Spring has sprung in Alabama, and with it comes the return of those unwelcome visitors – termite swarmers! While these winged insects, often confused with flying ants, might look harmless, they signal a potential threat to your biggest investment: your home. Here at SafeSpray Pest Control, we want to equip you with the knowledge to identify and deal with subterranean termites, the most common swarmers in our state.
Eastern Subterranean Termites vs. Formosan Termites
Alabama is home to two main culprits when it comes to subterranean termite swarms: the Eastern Subterranean Termite (EST) and the Formosan Subterranean Termite. Both species are destructive, but there are some key differences:
- Size: ESTs are smaller, with workers measuring around ¼ inch, while Formosans are slightly larger.
- Swarming: ESTs typically swarm during the day, while Formosans prefer nighttime.
- Colony Size: Formosan colonies can be massive, reaching up to 15 million termites, compared to the smaller EST colonies.
What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?
Swarmers are easily identifiable. They have dark brown or black bodies with two sets of long, equal-sized wings. These swarmers are not the ones directly causing damage to your home. Their purpose is to establish new colonies, and that’s where the danger lies. Once they find a suitable location with moisture and wood, they’ll shed their wings and begin building a new colony that can wreak havoc on your property.
Common Misconceptions About Termites
- Myth: Seeing swarmers means you have an infestation inside your house.
- Fact: The swarmers you see could have originated from a nest located outside, but their presence indicates a potential threat.
- Myth: Termites only eat wood used in construction.
- Fact: Subterranean termites will happily munch on anything with cellulose, including furniture, books, and even insulation.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Call in the Professionals
If you suspect termites which are sometimes mistaken for flying ants, don’t delay! Early detection is crucial to prevent significant structural damage. Here at SafeSpray Pest Control, our experienced technicians can identify the type of termite, locate the source of the infestation, and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate the threat and protect your home.
Remember:
- Annual termite inspections are crucial for Alabama homeowners.
- Addressing a termite problem early can save you money and heartache in the long run.
- For a free termite inspection or consultation, contact SafeSpray Pest Control today!
Preventing Termite Infestations
Here are some key steps you can take to reduce the risk of subterranean termites invading your home:
- Eliminate moisture sources around the foundation. This includes repairing leaky faucets, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage away from the house.
- Store firewood away from the house. Firewood provides a perfect habitat for termites, so keep it stacked neatly at least five feet away from the foundation.
- Eliminate any wood to ground contact. Porches, decks, and patios should not be built directly on the soil.
- Consider professional termite protection. We recommend our termite protection system utilizing Trelona® ATBS by BASF. We utilize Trelona Advanced Termite Bait Stations by installing them around the perimeter of your home.This proactive approach can intercept and eliminate termite threats before they can damage your property.
