Termite Swarms in North Nashville: Pest Control FAQ

If you live in North Nashville, termite swarms could be putting your home at risk. A swarm is a sign these wood-destroying insects have left their nearby colony, and are forming more colonies in and around your property. You can’t completely prevent all termite swarms, but knowing how to recognize them and prevent termite damage are important steps in protecting your home. 

What are Termite Swarms?

During a swarm, winged, reproductive adults leave their colony to form new ones. Hundreds to thousands of subterranean termites could be in a single swarm. In Middle Tennessee termites usually swarm starting  in March and April , but if winter weather is unusually warm and damp, you might see signs of swarming earlier than usual. 

From a distance, it might be difficult to correctly identify insects to tell if they’re termites or ants, but there are few distinguishing features (see photo above):

• Termites’ wings are all the same length and shape. They have uniform-shaped, tube-like bodies and straight, beaded antennae.

• Ants have relatively smooth antennae with “elbows”, or sharp bends. Their lower bodies are larger than their upper bodies. Ants’ front and rear wings differ in size.

To avoid risking insect damage or infestation of any kind, ask your pest control technician to take a closer look. Their inspection will clarify the problem and the best course for insect removal. 

Ask an Expert: Termite Swarm FAQs

When it comes to termite swarms, here are some of the most common questions our experts get about North Nashville pest control:

What conditions cause a termite swarm?

Subterranean termites are the most common termite species in Nashville. They swarm starting in the early spring. Swarms are most likely when there’s been a day of rain followed by a warm weather burst, usually above 75 degrees.

What do termite swarms mean for my home/property?

There could be as many as 20 termite colonies per acre, and termites are active year-round. If you see winged termites inside, there’s likely an established colony in your home (in a basement, attic, or crawl space). If you see flying swarms outside, consider it time to inspect your home and yard for signs of termite activity. All termite swarms are a sign of established colonies in or around the home. They can happen with or without a termite protection plan in place, so it’s important to communicate with your residential pest control company whenever you see signs of swarming. 

Do termite swarms cause damage?

Termite swarms themselves don’t cause damage. But they’re an indication that active termite colonies are nearby, and that more are forming. Active colonies near or in your home bring a high risk of structural damage. A professional termite inspection is the only way to know for sure.

Can swarms happen without homeowners realizing it?

Termite swarms are usually obvious (since winged termites are looking for light sources), but there are exceptions. If you see lots of dead insects or fallen wings in one area, there may have been a recent swarm. Swarms could also happen outside and go unnoticed.

Do termites cause unseen or unknown damage?

By the time you see termites in your home, there may already be unseen damage. Termite activity is concentrated in crawl spaces, garages, and basements: they start from the ground up. They don’t get to the main living areas of your home without already being present elsewhere. 

Termites can go undetected for a long period of time. Their tunnels can hide behind walls, under flooring, or even in between cinder blocks. In Middle Tennessee, termite prevention plans like Sentricon are your best bet for peace of mind and to keep your home safe from expensive damage. 

What does termite damage look like?

Mud tubes similar to tree roots (“termite tubes”) are most often found in the lowest level of living space. Water-damaged wood, styrofoam siding, and “bubbling” siding or wallpaper are often the sites of termite-damaged wood. The wood usually looks carved through or tunneled through with mud mixed into the damaged area. Sometimes, it sounds hollow.

How do termites impact homes?

Termites eat along the grain of the wood as they move through mud termite tubes. They can cause cosmetic and structural damage, depending on the size of the colony, their level of activity, and the length of time they’ve gone unnoticed.

Some fixes are relatively simple. If support beams are damaged, more significant remediation is needed. Remember: termite damage repairs are not covered by homeowners’ insurance. Taking a proactive approach now can mean a lot of savings later.

What to do if You See a Termite Swarm

If you see termite swarms in North Nashville, pest control— not panic—is the best next step. Call a professional to take action to remove termites and prevent their colonies from spreading. All-American Pest Control are experts at  effective termite removal and prevention. 

To stop and prevent termite activity, we trust the Sentricon System, which uses small, underground stations to “catch” termites like a net. It’s an effective step in eliminating  existing colonies and preventing new ones. If you’re worried about termites, we’re here to help. Contact All-American Pest Control to schedule your free home evaluation or termite inspection today. 

Sources:
“Termite Swarms: What Do They Mean for You?”, NC State Extension