June 2, 2007
They’re ba-a-a-ack
I leave my carport light on at night as a security measure. Unfortunately, it was the brightest light in the area tonight when the termites swarmed. Swarmers are attracted to light. These are Formosan subterranean termites and they swarm by the thousands. I first became acquainted with them in New Orleans, where I started my pest control career in 1980. Ironically, they were imported to New Orleans in recycled military buildings shipped from Hawaii after World War II. They’ve spread throughout the Gulf South in the last few decades. I’d like to send these guys to Florida for a Kissimmee vacation, but I’m thinking Mickey probably already has enough swarms in his kingdom this time of year.
While I was working in my garden this afternoon I noticed some damage to my neighbor’s carport shed. I could just barely see it through the fence slats. The carport is a common structure, with his shed on one side, mine on the other and a roof connecting them. I think I might put on my working hat and go check it out tomorrow, as I now suspect that his shed is the source of our swarm. Good thing I have contacts and should be able to get us a professional discount on treatment. 
[tags]Formosan subterranean termites, hawaii termites, photo, termite swarm[/tags]
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June 3rd, 2007 at 1:38 am, TW Says:
I had some land on ME the other day at work. BLEAH. Keep them out of Florida.
June 3rd, 2007 at 8:36 am, Wicked Gardener Says:
ACCCCKKKK! Yes, keep them out of Florida (and I’m sure you have ablity to do so
) We have enough bizarre flying insects.
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:04 am, Whim Says:
*shudders*
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:12 pm, skeet Says:
Aw, come on! What’s a few termites between friends?
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 pm, skeet Says:
But they’d feel so at home there, Wicked Gardener! They need a Florida vacation!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:14 pm, skeet Says:
At least termites don’t bite, Whim!
June 5th, 2007 at 12:18 pm, Cynthia Blue Says:
Ewwww that is disgusting! We don’t have many termites in Utah, too dry I think.
December 12th, 2007 at 5:00 pm, valmg Says:
We had a swarm in our living room window once. Damn freakiest thing I’ve ever been through and never want to be involved in again.