Do Termites Fly? A Detailed Guide About Flying Termite

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Flying termites are one of the most obvious symptoms of a termite problem and trouble for you and your property since certain termites in a colony do so.

Do termites fly? This is a question that so many people ask. Most people have no idea that termites can fly and if you see flying termites on your property, you need to take action. This is a serious threat to your property and wallet.  

You might mistake the two since some ant species also swarm at this time of year. However, the approaches to treating termites and ants are very different. We’ve included a number of in-depth guides regarding flying termites below.

Do Termites Fly

Why Do Termites Fly?

The reproductive process of termites involves flight in its entirety. A reproductive adult termite is one that flies. Subterranean termite swarmers grow within the colony and emerge from their underground nests to mate and establish new colonies when the circumstances are ideal. Similar to this, dry wood swarmers move from their wood- and mud-based homes to mate and establish new colonies elsewhere.

Rain and excessive humidity can cause termite swarms, which can happen to different species of termites. To give themselves the best chance of surviving, termites get ready for flight in the spring and take off after rain. Nevertheless, depending on their function within the colony and where in their life cycle they are, not all termites are able to fly.

Termite swarms can happen at any time of the year, but they tend to happen more frequently in the spring and summer. When termites swarm might also depend on the species of termites and their geographical location. These swarmers will shed their wings once they have mated and located a location to establish a new colony.

How Did I Get Flying Termites?

Termites that fly, also known as alates or reproductive phase termites, leave their current colonies to mate and build new nests. A large colony in the yard or another adjacent area may be indicated by a flying termite swarm near the house nest.

There may be an active infestation in a residence if several alates are found inside, you see their shed wings around doors and windows, or you witness them coming out from the outside of the building.

Looking for effective solutions to eradicate termites instantly? Check out these top-rated termite killer sprays. They are specially formulated to combat termite infestations and provide quick results. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a full-blown termite problem, these sprays offer powerful protection for your home. Discover the best termite killer sprays available on the market and bid farewell to termites for good!

How Serious Are Flying Termites?

How Serious Are Flying Termites

Among the insects that cause the most harm to houses are termites. It takes colonies between three and six years to reach the point of alate production. Buildings may sustain expensive damage from termite workers during this time and for as long as the colony is active.

These worker stage termites consume the soft interior parts of wooden supports and other wooden building materials, leaving the wood’s outer layer unharmed. Years may pass during a termite infestation before the damage manifests as mud tubes, fissures, or the collapse of the building’s timber. For homeowners, flying termite swarms are a major warning sign of possible damage. And now you shouldn’t wait anymore and call an expert for termite proofing service.

When Do Flying Termites Come Out?

Termites only get wings after their colony has grown and needs to spread out. Termite colonies typically reach maturity in three to four years. These winged termite swarmers will now go from the nest in search of partners in order to establish new colonies. Although some fly at night and use lights as meeting places, most fly during the day. After fertilization, the winged termites fly toward the ground, where they attempt to start a new colony by breaking off their own wings.

Difference between Flying Termite vs Flying Ants

Check out this infographic.

Difference between Flying Termite vs Flying Ants

How Can I Defend Against Flying Termites?

Therefore, there is no need to be alarmed the next time you see flying termites because the harm has already been done. We specified earlier the exact time when this fly comes out. This just shows that there is an established termite colony close to you. Call Unique Fumigation for a free termite examination if this occurs in or around your house.

How Long Do Flying Termites Live?

How Long Do Flying Termites Live

The good news is that flying termites, also known as alates, often don’t survive for very long after they take flight if you’ve confirmed that you do have them on your property. One of several types of termites that dwell in a nest is the flying type. Once airborne, they normally spend no more than an hour in the air. After that, they lose their wings, fall to the ground, and eventually die from exposure or other termite-eating animals.

Nevertheless, don’t be comforted by the fact that the majority of flying termites perish within 24 hours of starting a flight. A mature and well-established nest has likely been in place for years by the time you’ve become aware of it. Flying termites occur because they are dispersing in an effort to build their own nests.

This brings us to yet another drawback, namely the fact that flying termites can survive for more than ten years after mating, establishing healthy colonies whose main activity is destroying wood, wood, and even more wood. That could result in serious structural damage.

What Does a Flying Termite Look Like?

Flying Termite Look Like
  • Size: Flying termites can be anywhere between a quarter and a third of an inch in size, depending on the species.
  • Color: Depending on the species, flying termites might be pale, dark brown, or even black in color.

Conclusion

So, we hope you find this article informative, we tried our best to discuss all the related questions & problems regarding flying termites.  Please let us know what you think and your personal experience with flying termites. Feel free to share your opinion & feedback with us. 

FAQs

  • Can flying termites harm humans?

    Flying or winged termites pose no threat to people. In a fully formed colony, some termites get wings so they can swarm in warm weather, mate, and start a new colony. They have straight antennae and wings that are the same size.

  • What happens if you ignore termites?

    Each year, termites alone do billions of dollars worth of damage in the USA. Ignoring them would be a mistake that would cost you a lot of money in wood damage, including structural damage that might make your house unstable.

  • do termites fly around lights?

    A few termite types swarm in the late afternoon and early evening. The pests will be attracted to light sources around the house such as porch lamps, motion lights, and light reflected from inside, just like the majority of nocturnal insects.

  • do flying termites eat wood?

    While they are still developing their wings, flying termites do not consume wood, but when they start their new colonies, they do consume it or incorporate it into their nests. In order to ensure you can safeguard your house and finances from a termite infestation, you may wish to visit a professional pest control company if you observe flying termites.