Subterranean termites are social insects that live in large underground colonies. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and other plant-based materials. These termites are known for their destructive behavior, as they can quickly devour the wooden structures of buildings and homes. Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are reproductive termites that emerge from their colonies to mate and form new colonies. This process usually takes place when a colony has reached its maturity and is ready to expand.
It is important to identify swarmers early to prevent further damage to your property. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about subterranean termite swarmers, including their behavior, identification, prevention, and where to find the best termite treatment in Tampa.
What are Subterranean Termite Swarmers?
Subterranean termites have a complex life cycle that involves different classifications of termites with specific roles. The queen lays eggs, and the workers are responsible for feeding the colony and maintaining the nest. The soldiers protect the colony from predators and other threats. Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave the colony to mate and form new colonies.
Swarmers are typically larger than worker termites and have two pairs of wings twice the size of the body that grows before a swarm and breaks off after the termites find a new place to start a colony. They have dark, black bodies and straight antennae. Swarmers are usually seen in large numbers primarily during spring and winter, when temperatures begin to fluctuate, during dusk and dawn, or after a rain.
Subterranean termite swarmers differ from worker termites in that they will grow wings and be able to fly. Although swarmers have wings, they are not strong flyers, often only traveling a few yards and mostly being pushed by wind.
Additionally, swarmer termites are the only ones that will be visible, and only during a swarm.
Signs of Subterranean Termite Swarmers
There are several signs of a termite infestation that you should look out for, including the presence of swarmers. Here are some of the most common signs of subterranean termite swarmers:
Swarming Behavior
During the swarming season, you may notice large numbers of termites flying around your property. This is a sign that there is a termite colony nearby, and they are looking for another location to form a new colony.
Shed Wings
After mating and finding a new location to start a new colony, the swarmers will shed their wings, which can often be found in piles near windows, doors, or light fixtures. Did you know that swarmers shed their wings to be able to fit into crevices and can even fit into spaces as small as 1/32 of an inch? That’s as small as the width of a poppy seed!
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from predators, maintain a moist environment, and travel around. These tubes can be found along the foundation walls of your home or building.
Wood Damage
Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin layer of wood on the surface. If you notice small holes or sawdust around wooden structures in your home, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.
Swarmers in Light Fixtures
If you see swarmers in or around light fixtures, it is a sign that there is a termite colony nearby. Subterranean termite swarmers are almost completely blind and tend to gravitate toward light sources because that is often the only thing that they can see.
Why are Subterranean Termite Swarmers a Problem?
Subterranean termite swarmers can cause a lot of damage to your property. They can quickly infest a building or home, causing structural damage that can be costly to repair. Termites can also pose health risks to humans, as they produce allergens that can cause respiratory problems. A termite infestation can also reduce the value of your property and make it difficult to sell.
Damage to Homes and Buildings
Termites can cause significant damage to the wooden structures in a home or building, including support beams, walls, floors, and even furniture. Over time, this damage can weaken the structural integrity of a building, making it unsafe and costly to repair.
Cost of Repairs
The cost of repairing termite damage can be high, and in some cases, the damage may be so severe that the entire structure must be rebuilt. Insurance may not cover termite damage, so homeowners may be left to foot the bill themselves.
Health Risks
While subterranean termites do not pose a direct threat to human health, their presence can lead to other health risks. For example, termite damage can create openings in walls and floors, which can allow moisture to seep in and promote the growth of mold and mildew. These substances can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Impact on Property Value
A termite infestation can significantly lower the value of a property, making it harder to sell or rent. Potential buyers or renters may be hesitant to invest in a property that has a history of termite damage, or they may use the damage to negotiate a lower price.
Why are Subterranean Termite Swarmers a Problem?
Subterranean termite swarmers can cause a lot of damage to your property. They can quickly infest a building or home, causing structural damage that can be costly to repair. Termites can also pose health risks to humans, as they produce allergens that can cause respiratory problems. A termite infestation can also reduce the value of your property and make it difficult to sell.
Damage to Homes and Buildings
Termites can cause significant damage to the wooden structures in a home or building, including support beams, walls, floors, and even furniture. Over time, this damage can weaken the structural integrity of a building, making it unsafe and costly to repair.
Cost of Repairs
The cost of repairing termite damage can be high, and in some cases, the damage may be so severe that the entire structure must be rebuilt. Insurance may not cover termite damage, so homeowners may be left to foot the bill themselves.
Health Risks
While subterranean termites do not pose a direct threat to human health, their presence can lead to other health risks. For example, termite damage can create openings in walls and floors, which can allow moisture to seep in and promote the growth of mold and mildew. These substances can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Impact on Property Value
A termite infestation can significantly lower the value of a property, making it harder to sell or rent. Potential buyers or renters may be hesitant to invest in a property that has a history of termite damage, or they may use the damage to negotiate a lower price.
How to Prevent Subterranean Termite Swarmers
Having subterranean termite protection in place is highly recommended in Florida. Having an annual renewable warranty in place safeguards you from subterranean termites. If you do not have preventative measures in place and you suspect that there may be a termite infestation, it is in your best interest to protect your home or business. While subterranean termite swarmers can be a sign of serious damage to the home, fortunately, there are several corrective measures that homeowners and property owners can take to protect their assets.
Inspection and Monitoring
Regular inspections and monitoring from Tampa pest control service companies like Nvirotect Pest Control Services can help detect termite activity early before it becomes a major problem. This includes looking for signs of termites such as mud tubes, shed wings, and damaged wood.
Moisture Control
Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, so reducing moisture levels around a property can help deter them. This includes fixing leaky pipes and faucets, ensuring proper drainage away from the property, and using a dehumidifier if necessary.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of a property can help prevent termite infestations by keeping it in good condition. This includes repairing any cracks or gaps in walls and foundations and keeping firewood and other wooden materials away from home.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for subterranean termites, including chemical treatments, bait stations, and physical barriers. The pest control professionals at Nvirotect Pest Control Services can help determine the best treatment approach for a particular property.
Sentricon Always Active
Sentricon Always Active is a termite baiting system designed to provide continuous, ongoing protection against termite infestations. The system works by installing bait stations in the soil around the perimeter of the structure to be protected. These bait stations contain a highly attractive cellulose-based bait matrix that is infused with a slow-acting toxicant that is lethal to termites only.
Unlike other baiting systems that are monitored periodically and where bait is added only if termites are detected, Sentricon Always Active is always working, providing continuous protection against termites. The bait is present in the stations at all times, even when there is no visible termite activity. Termites that consume the bait will begin to die, but not before they return to the colony and share the bait with other members of the colony, including the queen. Over time, the entire colony will be eliminated. The Sentricon Always Active system is environmentally friendly and does not require drilling into the foundation of the structure.
Contact Nvirotect Pest Control Services for Professional Termite Removal
Subterranean termites can cause significant damage to homes and buildings before showing any initial signs, so it is extremely important to take steps to prevent them. Regular inspections, moisture control, regular maintenance, and treatment options can all help deter subterranean termites and protect a property from damage.
Nvirotect Pest Control Services in Tampa is proud to utilize Sentricon Always Active Subterranean Termite Baiting Systems for highly-effective, eco-friendly, and full protection from subterranean termites. Sentricon Always Active Subterranean Termite Baiting Systems directly target subterranean termites with feeding stations. The feeding stations contain a highly-effective bait that the termites spread to one another with precise and efficient infiltration into the colony.
If you suspect you have a termite problem, it’s important to contact a pest control professional with Nvirotect Pest Control Services as soon as possible to minimize damage and prevent future infestations.
For help in subterranean termite treatment for your Tampa home or business, call the premier Tampa pest control service company today at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.