The Swarmers are Coming! The Swarmers are Coming!

Swarms
​by Stephen E. Yocum
They swarm in 
Their thousands,
Moving as one, 
Erratic it seems,
Rolling and undulating,
Rippling like a 
wave on the sea

Spring is upon us, and with spring comes warmth and rain. With warmth and rain, come the termite swarmers. 

So, what exactly are termite swarmers? 

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 sign that termites are around us.

While those swarms you see hovering around the street lamps and porch lights may not be capable of eating your home, you can almost guarantee their offspring will gladly get to chomping.

Termite Life Cycle Courtesy of Texas A&M

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) it's important not to panic. This is NOT an indication that your home is infested; however, they are indeed a sign that termites are nearby, mating, and looking to build new colonies.  

​Chances are if you're seeing swarmers, there's an already mature colony not too far away from your home. ​While it is true that it is important not to panic, you really should take this season seriously. This is a great opportunity and visual cue and warning to have your home inspected and placed under either a termite protection bond or a termite service plan. 

Did you know that your home is 10 times more likely to be destroyed by termites than by fire? Each year, termites will do over $5 billion in damage by infesting 1 in every 30 homes. According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), South Carolina is located in TIP Zone #1 which means the potential for termite damage is considered significant.
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Wood Damaged by Termites

Charleston, SC is an area of extreme high risk. Both subterranean and drywood termites are known to damage homes in South Carolina. In particular Formosan termites were first discovered in the continental U.S. in Charleston in the 1950s. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans spend more than $1 billion annually to repair property damage caused by Formosan termites.

Why take that risk with the most important financial investment you've made? 
Call Champion Pest Management to schedule your free termite inspection. 

843.860.4791