3 signs of termites to look for as a homeowner!
Tyler Brady
President, Sure Shot Pest & Weed Control
This time of year, when it starts warming up moving into the summer, we have a time that we in the industry call the “Swarm Storm” where termites will swarm. It typically happens towards the end of April or May every year. Most of the time what that means is you’ll see termites with wings start flying around on the wind looking to establish a new colony somewhere suitable. There is unfortunately a chance the swarm happens at your house, or even worse coming out of the walls in your home or business.
Termites cause an estimated 5 to 7 billion dollars in property damage every year, making them a huge concern for Oklahoma homeowners. They won’t cause your home to fall overnight, but they can cause a significant amount of damage if left untreated. Here are the 3 major signs of termites to look for as a homeowner:
1. Swarm Castles
Swarm castles are structures termites build out of dirt that contain swarmer’s. Their sole job is to continue the colony’s survival. If the colony is being attacked by ants, or dying at a rapid pace after a treatment, they send these swarmer’s out as a last-ditch effort to continue the colony. They construct swarm castles at the ends of their tunnels, and when the conditions are correct, they swarm out from the swarm castles. Swarm castles look like mud protruding out of the wall or structure. They can build them overnight or rebuild them if you knock them down.
2. Shelter Tubes
Different from the wild looking structures of swarm castles, termites construct shelter tubes using dirt to insulate themselves from the air and sunlight. Typically, they hide them well behind things in the garage, or corners of closets where stuff is piled up that we don’t move often. We also find them on the outside of homes coming from the soil up the stem wall and into the house. A thorough inspection is an essential part of any termite treatment, to make sure you’ve addressed the problem completely. Inspections typically consists of us looking around the inside and outside of your home with our flashlight looking for the swarm castles or mud tubes.
3. Swarming Termites with Wings
These are the most apparent way to know you have termites. This time of year, during the spring once temperatures start rising consistently above 80 degrees or so, termite colonies will release their swarmer’s (Termites with wings) to establish new colonies. The swarmer’s wings are just strong enough to get them up in the air and the wind typically blows them around! It’s not uncommon to have a termite swarmer blow into your car, or land on you during this time! It can be tough to tell the difference between swarming termites and swarming ants. Body shape, antennae, and wing size are the best indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 'Swarm Storm' season and when does it happen?
A: Swarm Storm is what we in the industry call the time of year when termites start flying around looking to establish new colonies. It typically happens toward the end of April and into May, when temperatures start consistently climbing above 80 degrees.
Q: What are swarm castles and what do they look like?
A: Swarm castles are mud-like structures termites build at the ends of their tunnels to house swarmer termites. They look like dirt or mud protruding out of a wall or structure. Termites can build them overnight and will rebuild them quickly if knocked down.
Q: What are shelter tubes and where do I find them?
A: Shelter tubes (also called mud tubes) are narrow dirt tunnels termites build to protect themselves from air and sunlight as they travel. You'll typically find them hidden behind items in garages, in corners of closets, or on the outside of the home running from the soil up the foundation wall.
Q: How do I tell the difference between swarming termites and swarming ants?
A: It can be tough to tell them apart at first glance. The key differences are body shape and wing size. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and equal-length wings. Ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist, and unequal wings.
Q: How much damage can termites cause?
A: Termites cause an estimated $5 to $7 billion in property damage across the U.S. every year. They won't destroy a home overnight, but if left untreated they can cause significant structural damage over time.
Q: What does a termite inspection involve?
A: A thorough inspection covers both the inside and outside of your home. We go through with a flashlight looking for signs like swarm castles and mud tubes, which helps us make sure we've identified and addressed the full extent of any termite activity.