Posted March 10, 2022

Winter is losing its stranglehold, as springtime approaches. The warmer weather on its way also heralds the approach of conditions in which termites thrive. Harsh winter weather can leave homes more susceptible to flying termites, just waiting for things to warm up enough for them to swarm.

Since 2011 the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has held Termite Awareness Week (March 6-12, 2022). The event is designed to educate and encourage homeowners about inspecting their property for termites before they become destructive. In support of those efforts, we would like to offer the following helpful tips.

What Are the Warning Signs of Termites?

Signs of a potential termite infestation include:

• Wood damage
• Bubbling paint
• Mud tubes
• Swarmers
• Shed termite wings
• Frass (droppings that look like wood pellets)
• Hollow sounding wood

However, a termite infestation doesn’t always show visible signs – especially in the early stages. If you find any of these signs, it would be wise to call for an inspection to determine whether termite treatment is needed for your home.

Do Swarming Termites Outside Mean an Infestation?

Not necessarily. However, it does mean you should take proactive measures. Other winged insects could be mistaken for flying termites. If you see a swarm inside your home, it’s time to call a pest removal specialist.

How Often Do Termites Swarm?

Termite swarms are usually an annual occurrence. The swarms typically happen in spring… though summer is also possible if a colony has become too large.

What Time of Day Do Termites Swarm?

Early day and dusk are the most likely times to see a termite swarm. It’s also common to find a swarm after a rainstorm.

How Long Do Termite Swarms Last?

Swarms will usually last for roughly 30-40 minutes at a time and can continue for weeks. They are attracted to light sources such as streetlights and windows.

Do Termite Swarms Go Away?

Swarms are seeking a new place to build a colony. If you’ve seen a swarm, it means they might have built a colony near your home and are targeting your home for an infestation to feed that colony.

How Far Do Swarming Termites Travel?

Termites don’t travel far – in most instances. While a swarm might catch a strong wind and go a longer distance, more often they will only travel a few hundred yards from their original colony.

How Serious Is a Termite Problem?

Termites can cause thousands upon thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home before you even notice them. By the time that there are visible signs there could already be huge amounts of damage hidden below the surface. Damage that, sadly, is often not covered by standard insurance policies… which can be quite an unpleasant shock.

How Do You Protect Yourself from Termites?

The Entomology department of the University of Kentucky has some excellent recommendations for deterring termites:

1. Eliminate wood in contact with the ground.
2. Do not let moisture accumulate near the foundation.
3. Reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces.
4. Never store firewood or wood debris against foundations or inside crawlspaces.
5. Use wood mulch sparingly, especially if you already have termites or other conducive conditions.
6. Or switch to stone or rubber mulch
7. Have your home treated by professionals.

If you have signs of a termite infestation or are concerned about termite swarms choosing your home, call us at Fox Pest Control for a termite inspection to determine if treatment is necessary.

Fox Pest Control Are the Termite Experts

Catching an infestation early with a termite inspection could save you thousands of dollars in potential damage to your home. If you suspect that you may have a termite problem, contact us today at Fox Pest Control, your termite control solution in Boston.