Mar 26, 2021, 08:32 AM by Fred Speer

What are those ‘flying ants’ that homeowners may be seeing in and around their homes this time of year? They could be carpenter ants. They could be gnats. They could also be termite swarmers which pose a whole different level of problem.

Swarming is what termites do this time of year, especially on warm days after it has rained. Clark, your neighborly termite, lawn care and pest control expert, says swarming is a natural part of a termite’s life cycle.

This activity, however, can be a cause for concern for homeowners, but Clark doesn’t want to alarm you. It is important to remember that just because you see termites swarming around your home it doesn’t mean you have a significant infestation.

It means there is termite activity around your home – in the stump of fallen tree, a buried piece of construction lumber, decaying landscape timbers or in your home – and you need to call a highly trained, licensed pest management professional to come out and perform a thorough inspection and make a correct pest identification.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions Clark receives from homeowners when it comes to termite swarms.

Where Do Termite Swarmers Come From?

Swarmers likely came from a nearby underground nest as described earlier. If most of the swarmers are found outdoors, then the nest is likely somewhere in the yard, possibly near an old tree stump or landscape timbers. If most of the swarmers are observed indoors then it is likely there is an infestation under or in the structure.

Where Do Termite Swarmers Go?

In many cases, termite swarmers simply die if they cannot escape from a structure. They may be attracted to light and die on windowsills or open areas. Quite often homeowners will only find dead insects or just the wings following a swarming event.

If Termite Swarmers Are Eliminated Am I in the Clear?

Not exactly. Indoor termite swarmers are a nuisance, but they do not cause structural damage. The destructive work is done by the termite workers in a colony. Although killing swarmers eliminates the nuisance, it does not provide any protection from further termite activity that may already be causing damage to the wood in your home. That is why a termite inspection is so critical.

What Should I Do If I Notice Termites Swarming?

The first step is to confirm that the pest you’re seeing is a termite. Many pest species produce winged adults and to the untrained eye they look very similar to swarming termites. Consult with the highly trained and licensed termite professionals at Clark Pest Control to schedule a no-cost inspection.

Five Signs Your Home May Have Termites in Our March 12 Blog

How to Protect Your Home From Termites

For maximum protection against termites, homeowners should inquire about Clark Pest Control’s exclusive Termite Infestation Program (T.I.P.) which covers your home from future infestations and damages caused by all species of termites. Clark also offers home repair services because of  termite damage and new and replacement insulation installation.

Clark Pest Control is committed to safeguarding your home from pests during these uncertain times. Our service technicians use personal protective equipment – gloves, masks and respirators – practice social distancing, deploy call ahead notifications and strictly adhere to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your home.

If you think the flying pests around your home are termite swarmers, call or text 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop Clark Pest Control an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com 

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for help keeping unwanted pests out of your home.