Homeowners, beware. Fall is officially upon us, which means pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, and, unfortunately, swarming season for Raleigh termites. But what is swarming and why does it matter for North Carolina residents? In this blog, we explore the details of swarming and share what to do if you see these flying pests.
The what, why, and where of swarming
Termite swarming is simply a method of reproduction. Smaller, winged termites leave to search for mates and potential grounds to establish new colonies. It takes place in Raleigh from August to November and again in the spring. As insignificant as these small, winged species may seem, even a small number outside your home could be evidence that you have thousands of wood-boring, adult termites underneath the surface of your exterior walls.
What to do about termite swarms
Swarmers are attracted to light, so most homeowners believe that keeping areas dark will solve the issue. However, winged termites are persistent. They work hard to find new territory and mates regardless of light. In most cases, swarmers will die off inside and around your home if their journey is unsuccessful. However, it is an important termite control practice not to assume that just because you are free of the nuisance of winged pests around your household that the real problem – adult termites, which reside in hidden places – is resolved.
Seek help from an expert to prevent damage
Termite swarms are a key sign of an infestation, but if you do not come face to face with swarmers this season, it’s still a good idea to make sure your termite protection is up to date. Termite colonies inside your walls have the potential to send swarmers only to outdoor areas, meaning that you may never see evidence even if thousands are gnawing away in your home. It is best to find a licensed, professional termite exterminator in Raleigh who can identify the type of termite, detect issues, and apply safe solutions unique to the problem.
Before you start singing the blues over a termite problem, call Triangle Pest Control. We provide options to help you both treat for and monitor termite activity so that you can maintain total control and comfort in your Raleigh home, no matter the season.