What color are termites with wings?

Color: While worker termites are usually light in color, flying termites may be light in color, dark brown or black based on the species. The darker color helps termites retain moisture and makes it possible for them to leave the nest.

What does a termite look like that has wings?

Flying termites have two pairs of wings. Their wings are equal in length and have a white — almost translucent — color, with a veiny appearance. These termites also have two straight antennae with a slight curve. The size and color of the insects will vary depending on the species.

Are termites black with wings?

Winged termites are dark brown or black. These are the termites you are likely to see and inspect. Worker termites do not have wings, but still have the same antennae. They are white in appearance and sometimes translucent.

Do flying termites mean you have termites?

Flying termites include both male and female termites, and when environmental conditions are right, they will swarm in your home if a colony is present. If you see flying termites in your home, it means termites have already been present for quite a long time.

Should I worry if I see flying termites?

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.

What Are Termite Swarmers?

Are winged termites destructive?

How Serious Are Flying Termites? Termites are among the most damaging insects found in homes. Colonies take about three to six years to mature to the point when the colony produces alates. During this time and as long as the colony is active, the termite workers feeding on wood may create costly damage to buildings.

Why do flying termites suddenly appear?

At certain times of the year, termite colonies produce “swarmers” - the winged adults (Figure 1) that fly away to form their own colonies. Swarming usually occurs during the daytime and is simply nature's way of reminding you that termites are nearby.

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.

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.

What does black termite look like?

Black termites with wings have a straight waist, straight antennae, and wings that are equal in size. Flying black carpenter ants have pinched waists, bent antennae, and wings that are different sizes. You can also tell the difference by examining discarded wings.

What is a black termite?

Can Termites Be Black? Termite swarmers can be black. Swarmers of the most common species, subterranean termites, have black bodies and clear, veined wings. Drywood swarmers are generally not dark black in color. Identifying termites is not an easy task; leave it to your pest management professional.

How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?

Appearance Differences

Termites have straight antennae and wide bodies without pinched waists. They are characteristically black or dark brown. Swarmers, or flying termites, have clear front and back wings that are the same length. More about what a termite looks like.

Where do winged termites come from?

Winged swarming termites emerge from cracks in your walls and foundation in large numbers. They can also come out though holes in the soil in your yard. They emerge through swarm tubes made by worker termites. Unfortunately for them, not every termite survives to form a new colony.

What attracts termites to a house?

In addition to wood inside the home, termites are drawn inside by moisture, wood in contact with house foundations, and cracks in building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract different species. Additionally, geographic location plays a role in how likely homeowners are to deal with infestations.

How can you tell if you have termites?

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.

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.

How do you know if termites are in your walls?

Why flying termites mean serious trouble?

Why does flying termites mean serious trouble? Flying termites are a warning sign of potential damage to property. Termites cause structural damage to properties and thereby making the wooden structure bend and blister. Termite colonies usually mature in about three to six years and produce alates.

What time of day do termites swarm?

Formosan termites swarm at night in the late spring and summer. Drywood termites swarm at night in the late summer and early fall.

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.

Do winged termites eat wood?

While most termites with wings only mate, drywood termites are winged and will soon start eating wood, perhaps the wood in your home.

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.

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.