Simply put, a swarmer is a termite with wings. Termite swarmers are problematic because they're mobile and able to reproduce. They're adults that leave the nest to form colonies of their own. The winged insects are often misidentified as flying ants. That's why they're able to reproduce quickly and cause significant damage in the process.
TERMITE SWARMERS VERSUS FLYING ANTS
To the naked eye, there may not seem like much difference between termite swarmers and flying ants. That's where an exterminator's knowledge comes in handy. They can differentiate between the two quickly. Still, it doesn't hurt to understand what makes one insect different than another.
The bodies of the pests are very different. For example, a termite has a head and lower section consisting of a waistline that is significantly large and pronounced. Flying ants have three distinct parts, including their heads, abdomen, and thorax. Termites have four wings that stack on top of one another. Ants have two sets of wings, with the largest being on the front of their bodies. Termites have wings that get broken very easily, whereas ants do not.
WHAT TIME OF DAY DO TERMITES SWARM?
Termites are attracted to high humidity. They're often present in the evening hours until midnight because it tends to be the most humid. You'll see swarmers present more frequently during late spring and early summer. Warm rainy days make the termites come out of their hiding place in search of shelter somewhere drier.
DO FLYING ANTS EAT WOOD?
No, flying ants do not. They seek refuge by building nests in wood. They don't eat it. Termites, on the other hand, devour wood. Knowing the difference between the two insects helps you choose the right treatment to get rid of them for good.
DO FLYING ANTS MEAN INFESTATION?
A few flying ants do not mean that your property has an infestation. What it does mean is that the insects are ready to reproduce. That's why they have wings. They're searching for a mate so they can create colonies of their own.
If you see only one or two flying ants, it's nothing to get rid of them on your own. Still, reaching out to a professional for advice can help you avoid future infestations. Working with an exterminator to determine whether the ants are part of a larger colony or if they're off on their own looking for mates can prevent a seemingly small problem from getting worse.
HOW TO PREVENT TERMITE SWARMERS
Cellulose is a source of food for termite swarmers. The substance exists in wood, plywood, cardboard, and firewood. If you have piles of these items in your yard, you're providing the insects with a verifiable feast. Cleaning things up so that the items aren't accessible to the termites is among the best ways to get rid of the pests for good.
You should also work with an exterminator to do a full inspection. The longer they go unnoticed, the more detrimental they can be to homes and businesses. Knowing how to detect termite swarmers and deal with them effectively can prevent this.
