Have you ever seen a termite swarm? This phenomenon is rather noticeable if you’ve seen it, but if you haven't, you need to know what termite swarms look like. Knowing how to identify these swarms is especially important because they are usually the first sign of a Longview termite infestation.
Termites are some of the most challenging pests in the area, and they can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. To protect your home from the destructive termite, read on to learn about termite swarmers and how to identify and remove them.
What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?
Termite swarmers, sometimes known as termite alates, are the termites in the colony responsible for reproduction. These termites will leave the nest during a period known as termite season. While termites are active year-round once they establish a nest, they will look for new places to create colonies during this termite season. This period usually lasts from spring to fall.
You also need to know how to identify the swarmers. They are dark brown to black, and they have wings. Generally, compared to flying ants, they have longer wings. The other termites in the colony are the workers and soldiers. They don’t have wings and rarely leave the nest.
Termite Swarmers Could Be The First Warning Sign
Termites in Longview might seem like they’d be an easy pest to spot, but this isn’t the case. Because they tunnel through wooden structures and usually build their nests underground, you are very unlikely to see them. You could have a termite infestation for weeks or months without knowing it.
But, one of the most common first signs of a termite problem is seeing termite swarmers. As the infestation grows, these reproduction termites will want to expand and find new spaces to breed. If you know what termite swarmers and termite swarms look like, you can detect an issue and save yourself stress and money.
How Long Do Termite Swarms Last?
While termite season is usually between spring and fall, the termite swarms themselves only last around 30 minutes or so. The termite alates will leave the nest together in groups. They will swarm around as they try to find new places to build. But, if they don’t find a new space to move underground within a short time, they will die. This means that even if you don’t see the swarm happening, you might find the termites or their discarded wings after the fact.
If you notice any indication of a termite swarm, contact our Longview termite control experts at Pest-Pro Services, Inc. Termites are some of the most challenging pests to eradicate, so professional pest control services are necessary.
How Do You Get Rid Of Termite Swarmers?
If you see termite swarmers outside, you might not have an active infestation yet. However, you likely need termite removal services immediately if you see them inside. Either way, the best way to protect against termites is with Longview pest control services. Contact Pest-Pro Services, Inc. today to request a termite inspection.