Where Do Termites Come From?
In our Lewisville service area, termites can be a serious threat. But most folks don't really know where this threat comes from. It is common for people to think that an infestation begins with a swarm of termites landing on their home—as if termites swarm around in the air and then settle on a place to live as a group. This isn't quite how it works. If you walk out into your backyard and see hundreds of termites on your exterior wall, that is not likely a sign of an impending infestation. When large numbers of winged termites are seen together, it is a sign of a current and mature infestation on the property because those swarmers don't swarm for more than a few minutes before they break up into couples.
The Anatomy Of A Termite Swarm
When a termite colony gets big enough, the queen begins to create alates. These are male and female winged reproductives that are developed for a singular purpose: to create new colonies. The queen releases a pheromone scent and the alates work their way to the surface (toward the light) and exit the colony. Once they take to the air, they begin to swarm with each other. This is why we call them swarmers. This swarming behavior helps the males and females find a mate. When they do, they are mated for life.
In the same way a queen uses pheromone scents to communicate with the subjects in her colony, female alates use pheromones to attract a mate. After the two have come together, they look for a suitable place to land and start a family. They break free of the swarm, land on the ground, shed their wings and dig out a chamber in the ground. This is their nuptial chamber. It is where they will mate for the first time and where the queen will begin to create her offspring.
If you find a few termites on your property and there are shed wings lying on the ground, you might be looking at the start of an infestation. It could also be the start of a new nest on your property. Either way, it isn't good. As a new queen creates new workers for her colony, those workers are going to need to eat, and their primary food sources is wood.
It is important to understand how termites swarms work because a misunderstanding can lead you to believe that your property is safe and allow those wood-damaging pests the opportunity to feed on your home without you knowing it.
Ground Termites
Termites don't always enter a yard as a winged reproductive. They can tunnel into a yard as well. Subterranean termite workers can travel as far as the length of a football field in search of a food source. If your neighbor's property is infested with termites, those termites could feed on your property at the same time. If you learn that your neighbor has been dealing with termites, it is definitely time to start considering termite protection for your home.
Budding
While colonies often begin with a female and male swarmer entering your yard, some colonies form as a result of budding. Budding is when one colony stems into two or more colonies. Here's how it works: In a termite colony, there are supplementary reproductives that assist the queen with egg production. These alternate queens also assist with satellite colonies, acting as front-line reproductives to speed up the creation of workers. If a satellite colony is separated from the main colony, it can become its own colony. Through this process of budding, a colony can be established in your yard without a single swarmer taking to the air.
Why Choose Adams Exterminating?
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Trained Entomologists & Service TechniciansOur team brings a deep understanding of insect biology and behavior to create targeted pest control strategies. We're equipped with the latest techniques and technologies to effectively eliminate pests.
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Customized Plans for Every BudgetRecognizing that each space is different, we customize pest control services for every home or business. Our approach involves targeted solutions, addressing specific needs for your environment.
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Trusted in the Community Since 1947With a legacy dating back to 1947, our pest control company brings decades of experience with a proven track record to keep your space critter-free.
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Locally Owned & OperatedAs a locally owned business with offices in both Denton and Lewisville, we are rooted in the community and dedicated to serving our neighbors with personalized service.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 940-239-9786 today!
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Do you offer plans or bundles?Yes, we offer three different plans designed to meet your needs and your budget. Our perimeter, Home Guardian, and Home Guardian Plus are all designed to bundle your pest control treatment into a package that fits your needs. If there isn’t a plan that works for you, don’t worry, we will customize one that fits your unique needs.
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I have a baby/toddler… is it safe to have treatment?While the products we use are toxic to insects, they pose almost no serious risk to people when used properly. However, it is always advisable to be careful when using chemicals around small children, including pesticides. If you have a small child, we recommend staying away from the treatment area while the service is being performed and then wait until the product has dried.
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How many years have you been in business?We are a family owned, locally operated pest control company that has been in business since 1947. For over 75 years, our company has expanded its service area while continuing to provide exceptional customer service.
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How long do I have to stay out of my home or property after treatment is performed?In situations where you have to be out of the property during and after treatment (flea treatment, roach clean-out service, or for health reasons, etc.), we recommend that you stay away until all products have completely dried. This is usually approximately two to four hours depending on conditions, after which time it is completely safe to re-enter the property.
