Subterranean Termites are a common insect in Florida homes throughout the year, but swarm season is often when homeowners first realize something may be wrong.
These sudden appearances of flying insects can be really unsettling, especially if you are not sure what you are looking at, but knowing what swarmers are and what seeing them means can help you respond quickly and effectively.
When Do Subterranean Termite Swarms Typically Happen?
In Tampa, Subterranean Termite swarms typically happen in the spring. During this season, mature colonies release winged reproductive Subterranean Termites, called swarmers, to establish new colonies.
Why Seeing Swarmers Is Actually a Red Flag
Swarmers are reproductive Subterranean Termites that have two pairs of equal-length wings, straight antennae, and a thick, uniform body. These features help distinguish them from flying ants, which have bent antennae, uneven wings, and a narrow waist.
They are often attracted to light, which is why they tend to appear near windows and fixtures indoors. Although they may emerge in large numbers, swarmers are short-lived. After a brief flight, they naturally shed their wings and look for a place to nest.
Seeing swarmers indoors often means a colony is already inside the structure. Outdoor swarms may indicate activity close to, or inside your home.
What Are the Most Common Signs of Subterranean Termite Swarmers You Should Not Ignore?
Swarming is one of the more obvious indicators, but there are other common warning signs that homeowners should watch for, including:
- Mud tubes along walls or foundations
- Hollow-sounding or warped wood
- Shed wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures.
How to Lower Your Risk of Subterranean Termites
While you cannot completely be free from the risk of Subterranean Termites in Florida, you can make your home less inviting. Moisture control is one of the biggest factors, so fixing leaks, improving your drainage and plumbing systems, and keeping gutters clear all help reduce conditions that Subterranean Termites love.
It is also a good idea to keep wood and debris away from your home’s foundation. Even small things, like stacked firewood or mulch placed too close to the house, can attract Subterranean Termites.
What Does A Subterranean Termite Treatment Look Like?
At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, our Green-Certified Tampa Termite treatments are designed to eliminate active colonies and help prevent future Subterranean Termites. Our Pest Control Service Technicians proudly utilize Sentricon Always Active and Termidor.
Sentricon Always Active uses in-ground bait stations that attract foraging Subterranean Termites. Once they feed on the bait, they carry it back to the colony, helping eliminate the source over time. It is commonly used for ongoing monitoring and long-term colony control.
Termidor is a liquid barrier treatment applied to the soil around a structure. Subterranean Termites unknowingly pass through the treated zone, which not only impacts them directly but can also spread through the colony through contact. This transfer effect makes it especially effective for active colonies.
Both of these options are stand alone treatments that provide effective control and long-term protection. Each property requires a customized approach to ensure full correction and prevention ongoing.
Staying Ahead of Subterranean Termite Troubles With Nvirotect Pest Control Services
Subterranean Termite swarm season can feel alarming if your household is seeing signs, but it is also an opportunity to catch an issue before it becomes extremely costly. Paying attention to the signs and taking action right away can save you from much larger repairs down the line. With the right approach and Termite treatment in Tampa from Nvirotect Pest Control Services, you can keep your home Subterranean Termite-free throughout the entire year.
To schedule your Subterranean Termite service in Tampa, call us at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
