Formosan Termite Swarm Season in Baton Rouge
Short answer: swarms of winged termites in spring mean a colony is nearby. Formosan termites tend to swarm at dusk around lights in late spring. Turn off outside lights, save a few swarmers in a bag and have the house inspected.
Request pest controlWhy they swarm
Mature colonies send out winged termites to start new colonies, usually on warm, humid evenings after rain.
Formosan or native
Formosan swarmers are a bit larger and yellowish-brown and gather around lights at dusk; native subterranean swarmers are darker and often swarm in daylight.
Swarmers or ants?
Termites have straight antennae, thick waists and two pairs of equal-length wings. Winged ants have elbowed antennae and pinched waists.
Inside the house
Swarmers coming from inside walls, around windows or from bath traps are a stronger sign of an active colony in the structure.
Lights out
Turn off porch and window lights during swarm evenings to draw fewer swarmers.
Collect a sample
Put a few swarmers or wings in a sealed bag for the inspector.
Inspection
A technician checks the foundation, crawl space, baths and attic for tubes and damage.
Treatment options
Liquid barriers, baits or both, depending on the house.
Prevention
Fix leaks, keep mulch away from siding and don't stack firewood against the house.
Wood damage
Damage found during inspection should be repaired once the colony is treated.
Next
See termite control.
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