Many different species of local ants produce winged members every year, usually at different times throughout the year.  It is quite common for us to receive phone calls about termites, or insects that are believed to be termites, that are actually winged ants. Call us and we would be more than happy to help you determine if you have winged ants or termites.

In the Pacific Northwest, our most common termite is the Pacific Dampwood termite.  It occurs anywhere that there is dampwood.  It is common to almost every yard, in every neighborhood.  They can be found in fence posts, utility posts, tree stumps, any dead wood found in living trees, and sometimes in houses.

The swarmers are large, dark colored, and the swarms happen in late summer every year.  If you see just a few of these insects, especially with wings, they probably just flew to your home from some nearby nest.  They should not be a threat to your home, unless there is a moisture problem present.

To make sure that there is no moisture problem present, you should consider having your home inspected every year or two.

If you do have a moisture problem in your home, and the moisture problem does not have to be severe, a remedial treatment, along with recommendations on moisture control should take care of this problem.

A less common and much more destructive type of termite can be found in some areas  locally.  The subterranean termite is rare around here because of our predominant soil type which a hard clay based soil.  Subterranean Termites thrive in sandy, loamy soil.

Where they do occur, they can be responsible for significant damage.  If you suspect you could have termites, especially if you live in Issaquah, West Seattle, or anywhere else where your soil type is a match, you should have your home inspected every few years and consult with a pest professional on ways to lower your chances of being infested.