Everything You Need to Know About a Flying Termite Swarm

In some cases, termites stay carefully hidden away inside walls where they consume wood on a regular basis. This allows them to do considerable damage over the years. 

As a Phoenix homeowner, though, you should be on the lookout for a termite swarm in all its forms. Spotting these pests and eliminating an active infestation is crucial to protecting your home. 

Do Termites Fly?

Yes. Termites take to the air during their life cycle. Adult reproductive termites, or alates, are a certain type of termite that forms termite swarms. Termites swarm when conditions are right; typically, termite swarm season is in the summer or spring. 

Why do Termites Fly?

Why do some termites have wings while others don’t? Other termite colony members, such as soldiers and worker termites, don’t have wings. Swarming termites embark on airborne journeys for two crucial reasons: to find mates and discover new colony locations. These winged individuals, or alates, engage in mating flights, promoting genetic diversity for adaptability. 

Simultaneously, they scout for suitable environments to establish fresh colonies, ensuring the species’ dispersion and continuity. Flying termite swarm as a strategic mechanism for the survival and expansion of these insects.

When they find a new spot and mate, they then shed their wings. Keep in mind that these termites are usually only able to fly for short distances. This is why you’re likely to find their wings near your home if you already have a termite infestation. The alates from your current infestation won’t go far when they leave to set up their new colonies. 

Appearance Of Flying Termites

Distinguishing flying termites from their ant counterparts involves intense observation of several physical characteristics. While these pests are commonly mistaken for flying ants, a closer look reveals subtle yet significant differences.

Firstly, flying termites exhibit a distinct physique. Their waist is notably thicker compared to ants, serving as a key identifying feature. Another distinguishing factor lies in their antennae – flying termites have straight antennae, in contrast to the bent antennae of flying ants.

A pivotal difference lies in the wings. Termite swarmers sport two pairs of wings that are equal in size, creating a uniform appearance. Conversely, flying ants have two sets of wings that differ in size, presenting an uneven wing design.

Beyond these physical disparities, the behavior of these airborne insects after their flight provides an additional clue. Flying termites shed wings once they’ve completed their journey. This means that if you spot discarded wings near windows, doors, or the exterior of your home, it’s a potential indicator of termite activity. On the other hand, winged ants retain their wings.

Problems With Winged Termites

You might be able to see winged termites swarming on humid evenings. They’re attracted to areas that offer light, such as windows. If you do notice them flying around in or near your home, this is a clear sign that you have a termite problem. These flying termites can make your termite problem even worse due to the new colonies they establish. 

New colonies of termites can find their way into your home easily. Termite colonies produce hundreds of flying termites, and these small insects can quickly cause damage. 

New flying termite activity can result in an even larger termite population that consumes the wood inside walls and other areas of your home. Since these pests can do damage over a number of years, it could be a while before you notice any problems. 

Termite Control For Winged Termites

From dampwood termites to drywood termite swarms and more – the question of how to handle a winged termite problem is the same.

You should leave this to the professionals instead of tackling a termite infestation on your own. Professional pest control experts from Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination can run an efficient termite inspection on your property, determine where termite colonies are located, and take steps to get rid of them. 

Keep in mind that the sooner you start having a termite problem dealt with, the lower risk you have of ending up with serious damage to your home. Termites tunneling and termite damage can often be extensive. Some termite control methods can take a bit to be fully effective. Letting professionals handle your termite problem helps ensure that it’s done correctly.

If you see any termites in or around your Phoenix home, including flying termites, contact Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination right away.