Flying termites don't live for long after they have taken flight, typically remaining aloft for about an hour. After that, their wings fall off, they plummet to the ground, and then perish due to termite-eating critters. However, don't let the fact that flying termites don't last more than a day put you at ease.
Not unless you are unbothered when insects crawl all over your body as you sleep, you can go ahead and sleep on a bed with termites. This is, however, not recommended even though termites are not considered to cause direct harm or be dangerous to humans.
Flying termites, sometimes mistaken for flying ants, are a warning sign of a potential termite infestation in your home. Knowing how to spot their distinguishing features is crucial for early detection and effective control.
Drywood termites and one particular species of subterranean termite (R. hageni) typically swarm during the late summer or fall months, from August through November. There are several subterranean termite species and they don't all swarm at the same time.
Termites are attracted to moisture, so plumbing leaks, improper drainage, or high humidity levels can create favorable conditions for these pests.
Termites are attracted to light, so place a bug zapper in or near the outside of your home to attract and kill flying termites. This is effective when flying termites manage to get inside your home.
Flying ants are typically more active during the day and are attracted to sweet or sugary substances. On the other hand, termite swarmers are more active at night and are drawn to light sources. They also tend to shed their wings once they've found a place to start a colony.
By the time you notice them, it might be too late. If you can not identify the signs of a termite infestation like termite droppings, the infestation can quickly spiral out of control leaving you with thousands of dollars in damage or even losing your house altogether.
Check for an Infestation
Because termite swarms indicate that a current colony is flourishing nearby, it's important to inspect your home and property if you see a swarm close to your home.
Here is how to get rid of flying termites in-house naturally: Orange Oil: Termites hate this stuff. Mix some with water in a spray bottle and apply it to affected areas. The strong citrus scent repels termites, and the oil can even kill them on contact.
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're willing to put up with these insects crawling in your curtains and staining them with their excrement, this pest problem will go away on its own. Termites will not go away on their own. We bet you know why. While many pests need to find a food source inside your home in order to stay, termites do not.
Your decision should take into account the extent of the damage done. If the damage is so bad that repairs are not a viable option, then you have no choice but to walk away and continue your search for the perfect home.
Termites are not typically found in or attracted to beds or bedding materials. Termites primarily feed on wood, paper and plant debris, and they seek out hidden, dark and damp environments. Bedrooms and beds do not provide the ideal conditions or food sources for termites.
These “swarmers,” or “alates” fly through mud tubes in the case of subterranean termites, or through the air in cases of drywood termites. Though they don't fly for long, the swarms are usually carried along on a breeze until they reach the ground. Once they touch back down, the insects can establish new colonies.
The sudden emergence of flying termites is typically associated with conducive breeding conditions, primarily dictated by the weather. These conditions include warm temperatures and high humidity, usually after rain.
Insurers typically view termites as avoidable and possibly a result of the homeowner's negligence. Your homeowners insurance is designed to cover you for sudden or accidental events, and termite damage is neither. Be sure to take precautions to prevent an infestation before it begins.
If nothing else suits you, go and try the successful heat treatment to control termites at home. Just use hot air or increase the temperature of the infected area up to 120 degrees and maintain it for half an hour. This much heat for this much time will kill the termites instantly.
Look for pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels on your home's foundation and crawl-space walls. These tubes shelter subterranean termites as they travel between their nest and food source. If you break open these tubes and see cream-colored insects, it's a clear sign of an active infestation.
Attraction to Light
Some species of termites swarm late in the afternoon and early evening. Like most nocturnal insects, the pests will be drawn to light sources around the home, such as porch lamps, motion lights, and light reflected from inside. It is common to see swarms of alates around utility lights, as well.
Unlike cockroaches, termites are notorious for their ability to cause extensive structural damage to homes, often undetected for long periods. The rate at which they inflict destruction can vary, typically within 3 to 15 years, depending on factors such as termite colony size and the age of the structure.
With the Pied Piper Termatrac® Termite Detection System, we can detect moisture sources, heat sources or active termites that may be hiding inside the walls of your structure.
Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes as protective passageways between their nest and food sources. These pencil-sized tunnels, often found along walls, ceilings, or foundations, clearly indicate subterranean termite activity.