How to Prevent Termite Swarms Around Your Texas or Oklahoma Home

Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 minutes

Spring brings warmer weather to Texas and Oklahoma, but it also marks the beginning of termite swarming season. If you've witnessed a termite swarm, hundreds of winged insects emerging near windows and doors, you know it's unsettling. While swarmers themselves don't cause damage, their presence signals that a mature colony is nearby and seeking to establish new nests on your property.

Understanding how to prevent termite swarms can protect your home from costly infestations before they start. Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control is here to offer our termite control expertise and help protect your home.

What Are Termite Swarms?

Termite swarms consist of winged reproductive termites that emerge from established colonies to mate and form new colonies. This typically occurs during warm, humid conditions in spring and early summer, often following rainfall. In our region, the swarming season generally runs from February through June.

Swarmers are attracted to light and gather around windows, doors, and outdoor lighting. A swarm usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes, after which you may notice piles of discarded wings on windowsills—a telltale sign that termites are active nearby.

Why Prevention Matters

A termite swarm indicates that a mature colony is on or near your property. By the time a colony produces swarmers, thousands of worker termites are already feeding on wood and causing damage. Preventive steps now can keep swarmers from establishing new colonies and potentially infiltrating your home.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Termite Swarms

Eliminate Moisture Sources

Termites require water to survive. Inspect your property for standing water, leaky pipes, and poor drainage. Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Fix plumbing leaks promptly, and use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements to reduce humidity.

Remove Wood and Cellulose Materials from Your Property

Termites feed on wood and anything containing cellulose, including cardboard, plywood, and plant fibers. Store firewood, lumber, and construction materials at least 20 feet away from your home's exterior, and keep them elevated off the ground. Remove tree stumps, dead trees, and decaying wood from your yard, as these are prime nesting sites for termite colonies.

Maintain Your Landscaping

Overgrown bushes and shrubs that touch your home's exterior create moisture-rich environments and provide termites with easy access to your walls. Keep vegetation trimmed back from your foundation, and avoid using wood-based mulch directly against your home. Consider alternatives like rubber mulch, river rock, or pea gravel, which don't attract termites.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, and openings near windows and doors. Seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to make it harder for termites to enter. Cover vents with fine mesh screens to prevent termites from accessing your home through ductwork.

Reduce Wood-to-Ground Contact

Anywhere wood makes direct contact with soil creates an ideal entry point for subterranean termites. Check deck supports, fence posts, exterior stairs, and wooden siding for wood-to-ground contact. Use concrete or metal barriers to separate wood structures from soil, and consider replacing damaged wood with termite-resistant materials.

What to Do If You See a Swarm

If you spot a termite swarm on your property, stay calm. Most swarmers found inside homes actually originated from outside, but any swarming activity warrants immediate attention.

Here's what to do:

• Don't Panic – Swarmers cannot bite, sting, or cause direct harm to you or your pets.

• Contain Them – Close doors to the room where they're swarming, or vacuum them up. Keep the vacuum bag to show a professional for identification.

• Document the Location – Note where you saw the swarm, especially if it's inside your home.

• Call a Professional Immediately – Swarming activity indicates an established colony nearby, and professional inspection is the only way to confirm whether termites have already infiltrated your home.

Professional Prevention and Protection

While DIY prevention is important, professional termite protection is the only defense. At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, we've been safeguarding Texas and Oklahoma homes since 1996 with advanced solutions that prioritize safety.

Our services include thorough property inspections, strategic barrier treatments, and advanced Sentricon® baiting systems that eliminate colonies before they cause damage. We use smarter, targeted approaches rather than excessive chemicals, protecting your family, pets, and the environment.

The Best Time to Act Is Now

Termite prevention is always easier and more affordable than dealing with an active infestation. As swarming season approaches, proactive steps can save you thousands in repair costs. Whether you've spotted swarmers or want peace of mind, professional protection defends against these silent destroyers.

For termite swarm prevention in Texas and Oklahoma, call Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control at (888) 840-5806 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection and estimate!