What to know about termite swarms: GoPest

Olivia Wilson
·2 min read

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — It’s the time of year when termites come out in swarms.

GoPest President Justin Warner said that time is “Mother’s Day to Father’s Day.”

UPDATE: Person dies after missing turn, driving into water, says Orange Beach Police

Warner spoke with WKRG News 5’s Cherish Lombard to discuss what homeowners need to know.

First, Warner notes that this time of year the Gulf Coast area sees two main species of termites: Subterranean termites and Formosan termites.

Subterranean termites tend to come out during the day while Formosan termites swarm at night, Warner explained.

Why do swarms happen?

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey reacts to failed gambling vote

Swarms can seem like they appear one minute and go away the next. So why is that?

While Warner admitted he does not know the reason why it seems this way, he said, “At some time she says ‘Hey, it is time to reproduce,’ and so she sends them off to fly, and again they pair up and find a mate then pair up and start a colony.”

Another reason we may see swarms is because of lights.

Preventing termites:

New music festival promises to bring ‘diverse lineup’ to Escambia County

Warner noted homeowners should turn off outside lights and close their blinds to prevent termite swarms.

He said if homeowners put this into practice, they will see fewer swarms near their homes.

After the swarms, Warner noted, “It’s a very short period of time before they drop their wings, so you see their wings everywhere, and then they have to get back to the ground to start a colony before they just die.”

How to know if there is a problem:

Saraland residents deal with brown water in pipes

Although swarms don’t mean there is a problem, Warner noted they could indicate a problem.

He suggests homeowners to look out for the following:

  • Tons of termites on the inside

  • Issues with walls or baseboards

  • Mud tubes

  • Any swarm castles coming from the outside

What to do about termite problems?

No clothes? No problem: Nude cruise to set sail from Florida next year

“If you’re seeing a lot of termites on the inside — the reproductive on the inside — then most likely you have a problem,” Warner said. “We suggest calling somebody and having an inspection.”

And the good thing: most companies offer free inspections.

Aside from inspections, Warner said he recommends hiring a termite service.

“This part of the country is by far the heaviest pressure in the country for termites and we deal with the worst type there is,” he emphasized.

Mobile Police Department releases statement on Kenyen Brown report

For more information on GoPest, check out their website.

They offer pest control services in Baldwin County, Mobile County, Escambia County and Santa Rosa County, according to their website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.