Termites with wings are a sure sign that there might soon be a new colony of termites popping up around your home. These swarms are triggered by rain and high humidity and can occur across different species of termites. However, not all termites fly, depending on the stage of their life cycle.
Q: WHY DO FLYING TERMITES FORM SWARMS?
A: Termites with wings are only produced once a colony is mature and needs to expand (approximately three to four years old). The swarm will leave the nest to seek out mates in order to form new colonies. Most fly during the day, although some fly at night using lights as meeting spots. After fertilization, the winged termites head toward the ground where they break off their own wings and attempt to form a new colony.
Q: IS A FLYING TERMITE A DANGER TO MY HOME OR FAMILY?
A: While most termites with wings only mate, drywood termites are winged and will damage your family’s home.
Q: HOW CAN I DEFEND AGAINST A SWARM?
A: The best defense against winged termites is a properly maintained home. This includes proper drainage, storage, ventilation and, most importantly, having a professional inspect your home for termites annually.
Q: IS A FLYING TERMITE A SIGN OF TERMITES IN MY HOME?
A: Not necessarily. Termites are easily blown by the wind. A single termite outside a window or door does not always indicate a termite problem.
Fun facts:
• Termites with wings aren’t that fast: In a race between a flying ant and a flying termite, the termite will always lose.
• Tasty treats: Packed with fat, termites are eaten by humans in some parts of the world for their nutritional value.
• Wingless: Flying termites lose their wings after their first flight to make it easier to re-enter the ground.
• Missing the masses: Only about one in every 1,000 flying termites will successfully mate and start a new colony.
• If you see winged insects around your home, don’t take a chance. Call Terminix® and make sure your home is safe from termites.
Q: WHY DO FLYING TERMITES FORM SWARMS?
A: Termites with wings are only produced once a colony is mature and needs to expand (approximately three to four years old). The swarm will leave the nest to seek out mates in order to form new colonies. Most fly during the day, although some fly at night using lights as meeting spots. After fertilization, the winged termites head toward the ground where they break off their own wings and attempt to form a new colony.
Q: IS A FLYING TERMITE A DANGER TO MY HOME OR FAMILY?
A: While most termites with wings only mate, drywood termites are winged and will damage your family’s home.
Q: HOW CAN I DEFEND AGAINST A SWARM?
A: The best defense against winged termites is a properly maintained home. This includes proper drainage, storage, ventilation and, most importantly, having a professional inspect your home for termites annually.
Q: IS A FLYING TERMITE A SIGN OF TERMITES IN MY HOME?
A: Not necessarily. Termites are easily blown by the wind. A single termite outside a window or door does not always indicate a termite problem.
Fun facts:
• Termites with wings aren’t that fast: In a race between a flying ant and a flying termite, the termite will always lose.
• Tasty treats: Packed with fat, termites are eaten by humans in some parts of the world for their nutritional value.
• Wingless: Flying termites lose their wings after their first flight to make it easier to re-enter the ground.
• Missing the masses: Only about one in every 1,000 flying termites will successfully mate and start a new colony.
• If you see winged insects around your home, don’t take a chance. Call Terminix® and make sure your home is safe from termites.
