The other day my house was swarmed with termites. They didn't come
from inside the house, but probably from the neighboring forest. They
landed mostly on one side, wedged themselves between the shingles (the
house is sided with shingles) and dropped their wings. And yes, they
are termites and not flying ants. The house is 20 years old and
located in San Francisco. It has had drywood termites before. It's
just been through a one million dollar remodel and I really don't want
another colony of termites. Much of the house was resided during the
remodel, but some of it wasn't. Should I be concerned about this
swarm, and if so, what can I do about it?

Hi, SFMarq ~

You are so right - after a one million dollar remodel, you don't want
another colony of termites!

If they've swarmed and gotten themselves inside your shingles, they
may very well be colonizing. You're lucky to have noticed, and whether
or not you "should" be worried, I can tell you are concerned by virtue
of having submitted this question.

I live in the desert southwest, and when we get a swarm, we worry.
They take hold, and it is only a matter of time before they're
munching happily on whatever wood - trim, fascia, interior walls, even
drywall in some cases, which certainly doesn't enhance either the
value or the structural soundness (if left untreated) of the home.

Since you're worried, I've found a few sites for you online. The gist
of both is why not have an inspection and what will be a relatively
easy treatment at this stage if they are there. Whatever the price for
an inspection and treatment now, it will protect that remodel and
renovation you've just completed.

Here's a site by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
Service with the same advice:
   http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/counties/hillsborough/swarm2.htm


The Urban Pest Control Research Center (UPCRC) and its advice about
not trying to treat them yourself, but have an inspection and
treatment if necessary:
   http://www.upcrc.com/pubs/xtension/march.htm


The LSU AgCenter on swarms, and what to look for when inspecting for
infestation (such as pin-sized holes in sheetrock and siding, mud
tubes, etc.):
   http://www.lsuagcenter.com/Communications/news/May2002/Headlines/FormosanTermiteSwarms05-22-02.htm


And finally, Terminex offers a swarm map (the link here is a cache
with the older swarms), but it will help you identify and offers
advice on inspection and/or treatment of infestation.
   http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:dPqc-SFN05QJ:www.terminix.com/Termite/SwarmMap/Commercial/+termite+swarms&hl=en&ie=UTF-8


If you are currently getting treatments on a regular basis, save some
of the insects and wings for your treatment person. If you are NOT,
give yourself the peace of mind of getting an inspection. When
termites swarm, they are establishing a new colony. The last thing you
need or want, I am sure, is for them to establish that on your newly
remodeled home.

If you have to get treatments, get them from the most reputable pest
control company in your area.


Google search terms used
   - termites
   - termite swarm

Good luck, I hope they haven't started a colony in your home.

Serenata

sfmarq - I also live in San Francisco and have had the same problem
during the last week or so.  I have heard from others that this
happens occasionally?!

Good luck...