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Termites are common in South Nashville. You may not have had an infestation, but you've likely heard of a "termite swarm." These swarms happen mostly in spring.
If you’re new to termites and swarms, this info will help you learn what they are. It will also explain why they become a problem each spring. It will help you take the right steps to protect your South Nashville home from termites.
What Does "Swarming" Mean Regarding Termites?
Termites live in colonies with a well-ordered caste system. Worker and soldier termites are the main parts of the colony. Most colonies have one king and one queen for reproduction, but some have multiple queens.
When a colony grows big and strong, the king and queen stop just making worker and soldier termites. They also begin to produce alates. Alate termites have wings and are capable of reproduction.
When there is a large enough group of alates, they will leave the nest together in a big swarm. Once out in the open, they’ll each find a mate, shed their wings, and return underground to start their own satellite colonies. Termite swarms usually happen in the spring and often occur shortly after a rainfall.
Where Do Termites Come From?
Most termites stay hidden and cannot go out into the open, even though swarms do appear in the open air to mate. Most termites are sensitive to air and sunlight. So, they must stay underground to avoid drying out.
Because they eat the cellulose in wood, termites are often found in forests and other locations with a lot of foliage. They prefer moist, rotting, or water-damaged wood, but can also eat sound, dry wood. They eat tunnels through wood from the inside out, which allows them to remain protected from the outside air when they’re above ground.
Why are Termites Swarming Around my South Nashville Home?
If you see a termite swarm, or if you find their discarded wings, it means that there is a large colony somewhere nearby. It also means that new colonies will be forming in new locations very soon.
Termite swarms are often found near light sources after a rain shower. If you see a termite swarm inside your house, you’re most likely to find it near a window. If you see a termite swarm in your house, it means there are already many termites in your South Nashville home.
A termite swarm outside may mean your house isn't infested. However, this isn't a sure thing. Termites on your property are a problem, even if they haven't entered your home yet. They could likely find a way inside eventually.
How to Identify Swarming Termites
Being able to identify a termite swarm is not always as cut and dry as you’d like it to be. Termite swarmers look very similar to flying carpenter ants. Knowing how to spot these two pests will help you see if swarming termites have invaded your South Nashville property.
The main differences between termite swarmers and carpenter ants are:
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Body shape: Reproductive termites have segmented bodies with wide waists, while flying ants have segmented bodies with narrow, pinched waists.
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Wings: Termite swarmers have two sets of wings that are equal in length, while flying ants have two sets of wings with one set that is longer than the other.
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Antennae: Reproductive termites have straight antennae, while flying ants have bent antennae.
What Months are Termites Most Active?
Unfortunately, termites are active all 12 months of the year. Even if the winter gets uncharacteristically cold, they can move far enough underground to remain active. Plus, once they get into your house, they can live in climate-controlled comfort.
However, even though they’re active all year, the spring- and April in particular in South Nashville- is considered termite season. This is due to the spike in termite swarms at this time of year.
Why Do Termites Come Out in the Spring?
Like many other pests, spring is a time for new life among termites. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity produce favorable conditions for termite swarmers to come out in the open to mate. Although termite swarms can occur at other times of year, they do so far more often in the spring.
Types of Termites
There are many species of termites around the world, but it’s likely that you’ve only heard of a few varieties.
Subterranean
Subterranean termites are the termites that are active in South Nashville. These termites live underground in colonies that can have hundreds of thousands of members. Subterranean termites prefer moist, water-damaged, or rotting wood.
Drywood
Drywood termites are not native to South Nashville. Although they can travel into the city in crates or packaging, it is rare to hear about a drywood termite infestation around here. As their name implies, drywood termites prefer to nest in and eat hard, dry wood.
"Black House"
Black house termites are not a termite species, but are another name for swarmer termites. While worker and soldier termites tend to be creamy white or yellow in color, swarmer termites are black, with tougher bodies to withstand the elements.
Should I Worry If I See Flying Termites?
If you see flying termites on your property, you should be concerned, but don't panic. If you see flying termites in or around your house, it means a big termite colony is close by. It also means that new colonies are being formed.
Termites outside your house can still get in, even if they haven't moved indoors yet. If you do see flying termites, your best course of action is to contact All-American for a professional termite inspection.
Can Termites Bite Humans?
Termites do not bite humans. They rarely come out in the open or into contact with humans. If by chance you do see them, you don’t have to worry; they won't bite or carry illness.
How to Prevent Damage from Termites in South Nashville
DIY termite prevention isn't advised, but you can take some steps to keep termites out of your South Nashville home.
Try these termite prevention tips as you prepare for termite swarming season:
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Reduce moisture around your home’s foundation by installing a good drainage system.
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Remove or move wood piles away from your home.
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Regularly inspect foundations, basements, attics, and crawl spaces for any signs of termites or termite damage.
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Repair cracks, gaps, or damaged wood structures promptly.
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Eliminate areas where wood comes into direct contact with the soil.
How to Solve Termite Infestations
If you’ve seen a termite swarm, don’t wait to contact All-American Pest Control. Every homeowner in South Nashville should have a termite control plan. This protects your home from termites, even if they aren't active nearby. It all begins with a professional termite inspection.
Identifying termites and termite damage often takes a trained eye because the signs are so subtle. All-American Pest Control has been conducting termite inspections for over 60 years. We know where to look and what to look for to determine if termites are on your property.
After our inspection, we’ll go over our findings with you and recommend a treatment plan to provide 24/7 protection for your home. We are Certified Sentricon Specialists who offer the most effective termite control in South Nashville through our use of the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. Not only is it safe, effective, eco-friendly, and non-disruptive, but it’s also backed by our $1,000,000 Termite Damage Repair Warranty.
Contact All-American Pest Control to Schedule Your Termite Inspection
If your home is not currently protected against termites, it’s time to contact All-American. We will take care of your termite troubles using our decades of experience and expertise. As a local company, we understand the issues termites cause in South Nashville homes, and we’re committed to stopping termites and termite damage. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free home evaluation.
Give us a call at 615-824-8814 or
Schedule your free home evaluation
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Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
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For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule your free home evaluation online!