During mating season, termites can rise from their underground colonies and fly around in swarms. If you’ve seen insects in groups inside your home or around the yard, you might have to call an exterminator for termite control to avoid an infestation. Here's more information about swarming to help you understand why professional services may be necessary.

Why Termites Swarm

Every termite colony has different classes of bugs that carry out unique tasks. Only Queens and Kings, who are responsible for reproduction, swarm. The activity allows them to travel in search of a new home once they’ve exhausted the available food source in their current habitat.

If you’ve spotted swarming termites, these insects are ready to find mates and build colonies in the vicinity. They’ll settle near plentiful sources of wood, such as beams inside walls, hardwood floors, and wooden furniture. If they find a suitable spot on the property, they may stick around and create a colony, boring through wood elements and potentially causing structural damage.

What to Do When You Spot Swarming Termites

Sometimes, swarming termites are confused with flying ants. To tell the difference between these insects, catch one and closely inspect the shape of its body and wings. While ants have pinched waists, Queen and King termites have thick, straight bodies that don’t curve at the waist. They also have short, straight antennae, and four wings of equal length, whereas ants have L-shaped antennae and different-sized wings.

Once you’ve identified the swarmers as termites, pinpoint the source of the issue. If they are inside the house, try to figure out the en point without removing or dismantling trims, frames, or other wooden components that could be infested. Mark gaps with tape. If the termites have become stationary, you can vacuum them with a hose attachment. Then, reach out to a termite control company that will take permanent steps to eliminate the infestation.

If you believe you have a termite problem, reach out to Garella Pest Service of Edwardsville, IL. This termite control company has served Southwestern Illinois since 1945 and they’ve continued to update and improve their techniques over the years. Their technicians have an average of 20 years of experience and offer same-day service for urgent pest problems. Learn more about their work on their website, or call (618) 635-7378 to request a free quote.