Flying Termites: Identify Winged Termites and Get Rid Of Them

Termites are deceptive creatures which are capable of creating nest under and above the ground. These insects will use the nests in order to gain access to your property and cause a substantial damage.

Termites may possibly remain secreted doing their work and damage for a couple of years. However, if you’re wondering if there is a termite infestation in your property there’s actually one warning indication that you need to look for – flying termites.

Termites with wings are an assured indication that there may be colonies of termites popping up around your home. Flying termites are not distinct species of termites. In fact, they are young reproductive termites and future of kings as well as queens of new colonies.

Keep on reading this content and find out more information about flying termites.

Flying Termites: What Do They Look Like?

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flying termite picture
here is a picture of how winged termite look like
Image credit: Pegasus Pest Control
  • Size

Usually, the average size of flying termites tends to be in the range of ¼ to 3/8 inches.

  • Shape

Flying termites possess a thick body that’s made up of one part. Furthermore, these termites have also straight antennae, broad and straight waist, and long wings with the same length.

  • Color

A flying termite could be dark brown, tan or beige, black, or light colored depending on their species.

The dark color of termites aids them in keeping moisture in their body. And will help them in leaving their nest without restrictions.

How to Identify Flying Termites?

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  1. Look at the antennae and wings

Flying termites have noticeably different antennae and wings than ants. One of the proven ways to identify a flying termite is by examining the insect’s antennae and wings.

A flying termite has four wings with the same length and divided into two sets. And as mentioned a while ago, they have two straight antennae.

  1. Measure the Insect

Measuring an insect is a difficult task. But if you really want to find out whether flying termites are invading your property try to note the rough size. Aforementioned, flying termites are about 3/8 inches long or 0,95 centimeter.

  1. Consider the insect’s color

Flying termites may be dark brown, tan or beige, black, or light colored. Thus, if you found out insects or bugs that have these colors make sure to perform a preventative measure.

How Do I Get Flying Termites? Where Do They Come From?

One common reason why termites may be flying in your home is its closeness to other termite colonies.

Since these termites leave their own nest in order to find a partner, some termites may be drawn to your property since another termite colony is found underneath or inside your home and even in your lawn.

Flying termites actually come from under the ground. Thus, these pests usually enter your home’s foundation. When they are looking for food, they tend to invade softwoods and other kinds of woods.

Regardless of what their wood preferences are, flying termites will enter your home and look for shelter, water, and food.

Here is a good video about how to kill flying termites:

Why Do Termites Lose Their Wings?

When termites land, their wings are no longer necessary. Often times, these wood-destroying insects will discard their wings by curving their backs.

Male termites, on the other hand, will look for female termites by means of polishing in on the feminine pheromones. When the male and female termites pair up, they’ll look for a secluded and hidden dark area. So that they will start a termite life cycle again.

There are times that the wings will stay longer for the newly paired termites to grasp a safe area and the termites may possibly have them as food.

However, when the wings are already off, termites will not ever fly again. For that reason, the anew crowned termites need a water source as well as soil contact. But if they didn’t find, they will definitely die in just a short period of time because of dehydration.

Do Flying Termites Bite?

Flying termites don’t have the potent mandibles which soldier termites have. Unless you aggravate them they will never harm you.

Most people have had all types of flying termites and luckily not even a single kind caused any harm.

That is why, if you notice flying termites outside your property don’t be afraid to get rid of them. However, if the termites emerged inside your property in the wall, doors, and other wooden structure, it is best to conduct a termite inspection.

It is true, flying termites won’t bite or harm you. But they bite wood which may possibly lead to an extensive damage.

What’s The Difference Between Termites and Flying Ants?

Let’s find out what are the differences between termites and flying ants in terms of appearance, behavior, and diet.

flying termite vs flying ant difference

Image credit: Dugas Pest Control
  • Appearance

Ants have pinched waists and elbowed antennae. Their bodies could be reddish, brown, or black. They have two sets of wings which vary in size and brown-colored.

In contrast, termites have wider bodies and straight antennae but don’t have pinched waists. Normally, they are dark brown or black in color.

However, flying termites or swarmers have back wings with similar length as well as a clear front.

  • Diet

In terms of diet, flying ants and termites greatly differ. Termites forage on cellulose a material that is commonly seen in plants while ants are omnivores.

Primarily, flying ants eat food debris inside and around homes, other insects, seeds, and nectar. Termites, on the other hand, mainly consume paper, wood, and other products that are cellulose-based.

  • Behavior

Both termites and ants live in big colonies that have labeled caste systems. However, flying ants live in wood. Similarly, termites can be also found in wooded structures, lumber, wood debris, stumps, and decaying trees.

But unlike ants, termites can cause extensive structural damage because they feed on the wood.

Here a great video explanation about the difference:

Flying Termites Treatment

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Today, there are lots of available treatment which can help you in eliminating flying termites from your home such as:
  1. Termite Barrier

Termite barriers are a kind of treatment that does not contain any pesticide. As a matter of fact, they serve as mechanical and physical impairments to termite foraging activities.

  1. Termite Spray

Termite sprays do not describe a physical treatment and they don’t control termite infestation. However, there are two types of sprays which are commonly used to fight termites, the non-repellent and repellent spray.

A non-repellent spray is nearly invisible by termites. But with a repellent spray, if a tiny spot is disregarded throughout the application, unluckily termites will notice it and they will take advantage of it as well.

  1. Termite Baiting

Termite baits commonly consist of cardboard, paper, and other materials that easily attract termites.

Even so, termite baiting is very simple. In fact, it can be utilized preemptively to spot termites especially when they’re not yet an issue.

How to Get Rid of Flying Termites

By simply repairing leaky water pipes and faucets, diverting water away from your home’s foundation you will be able to get rid of flying termites.

Also, conducting a termite inspection is also an effective way to prevent these destructive insects from invading your house.

Conclusion

If you notice wings on your floor or windowsill, there’s a higher chance that termites did mate. And they have likely chosen your house to become their new colony. So, before they can cause a serious damage, it’s best to call in an expert to kill them as early as possible.

Hopefully, with the help of this article, you will be able to save your property from any termite damage.

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