Termite swarms are seemingly everywhere in South MS. Here’s what to know

Warmer spring weather in Mississippi brings out termite swarmers, an insect that doesn’t bite or sting but often signals a bigger problem nearby. Experts say spotting these pests on your property should prompt a quick call to a professional.

FULL STORY: This spring pest could be a warning sign of a greater problem. What to look out for in MS

Here are key takeaways:

• Termite swarmers typically appear in spring, but can show up as early as late January or February along the Mississippi Coast, according to the Mississippi State University Extension.
• The insects are reproductive members of a termite colony. You can identify them by their black bodies, long bead-like antennae and long white wings.
• Swarmers don’t bite, sting or cause damage themselves — but they usually indicate a termite problem nearby, even if you only find dead ones, Waynes Pest Control experts said.
• Swarming can’t be prevented because it’s part of the termite life cycle. You can reduce termite risk by eliminating moisture, creating chemical barriers around your home and keeping wood off the ground.
• If you spot swarmers in or around your home, contact a licensed pest control company right away. “Termite control is not a do-it-yourself project,” experts said.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.