Termite Swarms
Termite Swarm Season in Florida
Termite season strikes residents in the Tampa Bay Florida area typically during the months of January through May.
Termite swarms not to be confused with flying ants have a different wings than their cousin the ant.
While both species have four wings, the termite wings are all the same size and the ant wings have noticeably larger wings in the front as compared to the hind pair. Ant reproductive (swarmers) have two pairs of wings.Often ants have a black dot near the tip of the front wings, and dark wing veins can be seen. You can’t see termite wing veins with the naked eye.
- Ant wings do not break off easily. Termite wings break off easily, with just a touch. You may see the broken wings from the swarming termites in a area they have been crawling.
- Termites have an almost straight antennae, the ants antennae are elbowed.
- Termite wings are twice as long as the body.
- Ants appear distinctly segmented, because of their thin-waisted appearance. Termites have a broad-waisted appearance.Termite waists are not narrow.Termite bodies are straight-sided with no constriction.
As you can see in the image to the right the ant has elbowed antennae, where as the termites antennae are strait.
When the termites receive the proper cues such as (warm temperatures, bright sunlight, low winds, for example) they will leave the colony and fly away to start their own colonies.
There are three major groups of termites which occur in Florida: dry wood, subterranean and Formosan termites have been found in Tampa. Termites can be identified by the appearance of the swarmers, their damage, and the droppings they leave behind.
The two most common types of termites are “drywood” and “ground,” or subterranean termites. Subterranean termites cause about 95% of the termite-related damage found in the Tampa Bay area. Both types of termites eat cellulose for nutrition. Cellulose is found in wood and wood products.
If you suspect a termite infestation you can catch some and put them in a container and bring them by our office located at
802 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL
or call: (813) 936-5850
or 1-800-410-5850
for a Free estimate.
Service Areas:
Hillsborough County: All including Tampa, Town-N-Country, Templ Terrace, Brandon, Wesly Chapal, Riverview, Gibsonton, Progress Village, Valrico
Pinellas County: All including St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Trinity
Pasco County: All including Holiday, Lutz, Trinity, New Port Richey, Land-O-Lakes, Cheval
Alos Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Sarasota Counties
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