Flying Termites

What Does a Flying Termite Look Like?

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. Here are the key traits to help you identify flying termites:

• 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. The darker color helps termites retain moisture and makes it possible for them to leave the nest.

• Wings: Flying termites can be identified by their four equal-sized, translucent wings, which are typically longer than their bodies—setting them apart from other flying insects.

How Did I Get Flying Termites?

Also known as alates or reproductive stage termites, flying male and female alates emerge from existing colonies to mate and form new nests elsewhere. A flying termite swarm near the home nest could indicate a large colony in the yard or some other nearby location. Residents who find multiple alates inside, notice their shed wings around doors and windows, or see them emerging from the house exterior may have an active infestation inside their home.

Flying Termite Damage

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.

These worker stage termites eat the soft interior portions of wooden supports and other wooden building components, while leaving the wood’s outer shell intact. Termite infestations can go on for years until the structural damage reveals itself through evidence of mud tubes, cracks or collapse of the building’s wood. Flying termite swarms are a serious warning sign of potential damage for homeowners. If you spot signs of flying termite swarms, contact an exterminator promptly to help prevent further damage.

Termite Swarms

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 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.

Termite Colony Facts

A winged termite may be the king or queen of a colony - or a swarmer (alate) launched to create a new colony. Flying termites have poor eyes, whereas worker, soldier and secondary reproductive termites are blind.

Flying Ants vs. Termites

While flying termites closely resemble winged ants, there are clear differences in their appearance. Ants have a constricted waist, while termites have a more straight-sided waist. Termites also have four wings of equal size. Ant antennae bend at 90-degree angles, while the antennae of the termite are straight.

How Do I Get Rid of Flying Termites?

What Orkin Does

Termite troubles can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing costly damage if left untreated. Orkin is here to help. We’ll determine if termites are present in your home and, if so, create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs, including flexible financing options. Contact an Orkin Pro today to schedule your free termite inspection and take the first step toward protecting your home.