Drywood termites live within the walls and the wooden furniture they infest. Unlike their subterranean cousins, they don’t require contact with the soil to survive. This makes them a lot more dangerous since they can eat away at your house without being spotted for a long time.

Swarming refers to the process of the termites leaving their nests to mate and form a new colony. Swarming in most cases is a sure-shot sign of a termite infestation in your house. Knowing what the swarming season entails and how to protect your house can help safeguard your house from termites. 

The Swarming Season: Why Does It Matter? 

In a termite colony, the termites have their roles. The queen termite is responsible for the proliferation of the colony while the workers go in search of wood, soldiers protect the colony, and the reproductive alates are dedicated to forming new colonies when the time is right. 

When a termite colony is ready to expand, reproductive termites, also known as alates, leave the original colony to form a new one. When these winged termites find a suitable place, they shed their wings and mate. A single queen can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime, and these eggs, when they hatch and eventually become termites, will form their colony. Swarming ensures a termite colony’s expansion and survival. 

In the U.S., drywood termite swarming usually occurs in late summer or early fall. They are most common in states with warm, humid climates like Florida, California, and Texas.

If you notice shed wings or flying termites near your house, it probably means the termites are targeting your house next. Anything might attract the drywood termites to your house – an unaddressed moisture problem, unused wood in your garden, and more. If the drywood termites establish a foothold, it can soon lead to structural damage. 

How to Safeguard Your Home from Swarmers? 

Taking preventative steps throughout the year is crucial, but you need to be extra vigilant during the swarming season. Here are some tips that involve a combination of prevention, monitoring, and treatment. 

1. Preventive Measures 

•  Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks in walls, foundation, and woodwork. Seal these with caulk or wood fillers to prevent termites from entering. Drywood termites can utilize even the smallest of cracks or gaps to get inside your home. 
• Proper Ventilation: Like almost all pests, termites require moisture to survive. Moisture also makes the wood soft, making it easier for the termites to devour. Ensure your attic and crawl spaces are well-ventilated to reduce moisture buildup.
• Minimize Wood-to-Ground Contact: Use concrete or metal barriers for wooden structures that touch the ground.
• Paint and Polish Wooden Surfaces: Moisture on wood attracts termites. A fresh coat of paint or varnish acts as a protective barrier against termites.
• Turn off the Lights: Keep your window and door curtains closed at night. If possible, turn off the porch and garden lights or replace them with insect-resistant lights.  

Also Read:  Proven Termite Preventive Treatments for you to Consider 

2. Regular Monitoring 

• Conduct Routine Inspections: Hire a professional pest control service to inspect your home. Annual termite inspections can help identify the termite problem in the early stages to address it before it snowballs.
• Install Monitoring Stations: Place bait stations around your property to detect termite activity. This subterranean termite treatment method is especially effective for stopping the termites from entering your house. 

 3. Drywood Termite Solutions 

The swarmers or shed wings can be warning signs but in some cases, infestation might have already taken root in your home. If you suspect an infestation, immediate action is crucial. Contact a termite control company and get a professional to check your home for signs of infestation. If the expert finds an infestation, then he/she would suggest suitable drywood termite solutions. Here are the most effective treatment methods:

• Fumigation: A whole-structure treatment that uses gas to penetrate wood and eliminate termites. Ideal for severe infestations.
• Localized Spot Treatments: Involves applying pesticides directly onto the affected wood. Best for minor infestations.
• Heat Treatment: Involves heating the affected area to a temperature lethal to termites. It’s chemical-free and eco-friendly.
• · Microwave Treatment: Uses targeted microwave energy to heat and kill the termites present in the wood. Best for treating localized infestations without the use of chemicals. 

HiTech Termite Control 

Drywood termites may be small but their effect on your home might prove colossal. So, the next time you see a swarm of winged insects or small heaps of discarded wings, don’t brush it off.  Contact us immediately and we will send an expert to investigate the signs. For a free termite inspection, visit our website here.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are drywood termites and why are they dangerous?

Drywood termites live inside wood and can cause significant damage to your home without being detected for long periods. Unlike subterranean termites, they don't need contact with the soil.

 2. When is the drywood termite swarming season?

Drywood termite swarming usually happens in late summer or early fall, especially in warm, humid climates like Florida, California, and Texas.

 3. How can I protect my home from drywood termites?

Seal cracks, ensure proper ventilation, minimize wood-to-ground contact, and regularly inspect your home for early signs of termite infestation to prevent drywood termites.

 4. What should I do if I see termite Swarmers around my house?

If you notice flying termites or discarded wings, contact a pest control service immediately. This could indicate an infestation or that termites are targeting your home.

 5. What are the treatment options for drywood termite infestations?

Treatment options include fumigation, localized spot treatments, heat treatment, and microwave treatment, depending on the severity of the infestation.

 6. How often should I have my home inspected for termites?

It's recommended to have a professional termite inspection at least once a year to detect any potential issues early and prevent damage.