With all the rain we have had throughout the Valley these
past few weeks, many ant and termite colonies are producing winged “swarmers”
or “reproductives”. Shortly after one of
these rains you may see hundreds to thousands of insects suddenly fluttering
around. These sudden swarms consist of
males and females that all emerge at one time. They mate and males die shortly
after while the females will fly to a new location to start a new colony.
While most of these females do not survive and are unable to
successfully establish a new colony, it is worth taking the time to determine
if you have ants or termites, especially if you are finding them fluttering
around inside a home or other structure.
There are several species of termites in South Texas and many different species
of ants. While termites, if infesting wood
in a structure, will require treatment, most ant species do not feed or nest in
wood and thus are more of a passing nuisance.
There are 3 characteristics that will readily distinguish an
ant (any species) from termites.
1. The Antennae
2. The Waist
3. The Wings
After mating both ants and termites may drop their wings so
it is not uncommon to find wingless individuals near the swarm.
For more information on termite identification, biology
and control please visit:
o Subterranean
termites – general information (E-368)
General information about termite biology and control.
General information about termite biology and control.
o Frequently
asked questions about subterranean termite control (ENT-2002)
Still confused about termite control? Chances are that your questions have been asked before. Check out this information before you call a termite control professional.
Still confused about termite control? Chances are that your questions have been asked before. Check out this information before you call a termite control professional.
o How
to select a termite control company (E-369)
Termite control can be a big investment in maintaining your home. Be an informed consumer.
Termite control can be a big investment in maintaining your home. Be an informed consumer.
o Drywood
termites (E-366)
If you live along the Gulf coast, or in more southerly parts of Texas, drywood termites are a common pest. The biology and treatment methods for drywood termites are distinctively different from subterranean termites.
If you live along the Gulf coast, or in more southerly parts of Texas, drywood termites are a common pest. The biology and treatment methods for drywood termites are distinctively different from subterranean termites.
For more information on ant identification, biology, and control
please visit:
o The
Texas two-step method for fire ant control (L-5070)
One of the most popular factsheets in the Extension library. Fire ant control made simple.
One of the most popular factsheets in the Extension library. Fire ant control made simple.
o Managing
household ant pests (B-6183)
This publication will help you understand and manage the different pest ant species common to Texas homes.
This publication will help you understand and manage the different pest ant species common to Texas homes.
o Identifying
household ants (ENT-2013)
NEW! The first step in knowing how to get rid of an ant problem is knowing what kind of ant you have. You won’t need a microscope or specialized skills to identify the most common household ants with this F@ctsheet.
NEW! The first step in knowing how to get rid of an ant problem is knowing what kind of ant you have. You won’t need a microscope or specialized skills to identify the most common household ants with this F@ctsheet.
o Swarming
insects indoors
Something’s flying around indoors, but you’re not sure what it is? It could be an ant.
Something’s flying around indoors, but you’re not sure what it is? It could be an ant.
o Carpenter
ants around homes (ENT-2001)
This updated F@ctsheet clears up some of the misunderstanding about carpenter ants in Texas, and suggests practical steps to deal with a carpenter ant problem.
This updated F@ctsheet clears up some of the misunderstanding about carpenter ants in Texas, and suggests practical steps to deal with a carpenter ant problem.
o Carpenter
ants (E-412)
This publication explains how to identify carpenter ants, recognize their nest site preferences, and take proper preventive and control measures. (4 pp., 1 photo, 1 figure)
This publication explains how to identify carpenter ants, recognize their nest site preferences, and take proper preventive and control measures. (4 pp., 1 photo, 1 figure)
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