Does a Termite Swarm Mean I Have Termites?
If you see a swarm of termites, it may be a sign of an infestation. It is a good idea to seek professional help to prevent further damage to your home. During the swarming season, termite colonies produce hundreds of swarmers.
During the swarming process, termites swarm in order to find a suitable place to mate. They swarm for a period of thirty to forty minutes. They then fly away to start new colonies. Swarming is often seen during the day.
The number of swarmers produced varies with the size of the colony. It is estimated that a termite colony produces hundreds or thousands of swarmers for reproduction.
Swarming is a natural and necessary process for termites to survive. The swarming period occurs in spring, when the weather is warm and moist. Usually, the swarmers land in an area near the nest.
After swarming, termites fly off to find a mate. They usually land on windows or other light sources. They also collect around doors and windows.
When a swarm is in your home, you should immediately contact a termite exterminator. You can do this by calling your local cooperative extension center. They will give you a free inspection to determine if you have a termite infestation.
You can also vacuum up the swarmers and bring them to the cooperative extension center. They will then be identified and disposed of properly.
In addition, you can make your home less attractive to termite swarmers. To keep swarmers from flying away, make sure you have a properly functioning drainage system, gutters, and downspouts.