How to Get Rid of Flying Termites: Proven Tips
Flying termites are a big problem for households because they can damage the property if they remain untreated. Not only are they just a nuisance, but seeing them in your house can be a signal of termite infestation.
Seeing swarming termites is also a sign of an already active colony, which you should never ignore. In this guide, you will learn how to identify flying termites, their signs of infestation, and ways of dealing with them effectively.
What Are Flying Termites?
Flying termites or alates are members of the termite colony. These winged insects come out of the nest to find mates and establish a new colony. Mostly, these species have soft yellow-brown bodies with smoky grey or brown wings. Their major role is to multiply and expand their population, playing a crucial part in an infestation.
Flying termites and flying ants sometimes look the same, but there are a lot of differences between them. Physical features that make termites different from flying ants are straight waists and perfectly identical wings. Moreover, noticing swarms in your house is a major sign that you may face termite problems sooner.
How Flying Termites Look
Correct identification of flying termites is necessary for effective pest control. These swarmers have the following physical features:
- Straight waist: Unlike ants, termites do not have a narrow waist.
- Equal-sized wings: Their two pairs of wings are of equal length and fall off easily.
- Straight antennae: Unlike the bent antennae of ants, termites have straight ones.
- Soft bodies: Their bodies are not hard-shelled like many other insects.
- Shed wings: If you notice discarded wings around your property, it is a sign that termites are nearby.
In addition to these physical traits, also inspect for damaged wood and mud tubes since these indicate termite activity in your house.
Major Signs of Flying Termite Infestation
1. Wood Flooring with Buckling and Blisters
A blister or buckle in a wooden structure could be an indication of a termite infestation. Subterranean termites are species that target the subfloor, usually causing a warp in the flooring. It could be hidden damage because termites mainly chew softwoods. Such damages remain hidden till they become a serious issue. Wet and hollow wood also indicate active colonies.
2. Damaged or Hollowed Wood
Termites eat cellulose that destroys wooden structures over a long period. Their feeding pattern leaves the drilled holes resembling a similar honeycomb pattern. To identify, tap on the affected wood. If the wood sounds hollow, there could be some damage inside the structures. Such damages can weaken the structural integrity of your house and lead to costly repairs.
3. Noticing Swarmers
Swarming is the process when winged termites leave established colonies and search for new colonies. Many times, seeing large numbers of flying termites is a signal of a strong termite infestation nearby. The swarming stage usually begins during warm, humid conditions, and often after rainfall.
4. Termite Wings
The most clear signal of a termite issue is fallen wings. Near the entry points of your houses, they can be found near the windows and doors. Since termites lose these wings when landing, noticing it in your house may indicate an active infestation.
Can Flying Termites Bite Humans?
Flying termites can’t sting or bite humans. In fact, flying termites lack powerful mandibles like ants or other pest-like organisms to bite. The only purpose of them is reproduction. This is why their activities include searching for partners instead of attacking humans. However, they may become a serious problem like an infestation, leading to major damage to a structure.
Are Flying Termites a Sign of Termite Infestation?
Yes, flying termites are very strong evidence of a nearby infestation. These swarmers fly out primarily to reproduce and set up new colonies, indicating existing infestation.
Noticing them indoors typically means that termites are currently feeding on structures made of wood. In such cases, quick inspection and treatment are highly recommended to save costs for repairing damages.
Effective Ways to Deal with Flying Termites
1. Identify Flying Termites
The first step for eliminating flying termites is to properly identify them. Notice their body shape, wings, and antennae to differentiate them from other pests.
The swarming period for flying termites is usually during spring, fall and after heavy rainfall. Take immediate action and call for a pest control expert if you find them on your property during these seasons.
2. Get Rid of Flying Ants That Swarm
Most people cannot tell the difference between a flying ant and a winged termite. Here are some important differences:
- Flying ants have segmented bodies and narrow waists.
- Their wings differ from each other in size.
- Their antennae are sharply bent at a 90-degree angle.
Since both termites and ants swarm during the same season, distinguish them very carefully before taking action.
3. Seal the Room with Swarming Termites
Swarming termites around your house signals that you have to act right away. All doors and windows must be closed to keep them from roaming. Outdoor lights should be turned off since termites get attracted to sources of light. However, do not block the exit holes because they will make new ones.
4. Vacuum the Infested Space
After the swarm dies down, vacuum up dead termites and discarded wings. Target windowsills, floors, and other affected areas. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag to prevent termites from escaping. Keep some termites as samples if you plan to consult a termite treatment specialist.
5. Try Pesticides
Applying pesticides on swarming termites is usually an effective treatment. These termites will die naturally after shedding their wings. Instead of spending your time or energy spraying chemicals on the insect, you may be the primary source of infestation. You can also use bait stations and seek professionals for termite treatments for long-term results.
Conclusion
Seeing flying termites around your property could be an alarming sign of infestation. If you notice them, take immediate measures to avoid further damage. Identifying and sealing the affected areas and contacting pest control experts are key steps to combating the issue.
FAQs
Q1: How can I find termites in my home?
The major physical characteristics of flying termites are straight waists, uniform wings, and straight antennae. They often swarm close to light and leave discarded wings behind.
Q2: When do flying termites usually swarm?
Swarming occurs mostly in the spring and fall, especially after rainy or humid weather. Subterranean termites swarm during the day, while dry wood swarms in the evening.
Q3: Are flying termites dangerous to my property?
Yes. Flying termites indicate an active termite colony nearby, which causes property damage.
Act Fast Before It’s Too Late!
Seeing termites in your home is not a joke. These pests can damage your property without being noticed, leading to costly repairs. If you want to get rid of them, just call our pest control team now!