Why do I keep 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.

Why do flying termites suddenly appear?

Flying termites are visible when their colony swarms. Swarms are provoked by heavy rainfall and warm, humid temperatures among other triggers. Swarms occur when established colonies produce winged male and female termites in order to reproduce.

What does it mean when termites drop their wings?

It signals the start of a new termite colony. Swarming is the means by which sexually mature termites with wings leave their nest due to overcrowding or lack of sufficient food. Once the male locates a female he likes, they break off their wings, symbolizing that they are a couple.

Where do termites with wings 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 Are Termite Swarmers?

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.

How do you keep flying termites away?

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 you have termites in your walls?

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.

Does a termite swarm mean I have termites?

While the presence of termite swarmers doesn't necessarily mean that you have an active termite infestation in your home, it could be the first warning sign. If you see a termite swarm, it's important that you call a licensed termite exterminator immediately.

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 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 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 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 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 long does it take termites to destroy a house?

It takes about three years of chewing for noticeable damage to occur. The cost across the US is around $2 Billion per year to address damage caused by termites.

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.

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 many times do termites swarm?

Termites Swarm Once a Year. Our last termite fact has to do with swarming. It's a common myth about termites that they swarm multiple times a year. The reality is that they only swarm once a year, typically in the spring when the temperatures start to hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

How do you deal with termite swarmers?

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.

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.