Do you have termites in your home?

Swarming termites are a reproductive phase in the life cycle of termites, particularly in species like the eastern subterranean termite or the drywood termite. During this phase, mature termite colonies produce winged reproductive individuals, known as alates or swarmers, which leave the colony in large groups to mate and establish new colonies.

Swarming typically occurs during specific times of the year, often in response to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. The swarming process involves the following steps:

1. Emergence: Winged termites emerge from their nests, often in the spring or early summer. This is when conditions are favorable for mating and establishing new colonies.

2. Mating: After swarming, the alates pair off and mate. Mated pairs then shed their wings and search for a suitable location to establish a new colony.

3. Colony Establishment: Once a pair finds a suitable site, they begin the process of building a new colony. The queen will eventually lay eggs, and the new colony will grow as the worker termites take on roles to care for the young and expand the nest.

Swarming termites can be a nuisance, especially if they swarm indoors, as this may indicate an infestation nearby. Homeowners often take swarming termites as a sign that they should check for possible termite damage or take preventive measures to protect their property.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, termites typically swarm from late winter to early summer, with the peak swarming season often occurring between March and June. The exact timing can vary based on local weather conditions, especially following rainfall, which tends to trigger swarming activity. During this period, you may notice winged reproductive termites, known as alates, as they leave their colonies to mate and establish new ones. If you live near a body of water, you may see more frequent termite swarms.

Cellulose is found in the wood and plant materials that termites consume. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a primary component of the cell walls of plants. Termites are able to digest cellulose thanks to the symbiotic microorganisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, that live in their guts. These microorganisms break down the cellulose into simpler compounds that the termites can absorb and use as a food source. This ability to digest cellulose allows termites to play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down and recycling plant material.

Signs of termites in wood in your home can include:

1. Mud Tubes: Termites often build mud tubes to travel between their colony and a food source. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and can be found on walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces.

2. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If you tap on wooden structures, such as beams or floorboards, and hear a hollow sound, it may indicate that termites have eaten away the interior of the wood.

3. Frass: This is the term for termite droppings, which resemble small pellets or sawdust. Finding frass near wooden structures can be a sign of an active infestation.

4. Wood Damage: Visible signs of damage, such as peeling paint or wood that appears to be crumbling or has small holes, can indicate termite activity.

5. Swarmers: If you notice winged termites (alates) around your home, especially during swarming season, it could mean that there is an established colony nearby.

6. Discarded Wings: After swarming, termites shed their wings. Finding clusters of discarded wings near windowsills or other entry points can indicate a nearby infestation.

7. Bubbling or Warping Paint: This can occur as termites create tunnels within the wood, causing the surface to distort.

8. Strange Noises: If you hear clicking sounds coming from within the walls, it may be termites communicating with each other or working within the wood.

If you suspect a termite infestation, it's advisable to contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment options.