There are a variety of pests that you might encounter in your Tulsa home. From rodents like rats and mice to flying insects like flies and wasps, there are many pests that nobody wants in or around their home. While some pests are mostly just a nuisance, other pets can cause health risks or property damage.
Of all the pests that can cause damage to your home, termites are some of the worst. These insects can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. The other issue with termites is that they are really hard to identify or notice until they’ve already been eating through the wooden structures in your home for a long time.
Termite Season
For homeowners in Tulsa, it’s important to know that termites are active year-round and that they are not just seasonal pests. However, termite season is when these termites are the most active and also the most visible. Termite season starts around March. It is the time of year when termite swarmers, the flying members of the termite colony who are responsible for reproduction, leave the nest to search for places to build new colonies. Since they are leaving the nest, termite swarmers are more likely to be seen this time of year. This means you’re more likely to be able to find termites in or around your home just using your eyes.
Identifying Termite Swarmers
Seeing termite swarmers is often one of the first signs that you have termites in your home, and it’s also the most visible sign. Knowing what these termites look like is important so you’ll know what to watch out for. There are a few characteristics that set termite swarmers apart from other insects. Here are the physical characteristics that will tell you that you’re dealing with termite swarmers.
- Their wings are clear/white and longer than their bodies.
- Their bodies are an oval-shape.
- They tend to look similar to flying ants, but their bodies aren’t pinched at the waist like ants’ bodies.
- They are normally a brown or black color.
What It Means To See Swarmers Outside Your Home
Since termite swarmers are usually the first and most visible sign of a termite infestation, you might find them outside your home on your property. They might be found flying around or even near wooden structures such as sheds. If you see termite swarmers on your property, you most likely have some time to prevent them from making their way indoors.
While there’s no guarantee, there is a chance that they haven’t started nesting in your home yet. So, if you do notice them, there are some prevention steps you can take to keep them away from your home.
- Get rid of wood debris that’s on your property, including tree stumps and old wood planks.
- Keep things like firewood and other wood you want to keep at least 30 feet away from your home and up off the
- ground or inside a dry place such as a shed.
- Keep a dry, non-wood barrier between your home’s foundation and the soil.
- Contact professionals at Montgomery Exterminating for prevention help.
Seeing Termite Swarmers Inside Your Home
While noticing termite swarmers outside might give you time to prevent a termite infestation, finding termite swarmers inside is a different story. If you see swarmers inside, they are likely already nesting in your home and chewing through the walls, floors, etc.
But, don’t panic. You can probably prevent a lot of damage by contacting pest control professionals right away. The team of technicians at Montgomery Exterminating can remove and eliminate any termite infestations in your Tulsa home in an effective and safe way. We’ve been serving the Tulsa area for 30 years and are happy to offer free estimates. Reach out to us today!
