Winged termites, also known as swarmers or alates, gathered on the ground during termite swarming season in New Jersey—a key warning sign of a nearby infestation.
Understanding Termite Swarming Season
It’s certainly disturbing to know that termites are eating away at your home and causing structural damage that will cost you money and perhaps put your health at risk. But even more unsettling is the phenomenon of termite swarming, marked by a flurry of insect activity and a sign that termite colonies are growing.
In this article, the extermination experts at Precise Termite & Pest Control explain when termite swarming season begins in New Jersey and how to prepare and prevent termites during this time of year.
What Is Termite Swarming?
Termite swarming is a reproductive event in which mature colonies release females to mate and establish new colonies. The swarm typically happens once a year as the colony prepares to reproduce and expand.
Termite swarming is concerning because it is a significant warning sign that a major infestation could occur soon. By understanding the termite swarming season and termite behaviors during this time, you can take preventative action to protect your home, finances, and family.
Termite swarm activity primarily takes place over just a single day, but you may notice subsequent days of slightly more termite activity than normal.
When Is Termite Swarming Season in New Jersey?
The termite swarming season begins in the early spring in New Jersey. The swarms can occur anytime between late February and early June. However, the peak time for termite swarming in our area is from mid-April through mid-May.
This is the prime time for the termite swarming season because temperatures are warming up and humidity levels are increasing. These favorable conditions are ideal for termite reproduction and the birth of new termite babies. Termite swarms are also most likely after heavy rains and when the weather is overcast, humid, and not too windy.
However, it is important to note that termite swarming seasons vary based on the termite species involved. Subterranean termites prefer the spring for swarming. However, dampwood and drywood termites may delay the swarming season until the summer. For this reason, it is beneficial to consult a termite professional to help you identify the type of termite you’re dealing with and target the termite swarming season in the most efficient way.
How to Prevent Termite Swarming
To prepare for the termite swarming season, you can keep firewood, lumber, newspaper, and other similar materials far from your house. Avoid placing plants too close to your home’s foundation to prevent termites from being attracted to the moist soil.
You can also prevent moisture-induced termite swarming by fixing leaky faucets, pointing yard sprinklers away from your home, and cleaning water and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Another termite swarming prevention tip is replacing shingles and weather stripping around doors and windows. This protection will prevent leaks and drips in your house. It is also smart to inspect your home regularly for signs of termite damage.
Get Professional Help for Termite Swarming Season
The good news about termite swarming is that this is not necessarily the most damaging time of the year. Termites aren’t overly destructive during the termite swarming season because they focus more on reproduction.
However, if you don’t address termite swarming at the first signs of activity, you could face many more termites than you’ve ever had before once those baby insects hatch.
Fortunately, Precise Termite & Pest Control offers residential services during termite swarming season and throughout the year. We know the most effective ways to identify termite damage and detect swarming activity to address the problem before it becomes a full-blown infestation.
Please contact us today for your free inspection or to learn more about our emergency services and the benefits of having us come out annually to check on your home’s termite situation.