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7 Do’s And Don’ts Of Flying Termites In Your House Or Outdoors

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Flying termites are a common sight during the spring and summer months. Here are 7 do’s and don’ts of flying termites in your house or outdoors that will help you get rid of them quickly and efficiently.

Termites have wings with visible patterns on them. Termites will also shed their wings once they have found a place to start a colony.

How to check for flying termites

flying termites in your house

The easiest way to check for flying termites is by looking for discarded wings. If you see piles of wings near your home, this is a clear sign that there are mature termites nearby that have left the nest. You can also look for mud tubes, which are often a sign of an infestation.

Next, check for droppings. This is the termite waste product, and you can find it around your home in various places.

Additionally, look for mud tubes, as termites often use these to travel between their underground nest and the food source. Lastly, listen closely to clicking noise, which could indicate that you have an infestation on your hands.

Other general signs of termite activity include

Some signs may indicate you have a termite infestation. Some general signs include:

Termites eat wood and can damage your home by building their homes in or near your house. Structural damage to buildings, including the collapse of walls, ceilings, and roofs, is common with termite infestations. They are flying insects that build mounds of mud and wood.

In addition, there are other general signs of termite activity that you should be aware of. For example, if you see mud tubes along the foundation of your house or if you see termites banging their heads against a surface, it could be an indication that they are present.

Additionally, if you hear a rattling sound coming from wooden furniture or door frames, it could be because termites have caused damage to the wood.

many of brown winged termite (alates) on cement floor

7 Do’s And Don’ts Of Flying Termites In Your House Or Outdoors

Flying termites are a sign that you have an infestation. If you see them inside or outside of your home, it is important to take action and address the issue as soon as possible. Here are seven do’s and don’ts to follow if you encounter these pests:

Do take it seriously

Termites are regarded as pests and can cause extensive damage to your home or property if left untreated. These are easy to spot when they are flying, and their offspring, called swarmers, are the ones doing all the damage.

Termites can cause extensive impairment if left unchecked, so it is important to take action quickly.

Do check the weather

One of the most critical things to determine when trying to determine if you have flying termites is to check the weather.

Termites spread their wings in warm, moist conditions, so if it’s been a particularly wet or humid month, there’s a higher chance you’ll see them flying around.

Do identify them correctly

Many people know about flying termites, but they do not know how to identify them correctly. Flying termites are a particular type of termite that is different from the subterranean and drywood termites.

They are similar in size to those types of termites and have four wings. Flying termites are typically seen in a swarm, meaning they are on the move together.

They are commonly known as swarmers rather than alates because swarmers are the reproductive form of termites, and alates are the male and female termites.

Don’t think spraying will solve your problem

Many people try to solve the problem by spraying pesticides, but this is not an effective solution.

In fact, it may make the situation worse by attracting new termites and causing damage to other areas of the home. There are a number of things you can do to get rid of termites, including using bait systems, trenching, and foam.

Don’t block their escape

When you see flying termites in your house or outdoors, the last thing you want to do is block their escape route. If they can’t get out, they will start to build mud tubes and end up nesting in your home. Make sure you leave their exit holes open so they can fly away.

The termites will swarm and fly away to start new colonies if they cannot leave. You may not see the damage they have done until it is too late.

Don’t stop your search

Flying termites are an indication that there is a problem with your home. They can be a sign of an infestation and should not be ignored.

Moreover, if you see mud tubes on the exterior of your home or any other building, it’s a sign of an infestation, and you should take action and address the issue as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore it

Flying termites are a warning sign that there is a much larger issue at hand. Termites swarm as a way to find new colonies and, if left untreated, can devastate a home. It is important to take action quickly if you notice flying termites in your house or outdoors.

You should keep a few things in mind when dealing with flying termites, such as where to look for them and how to get rid of them.

How long can flying termite infestations last?

Workers and soldiers typically live for a year or two, whereas flying termites die soon after their first flight. According to some estimates, a termite queen can live for decades.

More specifically, the flying termite swarmers, termites can be a nuisance when they infest your house or outdoor areas.

Flying termites are the only reproductive members of the colony, and their job is to fly off and start new colonies, which leads to an infestation. Once they find a suitable place, these pests will break off their wings and never fly again.

Termites will travel long distances in search of food. Once they find a suitable spot, they will start to build their colony by burrowing themselves into the soil.

How to get rid of flying termites

If you’re seeing flying termites, it’s important to take action quickly before they can do too much damage. You can set traps for termites and apply a barrier treatment.

cracks in the wood due to termites

There are a variety of treatments available, so choose the one that’s best for your specific situation and start it right away.

  • The first step to keeping flying termites out of your home is to get rid of any potential food sources. Make sure you don’t leave any food scraps lying around, and be sure to clean up any spills or leaks right away.
  • The most important thing is to seal any cracks in your home’s foundation. You should also make sure you don’t have a moisture problem, as this will attract termites.
  • Additionally, trim back any overgrown vegetation near your home, as this can provide a welcome home for termites.

Things You Need to Know About Termites

There are around 2,000 known termite species in the world. In addition, termites are a significant pest problem in the United States. Termites can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

There are three different castes or classes in each termite species: workers, soldiers, and alates (flying termites).

  • Workers are the smallest caste and are responsible for collecting food for the colony.
  • Soldiers have the heavy responsibility of defending the nest from invaders.
  • Alates (flying termites) can be kings or queens of new colonies.

There are three types of termites: eastern subterranean (the most common), western subterranean, and the Formosan subterranean termite.

  • The eastern subterranean termite is found in every state except Alaska, and they consume the cellulose found in wood.
  • The western subterranean termite is also found in every state except for Alaska, and they consume both cellulose and hemicellulose.
  • The Formosan subterranean termite is only located in Hawaii and southern California, and they consume both cellulose and lignin.

It is important to understand the type of termite that is causing the damage and the level of infestation to properly address the problem.

The best way to identify a termite colony is by seeing an earth mound on the property or finding fecal material on surfaces inside or outside the home.

How Are Flying Termites Different From Flying Ants?

Flying termites and flying ants are both types of winged insects. However, there are a few key differences between the two.

Flying termites have longer wings than flying ants, and they also tend to be darker in color. Additionally, flying termites are more likely to swarm, while flying ants typically don’t swarm as often.

Another distinguishing factor is the antennae. Ants’ antennae curve at a 90-degree angle, but the flying termite’s antennae are straight with a very tiny bend at the end. This is due to the fact that termites rely more on their sense of touch, while ants rely more on their sense of smell.

damage caused by termite infestation

Conclusion

Termites can cause significant long-term damage to your home for years without you noticing any signs. If you notice a swarm of termites, it’s a sure-fire sign that there’s a thriving colony nearby that needs to be addressed immediately.

In conclusion, if you see a swarm of flying termites, don’t panic. Take action to control them as soon as possible by using home remedies or calling a professional.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.