Do Termites Come Out of the Ground?
WouterThere are many types of termites. Some can be seen flying around and some are only visible as dead insects. The most common ones are subterranean termites. They can be active year-round in warmer climates. However, it is important to recognize that they do not normally nest inside homes.
They build small mud tunnels using soil. These tubes look like strands of dirt and are found virtually anywhere. If you find a large number of them in your home, it may be a sign that your property has been infested with termites.
Several different kinds of subterranean termites can be found in California. These include Reticulitermes, which are the most destructive species in the state. They can be seen in desert regions, sand dunes, mountain ranges and coastlines.
In order to determine whether you have an infestation of subterranean termites, you need to understand the termite life cycle. The colonies that start out as a few workers can eventually become large enough to produce hundreds of thousands or millions of offspring. This is accomplished through division and re-establishment of new colonies.
Once a new colony is established, reproductives and workers will continue to create new tubes and establish swarms. In the spring, swarmers will emerge from the ground. The swarms are not very good fliers and only a minority will survive to form a new colony.
If you notice swarming termites near your home, you will need to contact a pest control professional for advice. They can identify the swarmers for you.
