Custom Pest Control Swarming Information Sheet

Termites Are Swarming! Spring-like weather is an alarm clock for Subterranean Termite Swarmers (reproductive) to go out and start new colonies. They usually emerge in the spring and come out of the soil or the infested wood, in areas in or around your home or office.  A thousand or more termites in a swarm is not uncommon.

It could be costly to confuse Termite Swarmers with winged ants, which also swarm during the spring. Termites can be distinguished by their straight antennae and wide waist. They also have four wings of equal size, whereas ant wings are two different sizes. If they go undetected for an extended period of time, damage is likely to occur.

Tips to help prevent termite infestations

• Store wood away from the house or office.

• Make sure that at least four inches of your foundation can be seen. Siding should not extend into the soil. Mulch and soil should not be high enough to cover the siding.

• Make sure water drains away from the foundation. Accumulation of water next to the foundation is important for the survival of a termite colony. Rain gutters are ideal, as long as the downspouts direct water away from the house or building.

• Correct roof or plumbing leaks as soon as they are detected. They can allow termites to survive above the ground.

Controlling the Swarm inside

• Darken the Room where the swarm is occurring

• Vacuum up the termites, then dispose of bag. Don’t use pesticides.

• Cool down the Room. Changing an environmental condition can confuse them.

• Seal the area with tape where they’re coming out.

Call Custom Pest Control and we’ll assist you in avoiding or eliminating unwanted termite invaders, or provide you with suggestions on preventing wood destroying pests long-term with Tim-Bor, a product made by U.S. Borax, to provide you with maximum protection.