Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Most animal species have a mating season and termites are no different. For termites, this mating period is known as swarming season. If you live in Memphis or the surrounding areas in west Tennessee, swarming season may start sooner than you realize. We explore this topic, and what you can do now to prepare, today on the blog from your termite control experts in Memphis.
What is the swarming season?
Swarming season occurs when winged termites, called swarmers, leave a colony in search of mating and to then form their own colony. Swarmers often discard their wings once they complete their flight journey, and these discarded wings can be a major warning sign that you may have swarming termites on your property. If you see these discarded insect wings anywhere on your property, you should contact a professional pest control company right away.
When is swarming season?
Swarmers can become active whenever the outdoor temperature regularly begins to exceed 70 degrees. These flying termites have a tendency to be more active on warm, damp days, often immediately after a rain has fallen. The key is the temperature. Considering that Memphis has a moderate climate, swarming season can begin early in the year, even before meteorological spring begins.
How can you prepare for swarming season?
- Limit access to food and water: Any animal needs food and water to survive. Termites are no different. Swarmers will seek out areas where food and water are accessible before they look to establish a new colony. The first step is to eliminate any possible food sources for termites, which means discarding anything made of wood or cellulose, such as old firewood, newspaper, lumber or any other products that contain wood and cellulose. You also want to ensure any mulch is placed a minimum of 6 inches away from the foundation of any structures on your property. As for water, even a small area of standing water can provide more than enough hydration for a termite colony. Address any leaky plumbing fixtures or pipes. Make sure there’s no standing water in a bird bath, and ensure that your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly, while positioning the spray of any sprinklers so that it directs away from your home.
A couple of other steps to deter swarming termites include:
- Dry up your crawlspace: Termies seek out dark, warm, moist places and, for many homeowners, a crawlspace checks all three of those boxes. Clean out your crawlspace of any wood or cellulose and consider having these spaces sealed and waterproofed.
- Clean-up duty: Landscaping doesn’t stop when mowing season ends. Any areas of overgrown grass or unkempt shrubs and brush can become harboring grounds for termites. It’s also often easier to cut back these plants in the winter, when they remain dormant.
- Hire a termite control company: When it comes to termite control, there is no substitute for an experienced, professional pest control company that has a track record of identifying and treating for a termite infestation.
AAA Termite & Pest Control has the expertise you want to place measures that deter termites, while also having the knowledge to detect signs of an infestation and then remove termites from your property. For more information about our services, call (901) 737-7378 or contact us online.