Spring is in the air, and so might be some unusual-looking flying insects. Is it an ant, a bee, or something else? That something else could be termite swarmers.

Clark, your neighborly termite and pest control expert, says that calls from concerned homeowners have been on the upswing in recent weeks, as termite swarmers, or winged reproductives, begin showing up in and around homes.

Swarming is what termites do this time of year. It’s a natural part of their life cycle, even though their presence can make you a little uneasy.

First, let’s set the record straight on termite swarmers: Just because you see swarmers around your home it doesn’t mean that your home is under attack from these destructive pests, which cause millions of dollars in damage annually across California.

It does mean that there is termite activity around your home – in the stump of fallen tree, in a buried piece of construction lumber, in decaying landscape timbers, or in your home – and it might be a good move to call a pest management professional to come out and perform a thorough inspection and identification.

Swarmers usually appear during the day – possibly in great numbers, as many as thousands – and are often confused with certain species of ants or gnats. This is why proper identification by a trained professional is an essential first step.

Where do swarmers come from?

Swarmers likely come from a nearby underground colony. If most of the insects are found outdoors, then the colony 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’s likely there is an infestation under or within the structure.

What happens to these swarmers?

In most cases, termite swarmers simply die if they cannot escape from a structure. They may be attracted to light and die on window sills or in open areas. Quite often, you will only find dead insects, or just their discarded wings.

Will killing swarmers make the problem go away?

No. Termite swarmers are a nuisance, particularly when swarms occur indoors. Still, they don’t cause structural damage; that damage is caused by worker termites from a colony. Although killing swarmers will eliminate the nuisance, it will not provide any protection from further termite activity that may already be causing serious damage.

What should I do if I find termites swarming?

First, you should confirm that your home does indeed have termites. Many species of ants also produce winged adults, and to an untrained eye, they look very similar to winged termites. Call the highly trained and licensed termite professionals at Clark to schedule an inspection.

Also, be sure to ask about Clark’s exclusive Termite Infestation Program (T.I.P.), which will cover your home from future infestations and damages. A full inspection must be performed to see if your home qualifies. Then, for a small monthly fee, you can avoid costly out-of-pocket treatment and repair expenses, which not only can provide peace of mind, but also save you money and headaches.

Call or text Clark at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) if you suspect you have termites in and around your home. You can also send an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to let us know how we can serve your pest control and lawn care needs.

Until next time, I’m Clark, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.