BILOXI, Mississippi (AP) – Thick schools of termites appear across southern Mississippi each night, signaling that their mating season is underway.
The Sun Herald reports that the winged insects – often referred to as hawkers – are likely Formosa termites. The Mississippi State University Extension Service says the species arrived in Mississippi in the mid-1980s.
Louisiana State University College of Agriculture says Formosa termites are also found in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas.
The Formosans swarm at dusk and are strongly attracted to light. Experts say that swarming around a house doesn’t necessarily mean that the house is infested with termites, but it should be a reminder to get the house inspected.
