Wynton's Pest Control

What to do if you see termite swarms:
What to do to protect your property?
Termite swarmers can be a nuisance when they fly in large numbers, but killing the swarmers in or around the house does not provide much protection from further termite activity and damage. Protecting your home from termites begins with an inspection by a pest management professional, followed by a proper treatment depending on the situation. Because subterranean termites require cellulose and moisture to survive, homeowners can help ward off potential damage by limiting termites’ food and water sources. Here are several actions you can do to protect your home:

Turn off outdoor lights at night in May and June to avoid attracting swarmers.
Remove all wood, cardboard, and other cellulose-containing materials from around or under your home.
Keep mulch 8 to 12 inches from the foundation or perimeter of your home.
Fix dripping faucets outdoor and repair leaks in the roof or pipes.
Slope the landscape so water will drain away from the house.
Use only licensed and certified pest management professionals for termite treatments.
When termite swarms occur, you can collect some of the insects (or their wings) so they can be identified by a pest control service or an entomologist.
If you need termite service, give us a call!

Termites are swarming!
What does it mean if you see swarmers?
The swarming termites are not good fliers, and they usually fly no more than half a mile. If you see swarmers outdoors, it indicates an infestation of termites on the nearby trees or structures. It is common for the flying termites to enter homes through the vent, and you may see a few crawling in the bathroom or kitchen. However, if you find these termites flying indoors or notice a large number of wings inside the house (Figure 4), then you quite likely have an active infestation in your home. Termite swarmers do not cause direct damage, and the damage is caused by the workers, which are their offspring that continuously search for and collect cellulose materials. When swarmers are seen, it is important to take proactive measures to protect your property.

Many people have used home remedies to control ants. But are those quick fixes really getting rid of the ants in your yard? Let’s take a look at some commonly used home remedies and whether or not they work!

Uncooked grits – Don’t fall for this one! The logic behind this method is the ants would die after they eat the grits. Fire ants do eat grits, but they don’t swell up and explode after doing so! It’s best to leave the grits in the kitchen cabinet.

Club soda – Many people think that pouring club soda on the ant bed will kill them. Many people think the CO2 in the soda will kill them, but it’s not an effective method of diminishing the mound.

Boiling hot water – This one has the same logic behind it as the club soda myth. The scalding hot water will instantly kill the fire ants. There is some truth behind this one! The trick to this remedy is to use enough water that is hot enough. Two to three gallons of water is needed per mound. If you’re going to do this, try it out in the spring when the mounds are sitting high off the ground.

Other home remedies to avoid are baking soda, vinegar, molasses, and plaster of Paris. So, if these remedies don’t work, then what does? Our experts recommend applying a granular bait treatment over the entire property three times a year.

Use the holidays Easter, Fourth of July, and Labor Day to help you remember when to apply the treatment. If you notice any mounds pop up throughout the year, use a dry mound treatment on them. Always make sure to read the label.

Learn more about fire ant control methods here: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/control-fire-ants-your-yard