The flying termites, also known as alates, are the ones that you may usually find around the bright lights, fluttering and making a slow buzzing noise. These are the ones that mate and reproduce to form new colonies of termites. These flying pests look similar to flying ants; however, there are minute differences between both. Flying termites have a thick waist, straight antennae, and equal-sized wings. Whereas, flying ants have pinched waist, elbowed antennae and different sets of flights.
The flying termites swarm out of their existing colonies to form new ones. They are slightly bigger in size, as compared to the other classes of termites (workers and soldiers). These are the type of termites that usually turn into kings and queens in the newly formed colonies.
Flying termites usually come out during the humid season. They are attracted to bright lights and damp places. If you notice tiny winged insects near your lamps or bulbs, you are most likely welcoming these pesky creatures. If you do not take immediate action, they may settle down in any corner inside your house and start building their colonies. It is advisable to get rid of them the moment you see them.
Do Termites Fly?
Not all termites can fly. And the ones that fly develop wings only for a short period of time. Termites do not belong to the flying insect category. The winged termites are visible mostly in humid areas in your home or your yard.
Once you identify flying termites, you need to act immediately to get rid of them, before it is too late.
What Does A Flying Termite Look Like And Where Are They Found?
The flying termites have two pairs of similar size wings. You may locate them swarming near your window sills or yard lights. Once they find a perfect space and find a mate, they will discard their wings and start reproducing, eventually becoming ruling the newly formed colony.
Signs Of A Flying Termite
As mentioned earlier, you will notice flying termites in humid places and near bright lights. Another sign that may indicate the presence of flying termites is broken wings of these insects. These termites discard their flights usually after they find a mate. The pair will crawl up to a suitable place and start reproducing.
If you notice any of the two signs, you need to get rid of them without delay. Once they find their nest, they are sure to start reproducing and sooner or later they will begin to damage your belongings.
What Are Termite Swarms?
Termite swarmers is the process where winged termites venture out of their existing colonies to look for suitable places for new territories. The swarming termites would leave their nest and squeeze themselves into cracks and crevices looking out for open space to fly till they find the right place and temperature.
Termite swarms only when the existing colony has reached a certain size and capacity. And this is the time when termites expand their territories. A massive number of swarmers, or flying termites, which includes both females and males, are produced only for the motive of reproduction.
When Do Flying Termites Form Swarms?
Swarming time depends on the type of termite subgroup. The subterranean flying termites usually swarm during the springtime when there is daylight. The drywood flying termites swarm during summer or early fall. The dampwood flying termites swarm during summer. It is noticed that irrespective of the type, they usually group during warmer days.
Almost all the flying termites thrive in damp weather and soil. Therefore, the most epic period for them is after the rain when it is humid.
Are Flying Termites Dangerous?
If you notice swarmer termites or even broken wings inside your home, you need to be alert, but do not panic. These do not mean that your house is currently infested with termites. It is; however, advisable to take professional help to understand the situation.
There Are Although A Few Possibilities If You See Flying Termites
- There may be termite colonies dwelling in and around your yard.
- Few of these yard termites may crawl into your home and start building territories within your home.
- If the flying termites choose your home to form their new colony, they may damage your belongings in no time.
Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Flying Termites
Electrocution
You will find different types of bug zappers. Place this zapper in a dark and cold place of your home. The bright UV light of this zapper will attract the insects. Once the flying termites come in contact with the electric grid of the zapper, they will die of electrocution.
Orange Oil
Spray some orange oil on any flying termite that you see and in the areas where you find them. All kinds of termites are susceptible to the compound in orange oil, and it kills them almost instantly.
Vacuum Cleaner
Another effective method of getting rid of termite swarms is a vacuum cleaner. To make it more efficient, you can also fill soapy water in the bag, so that once it sucks in all the termites, it will kill them inside the bag.
Keep The Flying Pests Away
Flying termites swarm only for a short while. However, if you do not take immediate action, they may crawl into your home and start their colony of tiny damaging termites. To make sure the termites do not build their territory indoor, you must take the following tips.
- Take out any mulch present inside your home.
- Remove tree stumps or any wood near your home.
- Keep your surroundings dry and clean.
- Take care of all the water leakage in and around your house.
- Do not let water clog.
- Keep an open eye towards wooden furniture, fences, and decks.
Keeping your space dry and clean is the best way to prevent any insect from entering your home.