–Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Termites and ants have both been swarming intermittently for the past couple of weeks. Both species usually start swarming in April in Kansas, but the cooler April temperatures seemed to have delayed this behavior for about a month.
Please make positive identification of any insects you suspect may be a pest, but especially ants and termites because there is an enormous difference in the amount of damage potential of termites vs. ants. Note that although carpenter ants may nest in wooden structures, they will not cause the same degree of damage as a termite infestation. Because of this, the cost of management for a termite infestation is much greater than carpenter ants. For more information on termites and ants, please visit:
Termites: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2887.pdf