In Western Pennsylvania in a little town called Punxsutawney, a groundhog named “Phil” has been predicting the weather since 1886 in February of each year.
According to legend, if “Punxsutawney Phil” sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
On Groundhog day this year good old Phil did not see his shadow so the prediction is: “No Shadow, Spring is near!”
I don’t know where you live, but the temperature in South Jersey has been all over the place – 20, 70, 55, 32, 68, 42, and 60 degrees over the past few weeks so I think that groundhog may be right and spring is right around the corner…and with it comes all kinds of critters!
AB-Con got it first call for Termite Swarmers yesterday and my wife saw a Stink bug when grilling steaks last night, and this weekend there were bees hovering around our recycling cans.
Even if “Punxsutawney Phil” is wrong, the temperature changes have woken some of these critters up!
Needless to say, I have a lawn spray scheduled at my house in Cinnaminson tomorrow!
So…what is a Termite Swarmer anyway?
In South Jersey, subterranean termite swarmers are usually seen in the spring or early summer. They may appear suddenly in your home by the hundreds, on a warm, humid day. This usually causes panic in the household, however, swarmers are harmless to you and your family.
Termite swarmers are easily confused with swarming ants. However, the differences are clear if you know what to look for:
Image courtesy of USDA Forest Service Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Termites
Termite swarmer wings are translucent and are about 50% LONGER than their body.
They also have two pairs of wings that are equal in size.
They have straight, beaded antennae and a broad waistline.
Ants
Ant wings are transparent and are just as long as the body. They have two pairs of wings – and the front wings are much longer. They have elbowed antennae and a narrow (pinched) waistline.
If you suspect that termites or ants have infested your home, call us right away.