With flowers and warmer weather usually brings spring swarmers, also known as flying termites. There are two species of termites in Southern California that are often classified as swarmers, they include:

• Drywood termites (see pic to the left)
• Subterranean termites (see below)

Both drywood termites and subterranean termites usually do most of their damage with out directly bothering humans or even being seen, but this isn’t the case during the spring. Once a year, both species will send out winged termites called alates. Unlike most termites, these special winged termites are created just to reproduce and expand the colony.

What to do? The alates don’t cause damage themselves but if left alone, the colony could create can a problem when the pests start looking for food. The most effective way to protect your home from these pests is to hire a professional pest control company, someone who can both inspect, find the source and treat the problem.

It’s important to note that while you may see swarmers in your yard, it doesn’t mean they are coming from your house. The swarmers could be coming from an old tree or other dead plant material; it’s still advisable to get a complete inspection.