Termites Swarming

We are already starting to get reports of termites swarming. Just last week, we had termites swarm in a building on NCSU campus. You may have already experienced some swarms in some of your buildings. Eastern subterranean termites generally swarm from late-February to May. Swarming usually occurs during the day, particularly on warm days following rain. Swarms occurring outdoors near tree stumps, landscape timbers, etc., are not an indication that a structure is infested, but simply serve as a reminder that termites live around us. However, when swarming occurs indoors, it usually means that there is an infestation somewhere in the building.

If you have an indoor swarm, simply suck up the swarmers in a vacuum cleaner. Place the vacuum bag inside a plastic bag and seal it before disposing of it. There is no real need to spray them; plus spraying in this situation would require notification. There is also no need to rush treating the building. This situation would not be considered an emergency. Plan the treatment for a teacher workday or holiday when that part of the building is or can be vacated. The treatment will vary depending on where the termites were found swarming. A spot treatment may be all that is needed and will not be as expensive as a full treatment of the structure.