Do Termites Come Out When It Rains?
Termites are social insects that live in colonies. They feed on wood and other organic material. They have a soft, thin exoskeleton. They can easily fit through a gap of about 1/32″ wide. They are also highly sensitive to temperature and light.
Swarming occurs when a colony of termites becomes ready to form a new one. These swarms can be a small amount or hundreds of swarmers. They typically seek out unprotected homes.
Swarming is usually triggered by a combination of warm temperatures, humidity levels and the age of the colony. However, there are cases where termites are not triggered by this trigger.
In order to swarm, termites must find a suitable place to form a new colony. This process takes a few days. They may begin by entering through a crack in a foundation or through a door or window. They then burrow underground to start a new colony.
During the rainy season, flying termites are commonly seen. They can look like a giant cloud of insects. They swarm up to mate.
Swarming may happen as soon as the rain ends or on the first day after it has stopped. If you see a swarm, it is likely a western subterranean termite colony. A swarm can be a male, a female or a few hundred swarmers. If you have a swarm, remove any rotten wood. Store firewood away from water.
When a termite swarm is discovered, it is important to identify it quickly. This will help you determine if you need to act on it or call a professional.