You see a swarm of insects outside your home one bright and sunny spring day.
You immediately think termites.
But how do you know what they are? After all, swarming ants are very similar to swarming termites.
What are the signs of termites? Can you recognize them? In terms of swarms, to know for sure you would need to get close but you probably do not want to do that.
So wait until the swarm passes or stops and then gather up a few of the wings and examine them closely.
There are some distinct patterns of the wings that are different from those of ants and a good book on the two species will point out the differences to you.
Or, you can call your county extension office or a pest control company.
Sometimes swarming termites can mean you had a problem but now the creatures are leaving.
That is why further investigation is always warranted when you see a swarm, even if you can positively identify it as that of termites.
Here are some of the things you should look for.
Did you notice the path of travel the pests took? Did they disappear into the ground, a nearby tree, your house, or did they fly away from your property? If you find a lot of wings in a pile next to the foundation of your house or a tree it could mean the critters entered the ground or the tree.
Look closely at the ground and see if you can see tunnels leading away from the surface.
Are there droppings or sand-like grains? Are there tunnel-like pathways leading from the ground to wood sources? Is there a sticky substance forming on your house's foundation? Do you see a powdery substance on a wood or wood product?
You immediately think termites.
But how do you know what they are? After all, swarming ants are very similar to swarming termites.
What are the signs of termites? Can you recognize them? In terms of swarms, to know for sure you would need to get close but you probably do not want to do that.
So wait until the swarm passes or stops and then gather up a few of the wings and examine them closely.
There are some distinct patterns of the wings that are different from those of ants and a good book on the two species will point out the differences to you.
Or, you can call your county extension office or a pest control company.
Sometimes swarming termites can mean you had a problem but now the creatures are leaving.
That is why further investigation is always warranted when you see a swarm, even if you can positively identify it as that of termites.
Here are some of the things you should look for.
Did you notice the path of travel the pests took? Did they disappear into the ground, a nearby tree, your house, or did they fly away from your property? If you find a lot of wings in a pile next to the foundation of your house or a tree it could mean the critters entered the ground or the tree.
Look closely at the ground and see if you can see tunnels leading away from the surface.
Are there droppings or sand-like grains? Are there tunnel-like pathways leading from the ground to wood sources? Is there a sticky substance forming on your house's foundation? Do you see a powdery substance on a wood or wood product?