Are These Termite Swarmers? You can bet the Farm on It

The Most Important Things You Can Do When Termites Swarm

First: Understand What Termite Swarmers Are And When Can You Expect Them

Termite swarmers are adult termites with wings who leave their colonies to mate and create new colonies. These winged termites swarm to find a mate. Once they've mated, the termites lose their wings and find a source to lay their eggs and build their colonies.
These particular winged termites sole purpose is to reproduce. They are not physically capable of eating wood, and they aren't even able to bite or chew, but they are a reminder that termites are around us and can be a real threat to your home. 

Okay, so why now and why us?

In the Charleston, SC areas, we are located in what is referred to as TIP Zone 1. What this means is that we are located in the highest likely Termite Infestation Probability Zone.  

Termite Life Cycle Courtesy of Texas A&M

Our tropical climate and amazing beach weather draws visitors and new residents by the thousands. Unfortunately, our warm, humid air along with spring and summer showers also makes where we live the most inviting for subterranean termites as well. Charleston, SC is an area of extreme high risk. 
Formosan termites were first discovered in the continental U.S. in Charleston in the 1950s. 

It's in the  late spring/early summer, when the temps are really starting to heat up and the rain becomes more regular when the conditions are perfect for these swarmers to come out of the ground and look for a mate. 

Subterranean termites love Charleston as much as the rest of the country if not more​

Second: Don't Panic

If you happen to see signs of swarmers (ex. a mass of flying insects at night near lights sources, abandoned wings either in your home or on your porch/deck), amber insects crawling or flying in through your doors and vents it's important not to panic. ​

Termite swarmers are an unfortunate inevitability in this area of the country. Yes, flying insects pouring in from your doors, windows, and vents can be absolutely terrifying, but you need to remain calm, and understand what is happening.  

Panicking can cause you to lose focus and lose the ability to maintain a level head and an understanding of how to handle the situation. 

Equip Yourself With Knowledge So Panicking Isn't An Option

Evidence of swarmers: Dropped wings, small amber termites dead due to dehydration

• Termites don't bite people, and they don't carry diseases, so knowing your health isn't at risk can help lower the anxiety if swarmers fill your home.
• Shut off any exterior lights to stop more swarmers from being drawn to your home.
• Keep in mind the knowledge that swarmers have a VERY short life span if they can't access a water source and will very quickly die from dehydrations. 
• Do not open up walls or floors looking for an infestation. This will only cause unnecessary stress and a financial burden for repairs to damage you caused as opposed to the termites. 
• Vacuum up any evidence of swarmers in your home and dispose of the canister outside in a proper receptacle. 
• You can save one or two in a small jar for evidence just to confirm with your pest control technician that they are in fact swarmers. 
• If a swarm happens over night or during off hours for your pest control company, don't panic and call in the middle of the night. Remain calm, continue to vacuum, and make note of where and when the swarmers appeared. Swarmers are NOT a sign that your house is in immediate danger. An infestation that can cause damage to your home will not happen over night. There is time to remain calm and call during normal business hours to discuss any concerns or schedule an inspection. 

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Third: Don't Handle Termite Issues On Your Own

While termite swarmers should not be a cause for great alarm, they are a reminder that termites are very much around us and very much a cause for concern; especially living in TIP Zone #1.
This time of year keeps the idea of protecting one of the biggest financial investments of our lives safe from the upwards of 5 billion dollars worth of damage caused a year by termites and other wood destroying organisms. 
Due to the severity of damage that can come from termites on your home, it is wise not to try and tackle this issue yourself. If you don't have termite coverage on your home, you should call a local pest control company to come out for an inspection and qualify your home for protection against termites.
Calling a professional exterminator who is trained in the proper use and application of termiticides is recommended by not only pest professionals, but also the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture. 

Whether you choose to call Champion Pest Management for your termite needs or another local company. The investment of protection is an important one. While swarmers aren't cause for major alarm, they are a reminder that our homes need to be protected. 

Call the BEST. Champion Pest.
​843.860.4791