“Oh no!,”.... were the first words out of my mom’s mouth when we started to work in her yard last week. Rushing over, I saw the winged creatures scurrying around, desperately trying to escape from the large human who had overturned the rock and disturbed their insectuous abode. Looking back at my mom’s shocked expression; I was perplexed as to why a few winged ants could have upset her so. My perplexity turned to understanding when she exclaimed “Quickly Nick, get the spray. We have termites!”

Hiding hilarity, I explained to her that they weren’t termites.

“You see Mom, ants have elbowed antennae, their two sets of wings are different sizes, and they have a pinched waist, termites don’t have any of these features”

Here at the office we get calls all the time, especially in the spring. These calls are probably due to termite swarms, a natural process, in which thousands of winged termites come out of their homes and fly to new areas to colonize more dead wood. As trees die, new termite colonies form a vital ecological function in breaking down dead plant material, but termites are devastating to the unprotected home.

Now here is the confusing part. Ants do the same thing, and, just like termites, could swarm towards your home. As a homeowner it is important for you to know what insect you have as the control varies with each species. Termites are dangerous to the wood in your foundation.

Advice from the agent:

• If you see flying insects that look like termites, make sure that they are in fact termites and not ants.

• Do not panic. Most damage occurs slowly and just because you see a termite near your house does not mean that your house is infected. However, do not delay appropriate treatment.

• Be sure that you are under a termite contract with a reputable pest control company. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of the contract and understand their treatment system.

• If you see any visual signs such as “mud trails” call your pest control company or the Extension Office. We will be happy identify pests and suggest treatment options.

• Remember no home is immune to termite attack. Be sure to check your home regularly for signs.

For more information go to fayettecountyga.gov, click on departments, Extension Office, publications, then type in “termites,” or call the Fayette County Extension Office at 770-460-5730 ext 5412 or 1-800-ASK-UGA1

Nicholas Ray is the Fayette County Extension Coordinator and an agricultural agent.

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