Termites Archives - Rosies Pest Control

Termites Are Swarming

Background about why termites swarm.

Thousands of winged termites swarm from their nests that are underground in the spring. They have one goal: to find a mate and build a nest, and then to establish a new colony. Huge numbers of males and females are produced in underground colonies in late winter and early spring. They are placed in specific locations in the nest (near the soil surface) and remain there until the time is right to leave. They may wait for several weeks, and have to be fed and groomed by nestmates. This same scenario is played out in other colonies in the Memphis area – that’s important.

The purpose of swarming is for colonies to ‘exchange’ females and males for mating. Weather conditions are used to synchronize the release of these reproductive members of the colonies. The termites wait for very calm winds (less than 6 mph) and overcast days that follow a spring rain. Termites don’t want a big wind to blow away the insects before they find their mates. Wet soil helps the new couples to build their first nest, and the extra humidity helps them to survive. Not all swarms occur outside. Sometimes the colony misjudges the release point and thousands of winged termites are released inside of your home or business. Regardless of the placement (or lack of exchange with other colonies), the pairing, shedding of wings, mating and potential founding of a new nest all proceed without a hitch.

Colonies typically produce swarms once they have reached a certain size, which is based on the total number of workers in the colony. The common colony produces swarms most every year, but the number they may release will vary. The release usually takes a few days. There may be a large ‘first’ swarm, followed by smaller second and third swarms. Termites have a lot of swarming experience, and seem to make it work.

By adminMWL|2017-08-20T21:18:00+00:00April 10th, 2017|Memphis Insects, Memphis Pest Control Firm, Termites|Comments Off

Yes! Insects Winter in a Variety of Ways

In general, insects can make it through winter’s cold temperatures the best when the temperatures are stable, not changing drastically through thawing and re-freezing. Many insects will seek shelter and nourishment through the winter in a mixed variety of tiny-habitats. Some of these tiny bug homes are under the dirt, inside the wood of fallen logs and trees, and even in outgrowths of plants. A certain kind of fly is known by fishermen to be present in certain galls in winter, and the fly larvae are smartly used to bait fish. Layers of snow are very beneficial to insects because snow insulates the soil and turf and keeps the temperature surprisingly consistent. Honeybees have been found to remain partially active in hollow trees through the generation of bee body heat. They can consume up to 30 pounds of accumulated honey over the winter months which makes this feasible. This heat energy is made by the oxidation of honey, and moved freely in the hive by the wing fanning of worker bees. Insects that are inactive during the winter months undergo a state in which their development, maturation and actions are temporarily delayed, with a rate of metabolism that is elevated enough to make sure they stay alive. This dormant situation is called diapause. In contrast, when vertebrates go through hibernation, they have minor activity and actually add tissues to their bodies.

Bugs in Memphis May Not Have a Layer of Snow to Hibernate In.

In Memphis, insects may not get a layer of snow to help them stay warm throughout the winter. Insects will seek shelter where they can find it, even inside your home. Rosie’s Pest Control will provide you with a free inspection for your peace of mind.