Spring is the season for many great things, such as barbecues, flowers, and baseball. But it's also the season for some less than desirable pests, such as termites. In the spring, it's not uncommon to see flying termite swarmers. Find out what you need to know about swarmers and how to protect your home.
Swarmers Might Be Seasonal, But Termites Are Year-Round
Typically, termite swarmers in Dallas are common in the spring and summer months. But don't let the swarmers fool you. Termites could always be on your property, eating away at your wood without your knowledge.
In the winter, termites are less active than they are in the spring and summer. For this reason, you're less likely to see signs of termites in the cooler weather. That said, the weather stays warm enough for these Dallas pests to damage your property at any time of the year.
What Is A Swarmer?
Even though you may have heard of the term or seen a swarmer, do you know what one is? A termite swarmer is a group of winged termites. That said, not all of the termites in a colony have wings; only some termites can fly.
At some point during the year, a termite colony sends out winged termites to mate and form a new colony. The termites fly around, although they don't travel very far. Typically, a swarmer only goes from one property to another nearby property.
Once the termites in the swarmers mate, they lose their wings and settle down. If a neighbor near you has termites, a swarmer could bring these pests onto your property. All of your wooden structures could be highly vulnerable to infestation.
The Scope Of Damage
Every year, termites cause Americans millions of dollars in damage to walls, floors, and other areas of their home. There are a few reasons for this extensive damage. First, there's the obvious; termites eat wood, so they’ll naturally eat away at the wood in your Dallas home or business.
Even if you don't have a wood-framed structure, you could experience termite damage. Some part of your home is likely made of wood, and that wood will be a feast for termites. They're destructive pests that don't discriminate.
Secondly, there's the issue of quantity. When you have termites, they reproduce quickly. What starts as a swarmer will soon become a full-fledged infestation. And the more termites you have, the worse the damage will be.
What You Should Do When You See A Swarmer
Although spotting a swarmer isn't a sure sign that you have termites, it's a sign that you might soon have them. For many property owners in Dallas, a swarmer is the first sign of trouble.
If you see a swarmer, you should contact a pest control professional immediately. They can do an inspection and let you know if you have termites around. You may also want an inspection if you notice any of the following:
- Frass on the ground
- Hollow sounding timber
- Noises in your walls
Ways to Prevent Termites
If you don't want swarmers landing on your property and colonizing, there are a few steps you can take to deter them. Store firewood and lumber far from your wooden structures. Additionally, keep your wood from directly touching the soil. Repair any leaks in your plumbing or moist wood.
Unfortunately, termites could still decide to remain on your property. The best form of termite protection comes from professional assistance. Contact the Dynasty Pest Control team today to learn more about termite prevention and elimination services. If you're ready to protect your home or business, let us help.