To safeguard your property, consider scheduling routine termite inspections to detect any termite induced harm. These bugs are skilled at eating wooden parts of buildings, which can damage your home’s structure.
When they start to reproduce, you might see some flying termites around (known as alates). The males and females leave their existing colonies to set up shop somewhere new. A swarm of these creatures near your home could be a warning sign that you have an infestation in the area.
It’s wise to ensure your home isn’t hosting a colony of these bugs you notice any winged termites. But don’t panic if you find that flying termites have infested your abode. With the help of this guide, you can identify these insects and quickly eliminate them from your surroundings.
What do Flying Termites Look Like?
Termites are a type of insect that possess the ability to eat wood. They have two pairs of wings that are the same length and are nearly transparent with visible veins. Additionally, these insects have two straight antennae that are gently curved.
Different type of termite species exhibit variations in both their size and color. The length of the majority of them ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They can be light brown or black, dark brown, or a mix of these colors.
To learn more about termites in Florida, check out our blog “Termites in Florida: The Complete Guide to Identification and Control”.
Why Do I Have Flying Termites?
Termites are prone to be attracted by heavy rainfall and warm, humid weather. In cold regions, the inside of homes being warm can attract termites. This could lead to an increase in reproductive flying termites and the formation of new colonies.
Flying termites are produced by established colonies as a result of overcrowding or inadequate food supply. If you see a group of winged termites near your home, it could mean that there is a large colony nearby. Chances are this colony is looking to expand into your living space.
Flying Termites: How to Check for Them
It can be challenging to notice swarms of flying termites as they usually occur for a short period of time. A pile of discarded wings can indicate that termites have left their nest to create a new colony nearby. If you have termites in your home, you may see frass (termite excrement) inside or around the house.
Other general signs of termite activity include:
- When you tap on wood and it makes a hollow sound
- Mud tubes discovered around the base of the house
- Termites communicate by “headbanging” in the walls, which can make a rattling sound audible to humans
- Tiny openings and sawdust discovered on neighboring trees
- Easy to spot damage to the exterior wood
- Hollowed out wood was discovered on the property
- If you notice paint that appears uneven or bubbled, it could be an indication of a problem with the paint job.
The Role of Winged Termites in Colonies
The life cycle of termites involves mature colonies creating winged reproductive termites that fly out in large groups. Termites in a swarm will fly for up to 40 minutes, heading towards sources of light.
Swarmer termites fly with their wings in order to to leave their nest, but not for very long. When they locate a good spot to establish a new home, they abandon their wings and never take flight again. They dig into the ground to construct a new colony. Without soil, they will perish from lack of water in just a few hours.
A winged termite can be the king or queen of a colony under good climate conditions. The lifespan of king termites ranges from one to four years, whereas queen termites can live for more than a decade.
Eliminating Winged Termites
As soon as you spot winged termites congregating, act fast to locate the origin point of the colony. You can choose from a few options to get rid of the termites. You can either use a termite bait or apply a barrier treatment.
Alternatively, you can seek help from trained professionals. Whichever route you opt for, it’s crucial to act promptly to prevent extensive harm to your home’s framework by the termites.
Discover the solution to eliminate termites promptly by using On Demand’s professional services.
Preventing Swarming Termites in Your Home
To prevent swarming termites in your home, it’s best to avoid nearby colonies. Flying termites indicate a thriving, nearby colony. Here are some preventative measures that can be taken:
- To keep termites out, block any possible entryways by sealing cracks or gaps in the wooden foundation of your house.
- Keep potential food sources, such as mulch, at least a few feet away from the foundation of your home.
- To avoid termite troubles, it’s vital to ensure that you don’t have a moisture problem in your home. Take the time to inspect areas such as your crawl space, foundation, roof, and basement for any indications of excess water.
Moist environments are particularly attractive to termites, so keep an eye out for any signs of dampness or water damage. A leaky roof, for instance, can be particularly inviting to flying termites looking for a new habitat.
Protect Your Home from Termite Infestations
Termite damage can seriously harm homes in the United States, and it’s often unnoticed for long periods of time. Seeing winged ants, flying termites, or carpenter ants swarming is a sign that the colony is nearby and thriving.
To prevent further damage, it’s important not to wait too long to take action. Call a professional or use home remedies as soon as possible. After dealing with the infestation, it’s critical to take preventative measures to stop future termite damage from occurring.
Frequently asked questions
The number of solutions available to treat an infestation depends on how serious it is. If attempting home methods has proven unsuccessful, it’s best to seek professional help.
The cost of pest control services depends on the extent of the infestation. To get a quote, it is recommended to reach out to a pest control company. They will calculate the price by considering the size and foundation of the structure needing treatment, the approach applied, and the extent of the damage.
When it comes to dealing with termites, it’s important to hire the most reliable company in your locality. Look for technicians who possess extensive knowledge and valuable experience, in addition to being licensed, insured, and professional. Don’t forget to inquire about their report and whether or not they offer a service guarantee.
On Demand does NOT charge for inspections. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy. We know where to look for certain types of bugs, and we will perform a full inspection to find them. Additionally, we will also check for any other type of pest that may have made their way into your home. Each strategy takes into account the specifics of the property, issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting (954) 947-0805.
