Cranford is one of Union County's most desirable communities — tree-lined streets, well-maintained older homes, and a walkable downtown. It's also, because of its mature trees and older housing stock, one of the more active areas for subterranean termites in the region. Every spring, typically from March through May, termite swarms emerge across Cranford as colonies send out reproductive swarmers to establish new colonies.
Most homeowners don't discover a termite problem until damage is already done. This guide covers what to look for, when to be concerned, and what a professional treatment actually involves.
Quick fact: New Jersey is in Termite Infestation Probability Zone 2 — "Moderate to Heavy." Subterranean termites are present across all of Union County and cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage nationally each year.
In spring, mature subterranean termite colonies release winged reproductive termites (swarmers or alates) to start new colonies. Swarms typically happen on warm days after rain, often in March, April, or May. Swarmers look like flying ants but have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick waist — unlike ants, which have bent antennae and a pinched waist.
Seeing swarmers inside your home — near windows, on windowsills, or around light fixtures — means there is an established colony nearby or within the structure. Swarmers themselves don't eat wood, but their presence indicates a mature colony that has been feeding for years. Seeing a swarm is not the beginning of the problem; it's a sign the problem is already advanced.
Pencil-width mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, or crawl space framing. Subterranean termites build these to travel between soil and wood without exposure to air and light.
Discarded wings or dead swarmers on windowsills or near exterior doors in spring. These pile up when swarmers emerge inside the structure and head toward light.
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or feels soft and spongy. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin outer shell that collapses when pressure is applied.
Doors or windows that suddenly stick can indicate termite-damaged or moisture-damaged wood swelling. Often noticed in areas of past moisture damage.
Both termites and carpenter ants produce swarmers in spring, and both cause structural wood damage in Cranford homes. The key differences:
If you're uncertain, save a sample in a sealed bag and call us — we'll identify it for free.
If you're buying or selling a home in Cranford, a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection is required by most lenders. Sousa Exterminating Co. provides certified WDI reports accepted by all NJ lenders, attorneys, and title companies — with typical 24–48 hour turnaround. If termites or wood-destroying insects are found, we treat and issue a clearance letter so closings can proceed without delay.
Certified WDI reports. Same-day inspections available. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
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