If you ask any homeowner what their biggest fear is, there is one that usually ranks high on the list: termites. Unfortunately, the South Jersey area is not immune to such critters. Subterranean termites, which, as the name implies, live underground, are what you will find in the South Jersey area. If you have an inkling that the small insects you are finding in your home are swarming termites, the characteristics of which we will describe in more detail, or that you have a termite infestation. Do not fret! We have decades of experience in termite control, and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Call us for a free consultation today!
What are Swarming Termites and Why Do Termites Swarm?
Swarming termites, which you may have heard of as alates, are the reproductive members of a termite colony. During the mating season, which for subterranean termites is in the spring but depends on temperature more than anything, the swarming termites will leave the colony to reproduce. Swarming is when the swarming members of a termite colony leave the group, and hide in crevices or cracks in your home. Termites are attracted to light, so swarming termites can also be found near light fixtures and windows. Swarming will only occur when the colony is big enough and the weather is warm enough.
When the climate is warm enough, the termite colony has reached the optimal size, and the swarming termites are fully grown, the swarmers fly off and pair up. When swarming termites find their pair, they both shed their wings, mate, and begin a new nest.
What are the Signs of a Termite Swarm and What Can Happen If There is One?
Swarming termites, though they share the same reddish-brown color as other termites, can be up to an inch long and have wings. In addition to seeing these swarming termites around your house, there are other ways to identify a termite swarm or a termite infestation in your home. These can include discarded swarming termite wings, mud tubes around the foundation of your home, uneven or bubbling paint, hollow wood, exposed wood damage, and termite droppings, which look like small, dark, multi-colored pellets.
While swarming termites are typically only seasonal, they may point to a larger issue, as the rest of the colony will hide and feed on wood. Further, their wood and cellulose feeding can severely damage a structure. For any kind of building, be it residential or commercial, the damage can end up costing you thousands of dollars if you do not address the problem early.
How Can I Control Swarming Termites?
Unfortunately, termite swarming is not an issue that you can solve on your own. Many homeowners will try to solve the issue with aerosol spray. This is not a long term solution, however, as you would only be killing the termite swarmers, not the actual colony. On top of that, aerosol sprays make the insects cling to surfaces, which makes clean-up difficult and can damage and stain building materials.
First, you have to remain calm. This is a solvable issue, and subterranean termites will not directly harm you, your children, or your pets. Try to find where the swarming termites may be coming in, or areas of your home where you are finding a higher concentration of them, and mark that area with tape. Do not remove parts of walls or floorboards to inspect damage. This will do more harm than good in treating the termites. Inspecting damaged areas of your home will come after treatment. Do vacuum or clean up dead swarming termites and do inspect the outside of your home if you can. It is very possible that the termite colony is living outside of your house, as they often reside in soil. Pay close attention to areas outside of your home that may be connected to a passageway where you have noticed swarming termites. Finding out all of this information will be extremely helpful for us in helping you to get rid of your swarming termite issue.
To properly get rid of the termite problem, a one-time treatment is not enough. On top of the initial treatment, you will want a yearly inspection, which is routine for any household, especially if you are concerned about insect infestations. Additionally, termites can reinfest homes even after treatment, especially if the underlying issue that caused the subterranean termite infestation is not addressed. Such factors may include building design, moisture levels, and soil type. Thankfully, we are here to help you address both the treatment and long-term solution of your issue.
Addressing Termite Swarms with TermiGuard
Our termite control plan starts with an inspection, where we get as much information as we can about where the termites might be and how many there are. We keep all of this information in our records so that future terminators and technicians are more informed. After we inspect your property, we create a plan tailored for your needs and your home. If you are a member of the No Worries Termite Care Plan, then the treatment will come at no cost to you. Treatment varies on a case by case basis, but can include liquid termiticide in the soil around the property, monitoring stations for future technicians, and non-repellant product injection, which the swarmers will bring back to the colony. We also evaluate what parts of your home have been damaged and will need to be repaired.
Once your home has gone through treatment and you are certified termite-free with our preventative tactics in place, you are covered with our $75,000 warranty, which does not expire and will always be transferable. The $75,000 warranty will cover any new termite infestations and resulting damage. With our warranty, you can rest assured knowing that our work is long term, and that once you and your home are termite free, we intend it to stay that way.
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