One of the telltale signs of a termite infestation is, quite simply, seeing one. The one thing we know for sure about termites, they don’t show up alone, and finding out you have an infestation can mean bad news. Seeing a termite, however, is easier said than done due to their small size and underground tube systems that keep them out of sight. Most termites stay under cover almost exclusively, but swarmers travel out in the open and leave behind signs of their presence as well. This is where termite swarmers, although unwanted, can be a big help.
Each class of termites live their lives with a job to do and are distinctly separated by their roles. There are worker, soldier, and reproductive termites, all playing a crucial part in their survival. The reproductive termites are what are known as swarmers. Swarmers are almost a half of an inch long, have dark brown bodies, and of course, wings. Their wings are considerably longer than their bodies, and because of them, swarmers are easily identified among other termites. The termite swarmers are the largest termites in their colonies and are born for one purpose. In the spring, swarmer termites will leave their nests to seek out a mate, reproducing and building new colonies when they do, and increasing the rate and risk of a termite infestation as they spread out from the originating colony.
Preventing termites can be hard to avoid in areas where they have been allowed to flourish, and they are incredibly difficult to eliminate without calling for professional assistance. Though keeping them out yourself might be pretty hard, here are a few preventative measures to help.
- Keeping stored wood away from the house can help by not providing them a comfortable place to settle near your home
- Make sure to inspect and fix any wood in your that has been damaged by moisture, making sure to take care of what caused the moisture when you do
- Avoid any wood to soil contact
- Seal cracks, holes, and crevices in your home's foundation and walls
- Make sure to keep shrubs, bushes, and trees, trimmed and away from your house
- Keep gutters clean and free of debris
In many cases, preventative measures are just not enough. With termite swarmers stopping at nothing in their way, you want to be sure you have measures in place to detect and deter a termite infestation entirely. If you have already discovered an infestation, don't go through the frustration and uncertainty of trying to fix the issue yourself. When eradicating termites you need to eradicate their nest entirely, and only the specialized equipment and trusted products employed by termite control professionals offer that kind of assurance. So the next time you see a swarmer termite, consider it a heads up, and be sure to call Adams Exterminating Company in Lewisville and Denton, TX!