What attracts termites with wings?

Termites generally rely on the wind to help carry them and thus don't usually get far from the originating nests. Winged termites are particularly attracted to light sources, so they can often be found swarming around street lamps, windows, etc.

What causes flying termites in your house?

Swarms occur when established colonies produce winged male and female termites in order to reproduce. After these mating flights, fertilized termites shed their wings and go on to establish new colonies. Termites seen flying in a home are indicative of a mature colony.

What to do if you see termites with wings?

So next time you see flying termites there is no need to panic because they will not cause any damage to your home. This only indicates that a termite colony is nearby. When this happens in or around your home, be sure to call Terminix for a free termite inspection.

Do flying termites mean infestation?

If you see swarms of flying termites around or inside your home, it should act as a warning sign for 2 potential dangers: You may already have an existing termite problem. Your home may be at risk of potential termite infestation.

Will termites go away on their own?

While you cannot get rid of termites permanently from the environment, you can help prevent them from taking root in your home and control any active colonies nearby. Although it may be tempting to try termite control yourself, prevention and treatment is best left to the professionals.

Termites: Signs and prevention tips

How do you find a termite nest?

What to Look For. Pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels on foundation and crawl-space walls (above) shelter subterranean termites traveling to and from the nest. If you see cream-colored insects when you break open the tubes, your house is infested. If you don't, the colony may be dead or using another route inside.

What time of day are termites most active?

Subterranean termites swarm during the day, particularly after rainfall. They're most active in the spring. Invasive Formosan termites swarm at night and are generally at their peak in the late spring and summer. Drywood termites are also active at night, especially around lights.

How long do winged termites live?

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.

How do I stop swarming termites in my house?

Spray the swarmers with a can of insect spray. They will die naturally unless they have access to soil, so emptying a can of insect spray is unnecessary. Try to seal the exit holes. Swarmers must escape and by sealing the holes with tape or other materials, this will only cause them to make new holes.

What kills termites instantly?

If you spot a termite and want to dispatch it immediately, this is the technique for you. Shoot Termidor Foam directly into cracks, voids, and crevices that make for great termite hiding places. The odorless foam will expand, then evaporate, leaving behind a residue that poisons termites as soon as they touch it.

What kills termites naturally?

Borax powder, or sodium borate, can kill termites naturally. You just sprinkle the powder on the termites and the affected area, or you make a solution of the powder and water to spray or paint on affected areas. You can also paint the solution on surfaces as a termite repellant.

Are flying termites attracted to light?

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.

Why are termites in my bed?

Sunlight Exposure – Termites love a moist environment. Moisture is one of the conditions that attract them to your bed sheets in the first place. Exposing your beddings and mattress to at least five hours of hot, direct sunlight should help eliminate the termites by removing moisture.

What to do if you see termites in your house?

If you spot termites in your home, do not disturb them. Avoid treating them yourself with regular household fly sprays. Do not touch these critters and their workings. This is because termites have survival instincts which allow them to feel disruption and move to another spot and keep doing the damage to your house.

Where do termite swarmers come from?

The swarmers likely came from a nearby underground nest. If most of the insects are found outdoors, then the nest is likely somewhere in your yard, possibly near an old tree stump or landscape timbers.

How does a termite infestation start?

Drywood termite infestations typically begin when swarmers (alates) locate a crevice in the wood of your home, dig out a little nest and seal themselves inside. Then, they begin producing eggs to build their colony.

Do swarming termites mean infestation?

Do Swarming Termites Mean An Infestation? If a swarm happens inside your home, most of them will not survive to establish a new colony but it does mean that your home is likely infested.

How do you tell if termites are in your walls?

What months do termites come out?

Most species of subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall. Drywood termites and one particular species of subterranean termite (R. hageni) typically swarm during the late summer or fall months, from August through November.

Do termites wings fall off?

Swarming termites have temporary wings that fall off soon after landing. If you see discarded wings where you see the swarm, chances are it's not flying ants!

What temperature do termites swarm?

Swarmers are most often seen in spring or fall, but it isn't the season that prompts a colony to produce swarmers; it is the temperature and humidity. When temperatures rise to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a good chance those termites will take it as their cue to send out male and female reproductives.

How do you tell if termites are active in your house?

How can you tell termite queen?

Pulak Bera added more information for termite queen. Reproductive kings and queens are 1/2" long, winged and black or brown in color. Workers are sterile and usually hidden within infested wood. They are 1/4" long, wingless and white in color.

Do termites have a natural enemy?

Termites and ants are natural enemies. Ant and termite colonies often turn hostile upon encountering one another. Ants have been known to raid termite colonies and consume termites as a source of food.