LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Termite Swarms Remind Us That These Creatures Are Nearby

Formosan subterranean termites swarm between April and July in Louisiana. Some drywood termites also swarm during this time. Swarms are made up of winged male and female termites (“alates”) that are searching for a mate. They lose their wings and go off with a partner to find a nesting site. Many die in this process, but those that succeed become the king and queen of a new colony.

Because Formosan termites swarm in the evenings and are attracted to lights, one way to minimize personal contact with them is to turn off outdoor lights during this time.

Most people who live in Louisiana are aware that steps need to be taken to prevent termite damage to houses and other buildings. Some of these things require a professional, but there are also steps we can take in the landscape to further reduce the chances of termite infestations.

When working in the landscape, avoid disturbing or covering the soil within one foot of the base of the house. A termiticide will typically have been applied in this area at the time of construction or under the terms of a termite contract, and activities in this area can reduce the protection it provides.

Landscape mulches are great in many circumstances, but don’t put them directly next to the base of the house. Termites can feed on mulches with wood or other cellulose-containing materials (cardboard, paper, etc.), and all types of mulch help maintain moist conditions that favor subterranean termites. Likewise, situate landscape plants so that, after they grow to their mature sizes, they’re still far enough from the house to allow you to easily check for signs of termite activity.

Remove fallen limbs and other dead wood from around the house, and take steps to prevent excessively moist conditions near the house.

Termites sometimes infest trees. While most types of termites only feed on dead or injured trees, Formosan termites readily feed on living trees and can increase their risk of falling. Shelter or mud tubes are one sign that a tree is likely to be infested. You can also use a trowel to check for termites in the soil near the base of the tree, next to the root flare. If an infested tree has a large pruning scar where a limb has been removed, “mud” and, during swarming season, winged termites can often be seen there.

If Formosan termites are identified from a tree that is not yet compromised to the extent that it is at an unacceptable risk of falling, a licensed pest control operator can be hired to inject an insecticide-containing foam into the tree.

Formosan termites seem to prefer some tree species to others. Pecan is one that they seem to like. Pecan trees tend to drop limbs and fall in storms, and their attractiveness to termites is another reason not to let them grow close to buildings.

Let me know if you have questions.

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Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).