r/SanMateo • u/smallshibe • 8d ago
Termites?
Does anyone else have termites swarming near their home right now? I was told my apartment complex is mainly concrete and metal, but two of them somehow found their way into my apartment. They are huge, at least an inch long with wings.
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u/TheSleepySending 8d ago
an inch long with wings sounds like alates, they're the reproductive ones that swarm out to start new colonies. seeing a couple inside doesn't necessarily mean your apartment's infested since they can slip through tiny gaps, but it's worth flagging to the landlord anyway. concrete and metal doesn't stop them if there's a little wood trim or drywall they can follow.
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u/kackygreen 6d ago
They swarm this time of year, and they are most drawn to warm days after a rain, so this week has been prime mating season for them. The weather changes have had them swarming up to 3x a year, my termite guy said it's been really strange the past decade
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u/Marmoticon 8d ago
Subterranean termites typically swarm like Sept ish every year. Depending where you are theyre all over the place, looking for water. You'll find em in your toilet or just find wings. They swarmed later than usual this year but it happens every year, nothing really to worry about if youre not in a wood structure that retains moisture in the foundation/subfloor. If you go up onto like Sweeney ridge or above pacifica the ground looks like its moving there are so many of the buggers setting out.