Swarming Termites Signify Damage And Destruction
Mar 6, 2015
Are you seeing winged "ants" swarming in or around your First Coast home? If so, likely, these are actually termites.
As the weather begins to warm in the Jacksonville, Florida area, destructive termites begin to swarm in search of mates – and this is often the only sign that they are infesting your home!
The most common termites in Florida are subterranean termites. Called subterranean because their colonies originate in the soil, these termites tunnel from the ground directly into the foundations and support wood of homes. They will also build mud tubes along concrete foundations or within crawlspaces to climb up into wood that is not in direct contact with the ground.
The Destructive Florida Termite
Because the termites tunnel within the wood – literally eating the wood from the inside out to build their colonies, you are unlikely to see the insects or their damaging work – until there is significant structural damage. And they never sleep! They continue eating 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Because of this voracious eating and tunneling, the National Pest Management Association estimates that termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S. That is more than fires, floods and earthquakes combined. Because of this destruction, more than 2 million homes require termite treatment each year.
Swarming Termites Increase Population
But, because termite destruction happens inside the wood of your home, you rarely see or hear these termites until they swarm – even if you have an extensive infestation. And when the swarming reproductives find a mate, you can expect that the infestation – and its damage – will continue to grow in size.
Termite Elimination
It can be difficult for a homeowner to differentiate flying ants from termites. But because termites have broader bodies, straight antennae, and equal-sized wings, a termite control professional can quickly identify the insect, locate the colony, and make treatment recommendations. Additionally, trained professionals can find signs of infestation even when swarmers are not seen.
Because of the expertise, equipment, and professional products needed to eliminate a termite infestation, it is nearly impossible for homeowners to make treatments to control termites on their own.
So if you see any flying “ants” or termites swarming in or around your home or have any other reason to suspect that you may have termites, call Lindsey Pest Services immediately.
Contact Lindsey Pest Services
at 904-350-9406
