Termites are among nature’s most destructive pests. They cause $40 billion in damage each year to agricultural and lumber interests, and another $5 billion to homeowners for termite prevention and residential damage repairs. Many affected homeowners will be out-of-pocket for their expenses, as most insurance policies don’t cover termite damage.
Long Island is home to the eastern subterranean termite, a species that will soon be swarming across the East End. During these swarms, thousands of young winged termites (alates) leave the nest to find a mate. After mating, they shed their wings and burrow to create a new nest.