Why am I finding termite wings?

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. Here are some commonly asked questions about termite swarmers.

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.

Why do I see termite 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!

How do winged termites get in the house?

Swarmers from colonies infesting homes may get trapped indoors after surfacing and fly around looking for an exit. Additionally, since termites are attracted to light, the pests may congregate near open or loosely sealed windows and doors and end up inside.

What Are Termite Swarmers?

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.

Where do termites go after they drop their wings?

After fertilization, winged termites land and shed their wings, going on to form new colonies. These insects then become the king or queen termites of their newly established colonies. The queen and king termites are at the center of the termite life cycle and are responsible for reproduction.

How do you tell if termites are in your walls?

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 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.

Why are termites swarming in my house?

Why Do Termites Swarm? Termites swarm after their original colony has reached a certain capacity level and is ready to expand. For most colonies, this happens once a year. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers, called alates, are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction and expansion.

How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?

A single termite on its own would take thousands of years to do serious damage to your property, and termites only live for around two years. The problem is that termites do not live on their own; they live in colonies with hundreds, or even thousands, of other termites.

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.

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.

Are winged ants termites?

Flying ants and termites are not the same thing. Here are the differences and what you can do about an infestation. Amco Pest Solutions, Inc. House pests such as termites or ants are no fun.

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

How do you draw out termites?

Essential Oils: Orange oil and neem oil can kill termites slowly over time by inhibiting their ability to shed their skin or lay eggs. Just mix two cups of water with a couple drops of dish soap and about 10 drops of your chosen oil. Shake it up and spray it on infested wood and materials.

How fast do termites spread?

Termites forage almost at a constant bases and can spread up to 150 feet around their one colony. It doesn't take long for termites to 'nest' and an infestation can take place within a time span of a mere few days.

How do termite eggs look like?

Termite eggs are pale, translucent, and are usually white or yellow in color (although white is the most common). The color of termite eggs can vary depending on when they were laid.

How fast do termites multiply?

Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what's considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes.

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.

How do you tell how long termites have been there?

In theory, you could accurately estimate how many years termites have been feeding in a home if you knew (1) the wood consumption of a typical termite worker over a one year period, (2) the average number of termites actually feeding on the structure, and (3) the amount of wood that has been consumed in the home.

How big are termites with wings?

Size: Depending on the species, flying termites can range in size from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Color: While worker termites are usually light in color, flying termites may be light in color, dark brown or black based on the species.

When should I worry about termites?

During the winter months when termites are less active the most common signs of an infestation include: Mud tubes on the floors or walls. Paint that is bubbling and/or cracked – usually with frass coming out of the cracks. Wood surfaces that seem to be sunken in or cratered.