If you were to look at a single termite, you might think that its reputation is exaggerated. Termites are less than an inch long and do not look particularly menacing. The problem is that there is always more than one termite, and if you see any flying termites around your property, you likely have a large colony nearby.
Termites are wood-destroying pests that live in colonies that may have thousands upon thousands of individual insects. Subterranean termites are common in South Texas, and a mature colony can have between 60,000 and two million workers in it. These workers eat away at the wood in your home and can cause significant property and structural damage over time.
This guide will explain how to identify termite swarmers and learn what attracts them to your house. We’ll also go over the troubles homeowners encounter when trying to eliminate termites without help from a Brackettville pest control company. Read on to learn more about termites and the best way to deal with them from the pros at Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio.
How To Identify A Termite Swarmer
Termites are social insects that live in colonies, and each termite belongs to a caste. We find two types of termites in local homes, drywood and subterranean termites. Both species have a caste of winged reproductive termites whose primary purpose is to swarm and start a new colony when their current colony matures.
Drywood termites will swarm on a warm sunny day when the temperature suddenly rises. Subterranean termites typically swarm during the day and usually in the morning after a warm, rainy day. These winged termites are generally smaller than half an inch and are often mistaken for flying ants.
If you notice these winged swarming termites on your Brackettville property, you may be able to catch an infestation in its early stages and prevent further damage. If you suspect you have seen these termites or discarded wings near windows or doors, contact us at Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio to set up an inspection.
What Attracts Termite Swarmers To My Home?
Termites are attracted to wood that they can infest, and the type of wood depends on the species. Drywood termites prefer wood with low moisture content, while subterranean termites prefer soft, moist wood.
Here are some conditions that can start a termite infestation in your home:
- Cracks and crevices on the exterior walls of your home or the foundation.
- Water that collects near the foundation of your house.
- Any points where wood and soil meet, including near decks or mulch near the house.
- Areas of your home with high humidity levels, such as the basement, crawlspace, or attic.
- Moisture issues, such as leaking pipes and faucets.
Regular professional termite inspections are the best way to ensure you aren’t attracting termites to your property. Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio can inspect your property for the signs of these pests you might miss and help you find any factors that may attract them.
The Hassles And Hazards Of DIY Termite Control
DIY termite control is not usually successful and can even make matters worse.
The following list explains some of the problems that come with trying to deal with termites on your own:
- Termites can cause significant damage before you see any signs of them.
- Finding the entire colony can be challenging, especially with subterranean termites that do not live inside the wood they eat.
- If you do not treat the entire colony, and most importantly, the queen, the problem will quickly return.
- Homeowners don’t have access to the proper tools and equipment to apply treatments where they need to.
- Over-the-counter products are insufficient to eliminate an entire colony and are often hazardous to work with.
Only professionals can offer termite treatment options for your home that can eradicate an entire colony, regardless of species or location. If you suspect a termite problem in your home, contact us at Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio for help eliminating them.
Contact The Pros About Termite Swarmers Around Your Home
Termite swarmers are usually the first and only sign homeowners will spot until they cause significant damage. If you notice these swarmers around your house, it is time to call in the pros.
Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio offers the best termite control in Brackettville to eliminate an infestation and, most importantly, to keep them from returning.