Mega-Swarms Spell Termite Trouble

PLANO, Texas - It's a double-punch for termite trouble in North Texas: peak season and the biggest swarms in 10 years.

Texas A&M entomologist Dr. Michael Merchant said the reason for the increase in the number of the wood-eating insects is unclear. But that that one thing is certain -- termites can mean big trouble for homeowners. The voracious insects cause $2 billion worth of damage to homes in the United States each year.

Locally, business is booming for pest control companies.

"It is way busier," said Dennis Jenkins of ABC Pest & Lawn. "We've had many, many more calls with swarming."

Merchant said being able to identify the bug is the first step to protecting property.

"This is your No. 1 clue that you might have a problem with termites -- these small, black insects -- with or without wings," he said referring to specimens in his lab.

If you spot suspected termites, the next step is to call a professional exterminator.

Homeowner Kristie Smoot did just that when she noticed a hole in an interior wall of her home.

"I wanted to think it was ants, and I picked at it and kind of saw things moving around, and I called the termite company, and they said it was a swarm," Smoot said.

The insects had eaten through the wall and were about to begin swarming inside her home.

"It's pretty scary to think about the damage they can do, and the costs involved," she said.