Swarming Termites in Connecticut: What to Look For and How to Protect Your Home

Springtime in Connecticut signals the return of warmer weather, blooming flowers, and unfortunately, the emergence of swarming termites. This year, reports of swarming termites have already surfaced, making it crucial for homeowners to stay vigilant. Understanding what to look for and how to respond can mean the difference between early intervention and costly structural damage.

What Are Swarming Termites?

Swarming termites, also known as alates, are reproductive members of a termite colony. When conditions are right—typically warm temperatures and high humidity—these winged termites leave their nest in search of a new place to establish a colony. Swarms often occur in the spring, especially after rain, and can sometimes be mistaken for flying ants.

Signs of Swarming Termites

If you notice any of the following signs, it could indicate termite activity in or around your home:

• Flying Termites: Seeing swarming termites indoors or outside near your home is a strong indicator of nearby colonies.
• Discarded Wings: After a swarm, termites shed their wings. Finding piles of tiny, translucent wings near windowsills, doors, or foundation cracks suggests termites may be looking to settle.
• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites, the most common type in Connecticut, build pencil-thin mud tubes along foundations and walls to maintain moisture while they travel.
• Hollow or Damaged Wood: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so tapping on wooden structures and hearing a hollow sound is a warning sign.
• Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small piles of wood-colored droppings as they eat through wood.

What to Do If You See Swarming Termites

If you spot swarming termites, don’t ignore them! Here’s what you should do:

• Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait: Swarming termites may not mean your home is already infested, but they signal a colony is nearby.
• Try to Capture a Sample: If possible, collect a few swarming termites or their discarded wings to help with identification.
• Inspect Your Property: Look for additional signs like mud tubes or wood damage.
• Call a Professional Immediately: The best way to assess the threat and prevent costly damage is to contact a licensed pest control professional.

Protect Your Home from Termites

Preventing termites starts with proactive home maintenance. Here are some steps you can take:

• Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks, clean gutters, and ensure proper drainage around your home.
• Store Wood Away from Your Home: Keep firewood, mulch, and wooden debris at least 20 feet from your house.
• Seal Entry Points: Close gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks to prevent termites from getting in.
• Schedule a Termite Inspection: Annual termite inspections can help detect issues before they escalate.

Call Verdant Pest Control for Expert Termite Protection

Given the early reports of swarming termites this year, now is the time to act. At Verdant Pest Control, we specialize in termite inspections, treatment, and prevention. If you’ve seen signs of termite activity or want to protect your home before termites find their way in, give us a call today!

Don’t wait until termites cause costly damage—stay vigilant and let Verdant Pest Control keep your home safe!