FLYING TERMITES EVERYWHERE LAST NIGHT?
DON'T PANIC.
Understanding Formosan Termite Swarms Along the Gulf Coast
WHY DID THOUSANDS OF TERMITES SUDDENLY APPEAR?
Formosan termites swarm when the weather conditions are just right - warm temperatures, high humidity, light winds and evening conditions. When these factors come together, large numbers of colonies in our area can release winged reproductive termites at the same time, often between 8 and 10 PM. This can result in thousands of termites flying around neighborhoods within a very short period of time.
FOUND 100 TERMITES INSIDE YOUR HOUSE?
That doesn't automatically mean your house is infested.
During major Formosan termite swarms, large numbers of reproductive termites can enter homes from outdoors. After shedding their wings, they may be found crawling around windows, doors, bathrooms and other areas. Even a surprisingly large number of swarmers inside your home does not necessarily mean an established colony is living in your structure.
HOW DO SWARMERS GET INTO YOUR HOUSE?
Formosan termites are attracted to light and can enter through small openings around windows, doors, utility lines and other gaps. They can also enter bathrooms, often dropping down through plumbing vent openings (the PVC stack above the vent) when bathroom lights are on. You may also find them on flooring, counters and other surfaces.
I HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. WHY ARE THERE TERMITES INSIDE?
I HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. WHY ARE THERE TERMITES INSIDE?
I HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. WHY ARE THERE TERMITES INSIDE?
Even the best professional termite protection program cannot prevent flying Formosan termites from entering your home. Termite treatments are designed to protect the structure against infestation, not to stop flying insects from coming inside. Finding swarmers inside after a widespread swarm does not, by itself, indicate a treatment failure.
I DON'T HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
I HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. WHY ARE THERE TERMITES INSIDE?
I HAVE TERMITE PROTECTION. WHY ARE THERE TERMITES INSIDE?
Finding Formosan swarmers inside your home does not automatically mean you have an infestation, but it does tell you that there is a healthy, mature colony in the surrounding area. Formosan termite colonies must mature for several years before producing winged reproductives. If your home is not protected, this is a good time to consider a professional termite inspection and preventive treatment.
Does This Mean My House is Infested?
Widespread swarming activity can result in large numbers of swarmers entering homes without indicating an established infestation in the structure, mud tubes, or large piles of swarmers (hundreds) with their wings still attached, or suspected termite damage should be professionally evaluated.
IS IT AN ANT OR A TERMITE?
People often mistake flying ants for termites. Use this side by side comparison to learn the difference.
If you need further assistance, take multiple phots of the insect and give us a call.
WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP!
