they will also chew on plastic and rubber (such as the insulation on electrical wires) which can lead to short circuits, electrical fires, and fried termites. You can avoid this situation by ensuring your electrical panel box is well insulated or sealed and mounted in secure wood or plaster.
How Do I Protect My Home From Termites?
The best way to protect your home from termites is to make it as unattractive as possible for them to move in. You can do this by eliminating conditions conducive to wood-destroying insects, like wood or heavy foliage in contact with the structure of the house, moisture build-up, or wood rot.
Secondly, you can have regular pest control check-ups to look for signs of infestation. If you catch an infestation before it’s had time to really dig in and do a lot of damage, it’s a lot easier to get rid of.
This swarming season, look out for these winged termites, and if you see them, be sure to call a professional. If you’re purchasing a home, make sure you include a wood-destroying insect inspection to check for the presence of previous or current infestations.
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Great reminder about swarming season — it really sneaks up on homeowners! Termites can cause serious damage fast, especially if they go unnoticed in areas like crawl spaces or behind walls. We always recommend regular inspections and eliminating wood-to-ground contact to reduce the risk. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!