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 a subterranean termite swarm 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.
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.
 Termite Swarmer |
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.
There are several very good products that stop termites in a hurry. The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System is a baiting system. It's clean, quick and uses no liquids that poison the soil. There is also Termidor, a liquid treatment that also kills the termite colony.
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?