Blog Post

How to Identify and Exterminate Swarm Termites in Lexington, KY

IPM Pest and Termite • Aug 19, 2016

WHAT ARE TERMITES AND SWARM TERMITES?

Often called the silent destroyer, termites can live in your home without any visible signs. These social insects live in colonies in the soil underground or inside wooden structures, such as your home or furniture. Termites typically enter your home in search of food, water, shelter and optimal temperature.


When termites venture out of their nest, otherwise known as a carton, they squeeze into your home through cracks and crevices in the walls or foundation. If the weather conditions are right, the termites can swarm towards any of your home’s lights. When termites swarm, they actually fly together in groups within your home. Swarming termites can be the most obvious sign of a serious termite infestation.

Although there are many types of mosquitoes, almost all of them rely on exhaled carbon dioxide, body odors and temperature to locate their prey. The females then use a proboscis to suck a blood meal from the host. Every time a mosquito bites, they rely on their two tubes: one to inject an enzyme to prevent blood clotting and other one to suck the actual blood. The enzyme that is injected into the blood stream causes an allergic reaction and the itchy bump. The blood meal is then used as a meal for their eggs.

WHAT TERMITE SPECIES CAN SWARM?

There are two main species of termites that swarm.

  • The subterranean termites must maintain contact with the soil for optimal temperature and moisture, so the colony is generally below ground with mud tunnels that allow access to food sources above ground. When subterranean termites swarm, they create very large swarms that are easy to notice and control.
  • The dry wood termites live entirely inside of the material that they feed on, including trees, timber, hardwood floors, or even furniture. The dry wood termites live in smaller colonies with less than 5,000 termites in a colony. Because of their smaller size, dry wood termites produce less swarm in a season.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME IS INFESTED WITH SWARM TERMITES?

In general, if you see winged termites indoors, it is typically a sign of an infestation. Also, you will tend to find swarm termites around windows and doors since they are attracted to light. Additionally, earthen mud tubes can be formed on walls, support piers or joists by any termites in the home. It should be noted that termites are often confused with ants because they swarm around the same time in the year. Termites and ants can be differentiated because termites have straight antennae, while ants have elbowed antennae.

HOW CAN I EXTERMINATE SWARM TERMITES FROM MY HOME?

Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars to control termites and repair termite damage. There are two commonly used forms of termite removal: baits and liquids. Baiting consists of placing a palatable food with a slow acting lethal substance, such as paper or cardboard, near mud tubes or below ground to remove the hidden termite populations. Liquids consist of applying liquid termiticides to the soil around your home to create a barrier to the nest. Unfortunately, termites can be notoriously difficult to remove because of the employment of the royal taster system, which is when the colony workers taste and process all foods before feeding it to the queen. Thus, it is difficult to completely remove termites with baited food or liquids.


Effectively removing termites from your home can be difficult because complete removal requires extensive termite and construction knowledge and special equipment, such as drills, pumps, tans, and soil treatment rods. Therefore, it is best to leave swarm termite removal to the professionals. IPM Pest and Termite is a pest control company in Lexington that has the professional expertise to get rid of swarm termites from your home. Contact us today to see how Lexington’s pest control company can get rid of damaging termites!

PEST issues?
Don't panic. We can help.

Helpful Hints About Household Pest Control, bed bug removal, bed bugs near Lexington, Kentucky (KY)
By IPM Pest and Termite 06 Mar, 2024
Our team of specialists can help you discover a range of helpful hints about household pest control near Lexington, Kentucky. Call or click today to get started.
A termite inspector showing signs of termite damage in wood near Lexington, Kentucky (KY)
By IPM Pest and Termite 06 Mar, 2024
Termites can wreak havoc, so learn the signs to stop them and eliminate future problems. Contact us for termite pest control near Lexington, KY.
A cockroach exterminator near Lexington, KY, working in a home.
By IPM Pest & Termite 12 Feb, 2024
Learn what attracts cockroaches and how to get rid of them with a cockroach exterminator near Lexington, KY. IPM Pest & Termite can eliminate your pests today.
Mouse in a home near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 11 Jan, 2024
Learn how mice get in your house and what you can do to get mice and rodents out. Contact IPM Pest and Termite for pest control for mice near Lexington, KY.
An infestation of Asian Lady Beetles near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 06 Dec, 2023
Keep winter pests out of your home with these DIY tips or assistance from pest control near Lexington, KY. IPM Pest and Termite can prevent or remove pests.
A small mouse in the attic of a home near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 08 Nov, 2023
If you’re looking to remove mice in your home, IPM Pest & Termite discusses the best way to get rid of mice. Contact us near Lexington, KY, to get started.
A raccoon sitting on a shed roof near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 16 Oct, 2023
Do you need raccoon removal in Lexington? If so, IPM Pest and Termite gives you tips on how to remove raccoons. Contact IPM Pest & Termite to learn more.
A pest control specialist sprays a solution to eliminate critters in a home near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 20 Sep, 2023
We discuss the best time of year for pest control for your Lexington, KY, home. Contact the pest removal specialists at IPM Pest and Termite today to learn more!
Exterminator spraying a house with a wand to eliminate cockroaches in a person’s home near Lexington
By IPM Pest and Termite 06 Sep, 2023
Protecting your home from pests is critically important, and Our professionals can help you begin protecting your property from pests. Call or click today to get started!
A woman crawling on the floor, holding a fly swatter and staring at a large bug near Lexington, KY
By IPM Pest & Termite 26 Jul, 2023
This blog will help you learn more about natural and effective options for keeping spiders away from your residence and property this summer and fall.
More Posts
Share by: