Termites in Jasper, Georgia and the surrounding areas are similar to most other areas in the southern United States. They can remain undetected for long periods of time. This allows them to do serious damage without being discovered. Termite swarms are often the first visible indication that termites are present.
Termites swarm most often during the spring time and their swarms can be abrupt and overwhelming. Triggered by a combination of warm temperatures and rain, the thousands of swarmer termites in a colony will take flight and leave the nest in search of an appropriate place to start a new colony. Termite swarmers have two pairs of long narrow wings of equal size and are dark in color – almost black in some species.
Typically, individual colonies will swarm only once per season, but may swarm twice or more. The first swarm of the season will be the most intense with the second and later swarms being less so. Termites will swarm most frequently and with the greatest intensity during the spring.
Environmental conditions, such as the temperature, humidity level, light conditions, as well as barometric pressure, heavily influence when termites will swarm. Swarmer termites will emerge on warm, sunny days when the humidity is high, conditions frequent on days following rain showers. They are attracted to light, so you are likely to see a swarm begin around your windows, doors, and light fixtures. While the swarmers themselves are not destructive to your home, they are an indication that there is an active colony nearby.
Since termite swarmers are not good fliers and their wings shed off after moderate use, swarm flights are brief and often rely on prevailing winds to carry the insects on their way. These termites do not fly very far before landing on the ground, shedding their wings, and attempting to start a new colony. You can often see where a swarm was in your home by observing the wings broken off from the swarmer termites, so you don’t have to witness the swarm itself to know a swarm recently occurred.
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation in your home or on your property, you should call your pest management professional right away and ask them to come take a look. If you do have a termite infestation, you want to get rid of them as soon as possible in order to prevent serious damage to your home.
If you think you have a problem with termites. . . or any other pest. . . or simply have a question. . . call Faith Pest Control at 770-823-9202. We’ll be happy to speak with you any time.
Here’s to helping YOU live PEST FREE,
Erica
P.S. And be sure to ask about our FREE 58 Point Pest Analysis of your home or office!
