The only thing more harmful than a termite is a flying termite. Not only do they cause severe damage, but also, these termites are in their reproductive stage. So, they are on the verge of multiplying and creating a ruckus.
Have you noticed a flying termite swarming in your house? If yes, it is time for a yearly home termite inspection to curb the high-level risk of damages because of termites.
What do Flying Termites Look Like?
It is natural to get confused between flying termites and other flying insects since they all have wings. However, in appearance, flying termites differ from other flying insects.
Flying termites appear in beige/tan colors and are roughly three-eighths of an inch long. They have four wings of the same length that extend far past their bodies.
They have two straight antennae. Their thorax and abdomen are roughly the same widths, making them appear to have a thick waist. They have two equal sets of white and translucent wings with a veiny appearance.
As you read further on, you will see how these small distinctive features will set flying termites apart from other insects.
Flying Termites Vs Flying Ants
Because flying termites are tiny in appearance and share some characteristics with other flying ants, there is a lot of confusion. While they both might look similar at first glance, a closer look reveals distinct features.
1. Antennas: Flying termites have straight antennas while flying ants have bent antennas.
2. Waists: Flying termites have thick waists with no constriction between the thorax and abdomen while ants with wings have thin waists with a constriction between the thorax and abdomen.
3. Set of Wings: Flying termites have two pairs of wings with the same shape and size. Flying ants have one pair of wings that are larger, while the other pair is smaller.
4. Color: Flying termites are beige/tan, depending on their species. Flying ants are dark in color – primarily red or black.
Signs of Termite Damage
If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, look for the following signs:
1. Mud Tubes: These intricate tunnel-like structures can be seen in different places, such as near foundations, inside or outside a structure’s walls and ceilings, and around the plumbing.
2. Plumbing Problems: Dripping pipes, leaking taps, and other plumbing problems are also reasons for pest infestation. Plumbing leakage attract pests like termites, cockroaches, drain flies etc.
3. Strange Structural Problems: Sudden structural issues such as sagging ceiling, broken door jambs, buckling wooden floor show rot, or termite infestation.
4. Finding Frass: Termite droppings are dry, six-sided, and tan. If you find them near or inside your house, your house is under termite infestation.
Flying Termites: Things You Should & Shouldn’t Do
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Do take flying termites seriously. | Don’t think spraying bug sprays will solve your problems. |
| Do check the weather as warm and moist conditions attract them. | Don’t block their escape, or they will make new ones, further damaging your place. |
| Do keep an eye out for the signs of termite infestation. | Don’t ignore a flying termite spotting. |
How to Get Rid of Flying Termites
The trouble is already huge if you spot even one flying termite swarming in your house because they are reproductive members of the termite colony. They only spread their wings when they have to find a new place for a new colony after their first colony has been around for years.
In short, if you spot a flying termite, your house is already infested with termites. You need to immediately call an exterminator to deal with the problem because they can cause extensive damage to your home.
Termites create huge colonies that are difficult to curb and require the use of chemicals, drillings, and much more to treat. If you still want to try home remedies, here are a few of them you can try:
1. Bug Zappers: Flying termites attract light, so buy a bug zapper and electrocute them.
2. Boric Acid: It works by coating the pest’s exterior, dehydrating them, leading to its death.
3. Cardboard Traps: Termites feed cellulose, and cardboard contains cellulose. Make a DIY cardboard trap and catch them.
4. Orange Oil Spray: This spray works because it contains a compound that will kill termites. Purchase orange oil and spray it on any termite or any termite activities you see.
5. Remove Termite Feeding Materials: Remove any termite feeding sources such as plant debris and wood mulch from the garden or porch, firewood pile, paper, infested trees, and wooden stumps.
6. Eliminate Moisture: Moisture attracts termites. So, repair leaky faucets, pipes, A/C units, and seal entry points around water pipes.
Termite infestation is a serious problem that can cause expensive damage to your house. A timely pest inspection is necessary to save your home from irreparable damages
Author Bio:
When people find their homes and offices infested with pests, it is not uncommon for them to panic. Raymond Web has taken the task to educate people on pest prevention and control strategies, helping them keep their surroundings healthy, safe, and pest-free. Being the digital marketing manager for Take Care Termite and Pest Control, a top-rated pest control service in Tracy, CA, he has an in-depth understanding of people and their pain points due to pests, which he uses in his content to educate people