Frequently Asked Questions

What is a termite swarm?

A subterranean termite swarm happens when male and female winged termites fly off from the colony on mating flights to start new colonies. These mating flights usually occur once a year between February and May on hot, sunny days after a couple of rainy days. Most people become aware of subterranean termites only after they swarm inside their home. Termites can swarm inside a home if there is an infestation in the walls or ceilings.

How can I tell the difference between an ant and a termite?

There are three ways to distinguish a swarming termite from a swarming ant.

1. Antenna: A termite has a straight antenna, while an
ant has an elbowed antenna.
2. Waist: A termite has a broad waist, while an ant has a pinched/slender waist.
3. Wings: Both pairs of wings on a termite are equal in size, while the second pair of wings on an ant is shorter than the
first pair.

My next door neighbor had a termite problem and had to have their home repaired and treated. What can I do to protect my home from termites?

In the south the typical home sits on top of three to four termite colonies, with up to one million termites per colony. So there is a good chance of termites finding their way into your home. Therefore, you should have your home inspected by a termite professional on a regular basis. If your home is not currently under warranty with a professional pest management company, you need to consider putting your home on a termite protection program to protect yourself from future problems.

If I don’t see termites around my home, does that mean I don’t have a termite problem?

Unfortunately, no! In fact, you may never actually see subterranean termites because they live in the ground. But they can enter homes through cracks and openings as narrow as 1/64th of an inch, about the thickness of a piece of paper. Termites can also enter through expansion joints in the slab, around plumbing pipes and behind stucco, siding and brick veneer. Once introduced into the wood inside your home, termites can cause enormous amounts of damage before you ever know they are there. That is because they eat wood from the inside out making them extremely difficult to detect. The vast majority of their destructive work is invisible.

Which treatment method is the most effective to protect my home from termites?

There are basically three treatment methods used for subterranean termite control, soil treatment, baits and wood treatments. The best treatment for your home will depend on many factors that are unique to your home, your termite problem and your personal preferences.

Contact Aiken Pest Control for more information on which treatment method is best for your situation, or to arrange for a termite inspection.

• Pest Control
• Termite Control

Learn more about some
of the most common
household pests, insects,
rodents and more.

Save money on your next service with our Internet Discount Coupons.