Thanx for answering.
There were very tiny tunnels in the root of some trees and I SAW the worker
termites going there and I am pretty sure they're Subterranean termites.
the roots of many plants were eaten litteraly and the plants are dead.
I am afraid of going through this terrible experience again.
any advices please.
Termite Swarms
Summary: Anyone who has been through subterranean termite swarms can tell you that it happens so fast and the number of swarming termites is so great that it is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
There are several very good products that stop termites in a hurry. The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System is a baiting system, but it can only be installed by licensed professionals. It's clean, quick and uses no liquids that poison the soil. There is Termidor, a liquid treatment that also kills the termite colony. This product is available on this website. To understand what is involved, click on the Termidor link and read the label to determine if you are capable of performing the treatment.
 Termite Swarmer |
It all starts on a warm, sunny morning. The previous evening there may have been a rain shower, so the ground is wet and soft. You're sitting there enjoying your morning paper and a cup of java when you first notice a small insect land on the window sill. In a few moments several more bugs alight and now they have your attention. You look around the room and suddenly realize you are not alone. The room is filling up with flying insects. In a matter of a few moments more the room has become dense with flying ant-like pests. In some cases there are so many the light from the windows becomes somewhat blocked.
This common scenario causes most people to call an exterminator in the same way you would call 911 if your kitchen was on fire. It is, without a doubt, a sobering event. So what, you ask, should you do if this occurs? First, the flying insects will do no damage to your belongings, nor can they harm you. Capture a few of the bugs in a bottle so someone can identify them. You need to know if they are, in fact, termites or flying ants.
Trying to stop the emerging insects is a challenge. These are the reproductive stage of the insect and they are bursting out of the ground programmed to find a mate, get back in the ground and create a new colony. As they emerge they are expecting to find wide open spaces only to discover they are on the wrong side of the foundation wall. That's why you see them fly towards the light of the window. They don't want to be inside your house anymore than you want them there. In a few minutes they lose their wings and, unable to get back into the ground, they die.
Many people run for the can of insecticide and start spraying the tiny hole(s) from which these insects are emerging. Actually, any household product like Windex, hairspray or air freshener will work. The foreign agent temporarily makes the insects withdraw to safety. But, the urge to escape their underground tunnels is so inherently strong they soon return.
Most swarms last less than a half hour. You may experience several swarms over a period of several days, but eventually they stop. Don't ignore it and think it is over. Termite colonies immediately begin developing a new generation of swarmers for the next season and if you don't resolve the problem you are bound to have the pleasure of this experience again next year.
Any treatment takes time and waiting only delays things. In fact, if you treat your property late in the year it is most likely you will experience another swarm the following spring. Once the termites have established underground swarm castles where these little guys reside, there is nothing that will stop them from emerging the following season.
For more termite articles please click here .
Comments
dahdaloon
10 Jun 2009, 08:53
10 Jun 2009, 08:53
Dana
15 Jun 2009, 04:52
15 Jun 2009, 04:52
Sir, Ihave had my home going on ten years in Ewa Beach, Oahu. In the past,
once I notice a swarm starting. Immediately I shut off all the lights. In
the past I may observed a couple in the home, in my ceiling light fixtures.
Mind you, all windows are closed and secured with the central A.C on. But,
tonight was worse ever. I usually check all the bedrooms, bathrooms and
observe the ceiling light fixtures, and whoa...numerous termites in most of
all the rooms, even the first floor main kitchen fixtures, my first floor
bedroom. Should I worry sir. I am definitely paranoid..Again, never seen it
this bad...in my home and in the upstairs and downstairs fixtures.
It was like a good hour, then it appeared they were gone or died off. All the ones I catch I just throw them in the toilet and flush..
I do have Terminix, and still with the Sentricon Bait System however Terminix switched over to Termador...Please Kokua...Mahalo Sir..
It was like a good hour, then it appeared they were gone or died off. All the ones I catch I just throw them in the toilet and flush..
I do have Terminix, and still with the Sentricon Bait System however Terminix switched over to Termador...Please Kokua...Mahalo Sir..
Sam Cartwright
23 Jul 2009, 13:12
23 Jul 2009, 13:12
Mr. Exterminator,
I’m currently looking at Terminix and a local independent for termites. i’m at a loss at which to use. Terminix really down-sells the Sentricon offered by the indie, but then i read that Terminix was, until ‘05, the largest distributor/franchisee for Dow/Agro and Sentricon. One reads so many complaints about both options on the internet, that they are ready to buy a can of Raid and do it themselves. i’m still tempted to use Terminix even though the initial treatment is somewhat higher. In the long run, their yearly “insurance policy” against damage is lower.
Help!
I’m currently looking at Terminix and a local independent for termites. i’m at a loss at which to use. Terminix really down-sells the Sentricon offered by the indie, but then i read that Terminix was, until ‘05, the largest distributor/franchisee for Dow/Agro and Sentricon. One reads so many complaints about both options on the internet, that they are ready to buy a can of Raid and do it themselves. i’m still tempted to use Terminix even though the initial treatment is somewhat higher. In the long run, their yearly “insurance policy” against damage is lower.
Help!
Melissa
23 Jul 2009, 13:23
23 Jul 2009, 13:23
Our home, in, S FL was treated with Sentricon 3 years ago. Up until 6
months ago, our qurterly reports came back with inactivity. I am due for an
inspection to renew my annual contract, thus I have not had a scan done of
the sensors since February or so. This morning, I came downstairs at 5am
and found what I believe to be two swarmers on the litchen counter, two
over the front door and then two in my daughter's bedroom. Should I be
concerned?
Also, as silly as this may sound, we are at the park 3 nights a weeek until 8:30 or 10pm. Due to sports, we are sitting there by the courts late at night and often question if the critters emerging from the sand and up the wooden poles are winged termites. It is absolutely creepy and we often end up with these critters dead in our beach bags or in the car.
Also, as silly as this may sound, we are at the park 3 nights a weeek until 8:30 or 10pm. Due to sports, we are sitting there by the courts late at night and often question if the critters emerging from the sand and up the wooden poles are winged termites. It is absolutely creepy and we often end up with these critters dead in our beach bags or in the car.
Andrew
23 Jul 2009, 13:28
23 Jul 2009, 13:28
Exterminator,
I'm doing a remodeling project in Omaha, NE. I discovered wood damaged from termites and what appeared to be tunneling holes near the wood on the drywall. I know that this house has been significantly treated for termites in the past - drill holes in the basement, etc. Consequently, I'm trying to discern whether this is a current problem or the termites no longer exists (i.e., they're dead). I have never seen live termites during the remodel but perhaps they're hard to spot. What is your opinion?
I'm doing a remodeling project in Omaha, NE. I discovered wood damaged from termites and what appeared to be tunneling holes near the wood on the drywall. I know that this house has been significantly treated for termites in the past - drill holes in the basement, etc. Consequently, I'm trying to discern whether this is a current problem or the termites no longer exists (i.e., they're dead). I have never seen live termites during the remodel but perhaps they're hard to spot. What is your opinion?
Nicole
19 Sep 2009, 22:55
19 Sep 2009, 22:55
I live in an apartment complex and i have what i thought to be flying bugs
in my bathroom and just around my bedroom window. They fit the description
of termites when you look at the pictures, but i've had no real full
swarms, thank god, and just maybe 15 or 20 i find dead a day in the
bathroom? for the last 3 weeks...are they termites? Because i thought they
just swarm in hundreds and that's it?
TERRY MORRIS
26 May 2010, 15:09
26 May 2010, 15:09
I FIRST PAID 1,100 DOLLARS TO TREAT TERMITE THREE YEAR LATER THE PROBLEM
WORST THAN BEFORE. THE BIGGEST SCARE IS THE SWAMERS I WOULD CALL AND THEY
WOULD COME AND SPRAY A FEW ROOMS ALL TO NO AVAIL. I PAID 90.00 EACH YEAR
AFTER ALL TO NO AVAIL. SO LAST YEAR I JUST STOP PAYING THE YEARLY FEE
BECAUSE IT WAS DOING NO GOOD. THE COMPANY WAS DEPENDABLE HERE IN THE STATE
OF VIRGINIA. I JUST THREW AWAY MONEY. I NOTICE IF I KEEP THE LIGHTS OFF
IN THE EARLY PART OF THE NIGHT. IT HELPS A LITTLE BUT DOING THE DAY I HAVE
TO LEAVE HOME FOR 5 OR 6 HOURS THEY ARE SO BAD. I AM RETIRED ON A FIXED
INCOME AND CANNOT GO THRU PAYING ANOTHER INSTALLMENT FEE AND THEN YEARLY
FEES AGAIN. I NEED HELP THANKS
Ask the Exterminator
26 May 2010, 15:54
26 May 2010, 15:54
Termite contracts come with warranties. Many warranties only provide for
retreatments. Better warranties also cover damages that may occur after the
completion of the termite treatment. Figuring out which damages happened
before or after a treatment is nearly impossible. Usually, the two parties
can come to some sort of agreement. Sometimes it ends up in court. In your
case, you should be able to demand a refund of your original payment
because the treating company cannot resolve your termite issue. They've had
three years to stop the termites and have yet to do so.
John Mooney
24 Nov 2010, 01:49
24 Nov 2010, 01:49
Had the very same thing happen outside my home after a weekend of rain.
Thousands of them. It looked as if it was 'snowing termites'. A large
majority drowned in pool, and thankfully the swarm wasn't coming from my
home. But still plan to have a follow up inspection.
Kimbrea
26 Mar 2011, 21:14
26 Mar 2011, 21:14
Today I came home to find many dead black bugs on my floor. Some with
wings.Im convinced they are swarmers, because I saw some coming from a tiny
hole in my wall. I sprayed the hole vacuumed the dead, but Im afraid there
is a bigger problem or that there will be another swarm. HELP
Ask the Exterminator
28 Mar 2011, 21:39
28 Mar 2011, 21:39
At this point, the only help I can offer is to tell you to collect a few of
the bugs and get them identified by taking them to a local pest control
company. They'll do it for free. Don't waste your time or money trying to
treat a problem before knowing the species of the insect.
fall treatment, spring swarmers
12 Apr 2011, 21:15
12 Apr 2011, 21:15
I have to write to thank you. After much searching on line yours is the
first professional explanation that includes and confirms what I
experienced here in the NC peidmont. I found evidence of termite damage
while replaceing siding last fall. I treated all of the band and sole
plate, and crawled the foundation treating the inside perimeter band and
the girders where they were close to the peirs, with the best household
termite spray I could find at the time. This week I found the remains of a
recent swarm in my mechanical room; appeared to be many thousand carcasses.
I save a few in a jar for identification and to show a professional
exterminator. Thank you for providing good information and helpful advice.
