They Already Swarmed. Did They Get In?

You probably missed it. Most people do. Termite swarm season came and went this spring, and now your porch light is back to normal. But if even one mating pair got inside, the real damage is just beginning.

Main Fix: Check for Signs of Post-Swarm Termites

What it is:
Every spring, Lowcountry termites send out swarmers. These winged bugs are not looking to eat wood. They are looking to mate, drop their wings, and crawl into your home’s structure to build a new colony.

By August, the swarming is over. But now those new colonies are settling in. This is the stage most homeowners miss. There are no bugs in sight, just silence and slow destruction.

Why it matters:
Termite damage is not loud. There is no scratching, no buzzing, no early warning. You might not see a thing until the baseboard buckles or the door frame gets soft. We have seen six-figure repairs begin with one unnoticed mud tube.

Subterranean and Formosan termites are active year-round in the Lowcountry. If you missed the swarm, now is the time to check whether anything stuck around.

What to do:

1. Look for discarded wings near windowsills, baseboards, attic access points, and porch trim. They are dry, papery, and often overlooked.

2. Check your foundation and crawlspace piers for small mud tubes about the width of a pencil. These are highways for worker termites.

3. Probe soft wood around door frames, exterior trim, or crawlspace joists. If the wood gives easily or sounds hollow, you may already have activity.

4. Examine rafters and beams in the attic for pinholes, streaks, or blistered wood.

5. Contact your termite bond provider for a mid-year inspection if you have any doubt. Most bonds cover one visit per year, but that does not mean you cannot call for another if you spot warning signs.

Real-World Note:
In May, local homeowners in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina began sharing photos and warnings in community Facebook groups. Some reported hundreds of swarmers outside their doors, covering porch lights and flying into entryways. According to Yahoo News, the sudden spike in activity caught many people off guard and left pest control companies scrambling to respond.

Now that the swarms have settled, it’s time to make sure they haven’t found a new home!

5-Minute Task: Scan Your Window Sills for Wings

Grab a flashlight and check every interior sill and slider track. Termite wings look like tiny translucent fish scales. If you see a small pile near a light source or baseboard, take a photo and call your pest provider immediately.

Tool Spotlight: LED Flashlight with Narrow Beam

This is the kind of job where your phone light won’t cut it. A focused beam will help you spot wings, mud tubes, or subtle texture changes on wood.

GearLight S1000 LED Flashlight – 2 Pack
Amazon, under $20 for two. Durable, bright, and easy to keep in your utility drawer.

Lowcountry Watchlist: Gutter Plants Are Blooming

Yes, plants. We are seeing more homes this month with weeds and seedlings growing out of clogged gutters. This is not just a joke. It means water is overflowing into your siding and soffits. If you see green, it is time to clean.

Thanks for staying one step ahead. Skipping a termite check just because the swarms are gone is like skipping sunscreen after sunset. The damage still happens. It just takes longer to show up. If you are not sure what to look for, reply here and we will help you walk through it.

Stay sharp,
Mike