Termites are bad enough when they’re crawling around inside the walls of your home or business, but what happens when these destructive pests take flight? It’s a yearly occurrence that’s often a sign of a bigger problem. So, do termites in Phoenix fly? You bet they do, and it’s bad news for your property.
About Flying Termites
Flying termites are known as termite swarmers or reproductives. When a termite colony reaches a significant size, these specialized reproductives fly off to become kings and queens of new colonies. They emerge from their home colonies and join other reproductive termites in a swarm as they attempt to mate. While most swarmers appear around March, some species may not release their reproductives until as late as November.
Termite swarmers usually appear at a certain time of year, appropriately called “termite season.” Termite colonies will only release their flying reproductives under certain circumstances, usually at the first sign of warm weather at the start of spring. While swarmers are the most visible sign of termites, it’s important to remember that these pests remain active year-round. Just because you aren’t seeing termites doesn’t mean that they aren’t hard at work devouring the structural wood on your property.
Are Flying Termites Bad?
Flying termite swarmers have the potential to establish a new colony and infest your Phoenix property. While termite swarmers might not seem all that threatening on their own, they are often the first sign of a much more serious problem.
Termite swarmers are a sign of a well-developed termite colony nearby. Although they have wings, swarmers are not especially good flyers and can only travel for short distances. So, if you’re spotting termite swarmers on your property, it could mean that you have an advanced termite infestation already.
Subterranean termites are the most common type to infest U.S. properties. Subterranean termite swarmers typically appear indoors during the day from within your home or business. Drywood termite swarmers will gather outdoors around dusk and can be found gathering around windowsills where indoor light shines out.
How To Stop Flying Termites
You can discourage termite swarmers from gathering on your property by correcting a few environmental factors, but of course, the easiest way to prevent termite swarmers is to also prevent termites themselves. Some termite control tips you can try are:
- Doing yard work – Eliminate any yard waste that could attract termites. Fallen trees, rotten logs, piles of leaves, and other decaying plant matter are all highly appetizing for termites. Be sure to trim any hedges or woody plants making contact with your property and try switching to a cellulose-free mulch. Relocate any firewood at least 20 feet away from the property.
- Addressing moisture issues – Ensure that the soil around your property isn’t oversaturated. Check drains and gutters for blockages that can cause water backup and fix any leaking pipes or spigots. Ventilate basement areas by opening windows and running electric fans, or install a dehumidifier.
- Keeping the lights off – Try to turn off your outdoor lights at night to prevent drywood termite swarmers from congregating. Draw curtains or blinds to prevent indoor light from spilling out in the dark.
If you’re seeing flying termites on your Phoenix property, it could mean you have an existing termite infestation. For the most effective termite control services performed by courteous professionals, trust Green Home Pest Control. We take termites seriously and use a variety of powerful treatment methods including potent liquid treatment and industry-leading Trelona® ATBS Advance® Termite Baiting System. Our services come guaranteed, so if termites return, we’ll solve the problem at no extra charge. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our termite control offerings in Phoenix!
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Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
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