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Flying Termites: A Home’s Worst Nightmare

Homeowners face plenty of situations that make their blood pressure spike. The constant pressure of making mortgage and insurance payments. The sudden need for unexpected repairs. The threat of natural disasters such as floods, blizzards, mudslides, windstorms, and wildfires. But despite the challenges posed by these alternately normal and extraordinary challenges, they don’t normally cause as much damage as a little thing that gets no larger than three-eighths of an inch: an ordinary flying termite.

In this post, we will discuss what flying termites look like, detail their specific place in the pantheon of these peculiarly irksome pests, and explain how to get rid of flying termites as quickly as possible. Indeed, though many homeowners and renters know that flying termites are bad news, comparably fewer realize how they can become a property’s worst nightmare.

Table of Contents

What do Flying Termites Look Like?

Group of flying termitesIf you see small, scurrying insects clustered around wood trim, cracks in your ceiling, or where pipes meet your walls, you may start asking, “Are there flying termites in my apartment?” or “Do flying termites in house pose a truly serious problem?” While the answer to the second question is virtually always a “yes,” the first can prove more challenging.

What do flying termites look like? This is the first query you must answer before determining whether or not you have a termite problem. Flying termites are roughly three-eighths of an inch long (although they can be a little smaller). They have four wings that are all the same length and that extend far past their bodies. They also possess short, straight antennae, and their thorax and abdomen are roughly the same width, making them seem to have a thick-waisted appearance. As we will discuss further below, these seemingly small distinctives set termite apart from other similar looking bugs.

How Long Do Flying Termites Live?

If you’ve determined that you do have flying termites (which are also called alates) in your property, here’s the good news: They don’t typically live for very long after they’ve taken flight. Flying termites are only one of several sorts of termites that live in a nest. Once they take flight, they typically only remain aloft for no longer than an hour. After that, their wings fall off, they plummet to the ground, and then they perish due to exposure or other termite-eating critters.

That being said, don’t let the fact that most flying termites die within about 24 hours of taking off reassure you. By the time you’ve noticed them, a mature and well-established nest has been built in the area — perhaps for years. Flying termites exists because they are spreading out in an attempt to make nests of their own.

This leads us to yet another negative point, namely that flying termites who find mates can live for more than a decade, creating thriving colonies whose primary occupation lies in eating wood, wood, and even more wood. That can translate into immense damage to your structure.

FAQ for Smithereen Pest Control

What should I do if I see termite wings fall off?

If you notice termite wings fall off in your home, it’s a sign that termite alates have shed their wings and may be establishing a new colony. It is crucial to contact Smithereen Pest Control immediately for an inspection and treatment plan to prevent further infestation.

What does a flying termite nest look like?

A flying termite nest, often referred to as a colony, is usually hidden in walls, foundations, or wooden structures. You might not see the nest itself but may notice flying termites, also known as alates, emerging from cracks or holes in wood. If you suspect a nest, Smithereen Pest Control can perform a thorough inspection.

Why do I have flying termites in my house?

Flying termites in your house indicate that a mature termite colony is nearby, and the alates are seeking to establish a new colony. This is a serious sign of potential infestation. Contact Smithereen Pest Control to address this issue promptly.

What is this long winged insect in my house?

A long winged insect in your house could likely be a termite alate. These are reproductive termites looking to start new colonies. If you see such insects, it’s essential to get a professional inspection from Smithereen Pest Control to confirm and treat the problem.

Are long winged bugs in house always termites?

Long winged bugs in house are not always termites; they could be other insects like flying ants. However, given the potential damage termites can cause, it’s important to have any long winged bugs identified by professionals like Smithereen Pest Control for proper identification and treatment.

How big are flying termites?

Flying termites, or alates, typically range in size from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length, including their wings. If you spot insects of this size in your home, it’s advisable to contact Smithereen Pest Control to determine if they are termites and to discuss appropriate action.

Why are termites flying around my house?

Termites flying around your house are likely swarming to reproduce and establish new colonies. This usually happens during warm, humid weather. Immediate action from Smithereen Pest Control is recommended to prevent these termites from infesting your property.

What should I do if I find a winged termite in my house?

Finding a winged termite in your house is a strong indicator of a nearby colony. Contact Smithereen Pest Control right away for a thorough inspection and effective pest control solutions to protect your home from termite damage.

Why are there flying termites inside my house?

Flying termites inside your house suggest that there is an active termite colony within or very close to your home. It’s crucial to seek professional pest control services from Smithereen Pest Control to locate and eliminate the infestation.

Do termites fly in the house?

Yes, termites fly in the house during their swarming phase. These flying termites, or alates, are looking to mate and establish new colonies. If you observe this behavior, it’s essential to contact Smithereen Pest Control for immediate assistance.

How do flying termites get in your house?

Flying termites get in your house through small cracks, crevices, and other openings. They are attracted to light and can enter through windows, doors, or any accessible entry point. Smithereen Pest Control can help seal these entry points and provide treatments to prevent infestations.

What should I do if I see termites flying in house?

If you see termites flying in house, it’s a sign of a serious problem. Contact Smithereen Pest Control immediately for an inspection and professional treatment to prevent further damage to your property.

How can I identify termite alates in house?

Termite alates in house can be identified by their straight antennae, uniform waist, and two pairs of equal-length wings. They are usually dark brown or black. If you notice such insects, it’s important to contact Smithereen Pest Control for accurate identification and treatment.

What does it mean if I have termites flying around house?

If you have termites flying around house, it’s a clear indication that a termite colony is nearby, and the swarmers are trying to establish a new one. Immediate intervention by Smithereen Pest Control is necessary to prevent an infestation.

Are flying termites a sign of a larger problem?

Yes, flying termites are a sign of a larger problem as they indicate an established colony nearby. Contacting Smithereen Pest Control for a thorough inspection and effective treatment is crucial to address and eliminate the root of the infestation.

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Smithereen Pest Control today. Let us help you protect your home from termites and other pests with our expert services and solutions.

Roll out the red carpet, Indianapolis! Smithereen pest control in Indianapolis, your pest control Avengers, are here to save your day. As the ‘Iron Man’ of pest control companies in Indianapolis, we’ve been flexing our extermination muscles across commercial and residential properties since 1888. Whether it’s a cozy cottage, bustling bistro, vibrant school, serene healthcare facility, or even your own home, no place is too daunting for an Indianapolis pest control company. Our savvy residential pest control in Indianapolis are the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of the insect world, deftly identifying pest problems, sniffing out conditions that attract these unwanted guests, and crafting cunning plans for their ousting and future discouragement. And the best part? We’re on a mission to deliver pest control solutions from apartment pest control in Indianapolis to rodent control in Indianapolis that are as reliable and safe as a superhero’s sidekick.

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Are Flying Termites Different from Normal Termites?

Termites have a defined life cycle, and flying termites have a very specific place in it. All termites begin as eggs, hatch into larvae, and mature into molting nymphs. From there, these irritating insects can become:

  • Workers: These termites dig tunnels to help expand the colony.
  • Soldiers: With large heads and intimidating jaws, these termites protect the members of the colony. Don’t worry, though! They won’t bite humans.
  • Alates (Flying Termites): These are the only termites that have the capability to reproduce. Do flying termites eat wood? No, but they can found new colonies.

The differences in these insects’ roles comes into clearer focus when consider their lifespans. Workers and soldiers live for a year or two, while flying termites typically die soon after their first flight. However, by some estimates, a termite queen can survive for decades. You may wonder how to get rid of termites on your own, but if you have a problem, you should understand that the toughness and tenacity of these small creatures requires a professional solution.

Flying Termites vs. Flying Ants

As we mentioned above, flying termites have a distinct look: four long wings, thick waists, straight antennae. Because they’re small and because other small insects share some of their characteristics, other insects sometimes get mistaken for flying termites. Confusion most commonly occurs around the humble flying ant. While the ant looks similar to a termite at a glance, closure inspection reveals that they are different in several striking ways, including:

  • Bent Antennae: The antennae of flying ants has a seeming hinge, which makes them look as though they’re shaped like elbows.
  • Slim Waists: True, ants aren’t wasps, but their pinched, narrow waists share the same general contours of wasps.
  • Distinct Sets of Wings: While termites have four wings that are all the same shape and size, flying ants’ wings have a pair that are larger and a pair that are smaller.

Causes for Flying Termites and Swarms

The swarming of flying termites is a natural part of the bug’s life cycle, and the causes of swarming are quite simple. Once a colony has reached capacity, the alates will boil out and go seeking mates. A colony may require three or four years of growth before it reaches that point. And while this is an easy enough explanation to make, it doesn’t provide a lot of practical, actionable information for a homeowner or business owner looking to exercise caution. While we will offer some general guidelines regarding when you might expect to see them, what is good for flying termites’ expansion may differ according to an area’s geography and local conditions around the nest.

When do flying termites come out?

From a calendar-level view, termites generally come out during spring or summer, although some species may swarm as late as November. From a meteorological perspective, you will often see flying termites after rain when the air is still and calm. And when we consider things visually, we will often find flying termites attracted to light. Put all of those elements together, and any period from April through August immediately after a rainstorm in an area that includes some bright lights may see a swarm of termites descend.

Common Signs of a Termite Infestation

If you’re worried that you may have termites around your home or business, remain calm and start sleuthing. Well-developed termite infestations often leave distinctive signs. Some of these include:

  • Mud Tubes Outside Your Property: These can appear in many different places, such as near foundations, both inside or outside a structure’s walls and ceilings, and around plumbing. Breaking a tube and then checking later to see if it has been repaired is one test for an active infestation.
  • Mud Splatters: Termites dislike airflow, so they will patch small holes with mud.
  • Odd Structural Issues: Having parts of a building sag or break inexplicably may indicate termite damage.
  • Strange structural problems suddenly cropping up. A sagging ceiling. A broken door jamb. A buckling wooden floor. Such issues may arise from problems such as rot — or they may indicate that you have termites.
  • Finding Frass: Termite droppings, which are dry, six-sided, and tan, are known as frass and have a distinctive shape.
  • Discovering Dead Flying Termites Inside: This can mean that you have an active termite problem.

How to Prevent Flying Termite Activity and Damage

If there’s one thing we’ve wanted to make clear, it’s that termites are a serious problem, one you shouldn’t tackle on your own. Annual estimates for termite-related damage range in the billions, and by the time you’ve discovered the issue, it may be too late for an easy fix. Contact us here at Smithereen Pest Management Services. Our company has helped clients deal with common and uncommon pests since 1888, and our integrated pest management approach eliminates unwanted insects, rodents, birds, and mammals while protecting the environment — and you.

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