Termites are Swarming! Here is a very basic look at what to expect.

As I impatiently sat waiting for the traffic light to turn green, I noticed a cloud of swarming subterranean termites “flutter” by and not much longer, the telephones were ringing off the hook with people screaming in panic,” Termites!”

It’s that time off year folks to start checking the window sills for the wings and bodies of subterranean termites. Those nasty little cellulose eaters are out in force.

Things to look for:

Subterranean Termite Swarmers: When the subterranean colonies of termites become large enough, it will contain swarmers. The swarmers are the future kings and queens of the next subterranean termite colony.
 
Once they have left their "homes" they attempt to locate a new place to live. They locate a mate, shed their wings and then "get busy".
 
What you may see is quite a few "fluttering" insects, usually black in color with milky white wings or you just may see the wings in your windowsills. Termites will head for a light source.
 

Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites for many reasons, travel through mud tubes such as the one pictured to the left.
 
If you nudge it alittle, it will easily break open and live subterranean termites will usually spill out.
 
What does a subterranean termite look like? Next picture.....
 
 
 
 

Subterranean Termites: Here is a picture of the subterrameam termite "soldiers", notice the large mandibles on these guys!
The workers are slighty smaller and without those huge chompers.
 
In comparison, they look like grains of rice with legs.
 
Whats the difference between a flying termite and a flying ant?  Next picture...
 
 
 

Termites vs Ants

 

For more information, go to our website at Beucher & Son Termite and Pest Control