Spring is swarmer season in Hampton Roads, when “swarmer” termites emerge from the ground or structures and fly away to form their own colonies. Swarming usually happens during the day and are often one of the first indications to homeowners that termites are nearby. Of course, the concern is that termites are emerging from your own home!
According to the Virginia Tech Extension service:
“Winged termites emerging indoors or outside from swarming tubes immediately adjacent to the structure are often the first sign of a subterranean infestation. Swarming termites are attracted to light. Therefore, swarmers indoors are often found around lighting fixtures, windows, doors, and vents. Also, large numbers of discarded termite wings on windowsills, floors or in spider webs are a sure sign of infestation.”
Swarmer season is particularly challenging for Hampton Roads homeowners, because it’s also a time when flying ants are making their presence known. Flying ants can be a nuisance but aren’t nearly as concerning as termites. Termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage to a home, often unseen, including structural issues. The good news is that termite infestations can be treated, and preventative treatment programs can help keep damage from starting.
Real Estate agents, home inspectors and construction pros in our area recommend annual termite treatments, because termites are such a problem in our area.
So how do you know if what you’re seeing is a termite or flying ant?
Flying ants have:
- Front (fore) wings that are larger than the rear (hind) wings
- A constricted waist
- Elbowed antenna
Termites have:
- Equal sized fore and hind wings
- Beaded, nearly straight antenna
- A broad waist
Of course, it can be hard to identify small insects flying around your home, so if you have concerns about termites, call in the professionals. The pest control technicians at HomePro have years of experience identifying termites and ants and can also do a more thorough inspection of your home for signs of termites along your foundation, in crawl spaces and under porches and decks. Best of all, HomePro offers one free termite inspection per year!
You can learn more about our termite services here, or give us a call at 757-499-1078 and we’ll be happy to talk with you about your concerns, answer questions and schedule an inspection or treatment. Contact HomePro today to make sure your home is protected from termites and let us give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing professionals are taking care of your property.