Flying termites, also known as alates or swarmers, are a common sight in many regions of the world. These winged insects often seem to appear out of nowhere, leaving many homeowners puzzled and concerned about potential infestations. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the sudden appearance of flying termites and what it could mean for your home.
Do Flying Termites Appear Out of Nowhere?
Unfortunately, the broad answer is “yes.” But, that certainly doesn’t account for all the nuance behind why. Flying termites only seem to appear out of nowhere. For instance, when a colony becomes too big, it may swarm, splitting off into new colonies. Or, it could be they’ve been present nearby and are moving on to something else. Other times, this sudden appearance is due to a need for reproduction. (We’ll go into more detail shortly.)
What Are Flying Termites?
Flying termites are the reproductive members of a termite colony. They are responsible for establishing new colonies by mating and laying eggs. These termites have two pairs of wings, which are equal in length and are shed after mating. Once they have found a suitable location, the termites will shed their wings and begin to build a new colony.
Why Do Flying Termites Appear Suddenly?
Nothing truly comes out of nowhere. Whatever it may be, that thing came from some other place. However, it does seem like these pests show up without any warning whatsoever. There are several reasons why flying termites may appear to come out of nowhere:
- Swarming behavior. Termites swarm as part of their reproductive process. When the conditions are right, usually after a rain shower or during warm weather, the alates will leave their colony en masse to mate and establish new colonies. This sudden appearance of flying termites can be alarming, but it is a natural part of their life cycle.
- Attraction to light. Flying termites are attracted to light sources, which is why they are often seen flying around windows, doors, and light fixtures. This behavior can make it seem like they have appeared out of nowhere, but in reality, they are simply following the light.
- Hidden colonies. Termites can live in hidden colonies within your home or yard for years without being detected. When the colony reaches a certain size, the alates will swarm to reproduce and establish new colonies. This sudden appearance of flying termites can be a sign of a hidden infestation.
What If I See Flying Termites in My House?
This is most definitely cause for concern. The presence of any pest is always something to take seriously. So, if you see flying termites around your home, it is important to take action to prevent a potential infestation and do so right away:
- Identify the source. Look for the discarded wings of the termites, which they shed after mating. This can help you locate the area where the termites are emerging from.
- Inspect your home. Check your home for signs of termite damage, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, or bubbling paint. If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control professional for an inspection as soon as possible.
- Prevent future infestations. Take steps to prevent future infestations by addressing any moisture issues, sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior, and removing potential food sources, such as woodpiles or fallen branches.
Flying termites may seem to appear out of nowhere, but there are several reasons for their sudden appearance. Understanding their behavior and taking steps to prevent and address infestations can help protect your home from these destructive pests.
How Do I Keep Flying Termites Out of My House?
Flying termites can be a major problem for homeowners. These winged insects are attracted to light and often enter homes through open doors, windows, and other small openings. Once inside, they can cause significant damage to your home’s structure and belongings. That being the case, we’ll have to discuss some effective methods for keeping flying termites out of your house:
- Seal entry points. The first step in keeping flying termites out of your house is to seal any potential entry points. This includes cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior, as well as around doors and windows. Use a high-quality caulk or weather stripping to fill in any gaps and prevent flying termites from entering your home.
- Keep your home dry. Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to keep your home as dry as possible. Fix any leaks or plumbing issues, and make sure your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. You should also consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home, like the bathroom or crawl space.
- Use insect screens. Installing insect screens on your doors and windows is another effective way to keep flying termites out of your house. Make sure the screens are properly fitted and in good condition, with no holes or tears that could allow termites to enter.
- Keep wood away from your home. Termites are attracted to wood, so it’s a good idea to keep any woodpiles or other sources of wood far away from your home. This includes firewood, lumber, and even wooden furniture or decorations. If you must store wood near your home, make sure it is elevated off the ground and away from your home’s foundation.
- Use termite-resistant materials. When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials such as pressure-treated wood, steel, or concrete. These materials are much less attractive to termites and can help prevent infestations.
- Monitor your home regularly. Finally, it’s a good idea to monitor your home regularly for signs of termite activity. This includes looking for discarded wings, mud tubes, and other signs of a termite infestation. If you notice any of these signs, contact a pest control professional immediately to have your home inspected and treated.
Flying termites can be a major problem for homeowners, but there are several effective methods for keeping them out of your house. By sealing entry points, keeping your home dry, using insect screens, keeping wood away from your home, using termite-resistant materials, and monitoring your home regularly, you can help prevent infestations and keep your home safe and secure.
If you suspect a problem with flying termites or another type of pest, give us a call today and we’ll come out, conduct an inspection, and provide you with the best options to get rid of them.