Texans beware, termite swarming season is upon us, and these hungry little destroyers are gearing up to feast on your homes—and your wallets. As the weather warms, it's high time for various termite species to take the skies in their annual breeding blitz, the Houston Chronicle and Reliant Pest Management report.
Don't bet on luck to tell your ants from your termites—these critters come in different shapes and sizes, with termites boasting equal-length wings and straight antennae, while ants save the acrobatics for their bent antennae and uneven wing lengths. According to the Houston Chronicle, our uninvited guests fall into three types: the native subterranean, the drywood, and the Formosan, all eager to expand their empires right under our noses.
Reliant Pest Management rings the alarm bell for the native Eastern subterranean termites, known to make their grand entrance early spring after a warm rain, especially when the mercury hits upward of 70 degrees. Meanwhile, the dampwood termites, more laid back in their real estate choices, opt for the late summer months to spread their wings, setting sights on wood already softened by moisture, which is less a threat to homeowners but a nuisance nonetheless.
The Formosan subterranean termites, on the other hand, are the moguls of the termite world, with the potential to send shivers down any homeowner's spine due to their gargantuan swarm sizes and nocturnal revelry. Reliant Pest Management recounts a harrowing tale of the Formosan termites crashing a June evening by pouring out of a light fixture, a stark reminder that early detection and action are key to keeping these wood-munching menaces at bay.
As the swarming season looms, homeowners are urged to take preventive measures. A concrete foundation and a vigilant eye for sealing and securing potential termite entry points are essential steps suggested by the EPA, as mentioned by the Houston Chronicle. Pros recommend that homeowners keep an eye out for cracks, leaks, and blockages which could invite these pests. Bearing in mind that environmental factors, such as high rainfall or abrupt temperature changes, can also affect pest populations, vigilance remains critical during the swarming season, as warned by Reliant Pest Management.
Whether opting for a chemical fortress or a physical barricade to ward off these home invaders, there's a battery of weapons available to fight back. Steel mesh, sand, and a variety of termiticides are on offer, says the Houston Chronicle; however, it's a fight best left to the professionals. When in doubt, reach out to your local pest control, like the guys over at Reliant Pest Management, who are standing by to help fortify your home against these swarming pests.
