DATE:    3/1/01
WRITERS: Eric Benson, (864) 656-7860, Clemson Extension specialist
         Pat Zungoli, (864) 656-3137, Clemson Extension specialist
EDITOR:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Love Is In The Air
                                
     CLEMSON -- For many people, spring is a time for romance. 
Many termites agree.
     Spring is the time when some termites take to the air to 
start new colonies. Most termites are small white crawling insects 
that spend their lives hidden in the ground or in wood. In this form, 
a termite's only "true love" is eating wood.
     However, when a termite colony has been around for several 
years and is relatively large, it can produce another form of winged
termite, called a swarmer. Swarmers are the termite's way of sending
out new "amorous" kings and queens to start new colonies. These are 
the most visible form of termite and the type most homeowners see.
     Swarming termites can be confused with many ants that also 
swarm in the spring. Termite swarmers have four wings all the same
length and a thick waist. Most termite swarmers are brown or black 
and range in size from approximately 3/8 to 1/4 inch. Swarming ants
have a narrow waist and front wings that are longer than the back
wings.
     This time of year, great numbers of termite swarmers can fly 
from a single colony. Fortunately, most do not survive. The surviving
males and females pair up, shed their wings, and tunnel into the 
ground or moisture-damaged wood. 
     The pair then prepares a chamber where the female will begin 
to lay eggs. These eggs will develop into worker termites. Once 
enough workers are established, termite soldiers and other termites
that can lay eggs develop and greatly increase the population of 
the colony. 
     Normally at least three to four years or more will pass before 
any swarming of winged termites from a new colony occurs.
     If you see swarming termites, don't panic. Termite swarms 
coming from the ground in a yard away from structures is a normal
occurrence and does not indicate an infestation in a home. Swarming
termites coming from a hole inside a home or immediately adjacent 
to the structure indicate a problem. 
     There are termite sprays and a bait product on the market 
for homeowner use. However, it is extremely rare that a homeowner 
can properly inspect and self-treat his or her own house without 
the proper equipment, training and knowledge of termite behavior 
and habitats. A licensed pest management professional can do an
excellent job controlling termites, provide yearly inspections 
and offer a warranty. 
     When choosing a pest management professional for termite 
control, get bids from two or three firms. Be wary of prices that 
seem out of line, especially those that are too low. A low price 
may mean low quality. 
     The professional you hire should graph the location and 
highlight areas where termite damage has been found, plus any
structural or drainage problems. He or she should also note any 
areas that were not accessible for inspection. It is important 
that they carefully explain any treatment methods they plan to
use and what responsibilities you may have to correct moisture 
or structural problems around your home.
     Read the pest control firm's contract carefully. Some firms 
limit their liability for damage done to your home by termites 
after treatment. Others exclude damage done by specific termites.
     Your home is probably the most expensive purchase you will 
ever make. With a little time and knowledge, termites can be 
controlled and their damage to your home can be minimized or 
perhaps avoided entirely. 
               *********************************
     If you have gardening questions, write to PSA Media Relations,
A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
29634-0129. You might also want to check our website at
www.clemson.edu/psamedia.
                              END