Do Winged Termites Bite? Are Termite Bites Dangerous?

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Winged termites, also known as swarmers, are members of a termite colony that have matured to the reproductive stage. When it’s time to start a new colony, the winged termites leave the nest in large swarms to mate and find a suitable place to start a new colony.

While termites are known for causing extensive damage to wooden structures and furniture, many people wonder if winged termites can bite humans. But do winged termites bite? Keep reading because in this article we will learn some interesting things about winged termites.

do winged termites bite

Do Winged Termites Bite?

Do winged/flying termites bite? This is a common question people ask us when flying termites swarm their houses. The short answer is no, winged termites do not bite humans. In fact, termites in general are not known to bite humans or animals.

  • Termites do have strong mandibles, but these are designed for chewing through wood and other cellulose-based materials, not for biting or chewing through flesh.
  • Instead, they use their jaws to pierce and hold onto their prey. Once they have a firm grip, they will use their sharp mandibles to slice through the skin of their victim.
  • This type of bite is usually not painful, but it can be if the termite happens to puncture a nerve or blood vessel.
  • In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the termite’s saliva can occur, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
  • However, as said above flying termites do not bite & if they do so, it is very rare.

If you want to learn more about flying termites, check out this detailed guide about flying termites.

Do termite bites hurt?

If you’re unlucky enough to have winged termites swarming in your home, you may be wondering if they can bite. The answer is yes. Winged termites can bite, but their mouthparts are not designed for feeding on human flesh.

Therefore, it’s very rare that a flying termite bites a human in the first place, but somehow, if they do so, their bite does not hurt much. So, while a termite bite might not feel pleasant, it probably won’t break the skin or do any lasting damage.

What Do Termite Bites Look Like On Humans?

Termite Bites On Human

Are Termite Bites Dangerous?

So why do people think that termites can bite? If they do so, is their bite dangerous? Well, sometimes winged termites will swarm around homes in search of mates.

If you happen to present during one of these swarms, a few of the termites might land on you. And since they have mouths, it’s easy to assume that they’re biting.

This has actually happened to me. I had a termite infestation in my room, and one night they swarmed my room. Luckily, it was not a huge swarm. There were almost 50+ termites in my room. I noticed they were flying inside my room but they didn’t even bite once.

So, how do you get rid of flying termites during sleep time?

  • First thing, turn off every light in your room. Make your room completely dark, as they will stop flying.
  • Now you can try some natural methods to eliminate termites.
  • Or call an exterminator so they will eliminate them.

But rest assured, termites are not interested in biting humans. Their mouthparts are designed for eating wood, not flesh. So, if you are surrounded by winged termites, don’t worry about them biting you. Just enjoy the show!

How to treat termite bites?

If you have been unfortunate enough to experience a termite bite, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process.

  • First, wash the area with soap and water to cleanse it of any dirt or debris.
  • Next, apply a cold compress to the bite to help reduce any swelling.
  • Finally, if you experience any redness, itching, or pain that lasts longer than a few days, be sure to see your doctor.

Which Kinds of Termites are Likely to Bite or Pinch People?

There are four common types of termites found in Homes: dry wood, damp wood, formosan, and winged. Out of these, only two kinds are known to bite or pinch people: dry wood termites and formosan termites.

  • Drywood termites are the most likely to bite or pinch people since they often invade homes and other structures in search of food.
  • Formosan termites are also known to bite or pinch people, but they typically only do so if their nest is disturbed.

If you think you’ve been bitten or pinched by a termite, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as these bites can be painful and may cause infection. Furthermore, get rid of termites as soon as possible, and for that, contact a termite control company.

Conclusion

Winged termites are common in homes in the southern United States. If you live in the South, then you should know what to do if you find winged termites in your home. In this article, we go over the question, “Do flying termites bite?”

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about termites, and one of the most common is that they can bite humans. While it’s true that termites have mouths and can technically bite, they rarely do so. There are not many recorded instances of termites biting humans.

It is known that winged termites do not bite human beings. They do not attack human beings because they are not able to do so. If they arrive at a house, they do not have any intention of biting a human being. What they want is to feed on the wooden materials of the house.

FAQs

  • Can termites get in your bed?

    They do, as we’ve already established. In truth, termites may cause serious damage to hardwood mattresses and other furnishings. These little insects can eat more than just wood.
    Termites will develop microscopic bites that leave pinholes in your mattress and bed linens as long as your mattress includes cellulose.

  • What do termite bites feel like?

    A termite bite is not harmful and won’t interfere with your daily activities. It typically feels like a tiny pinch or itch and sometimes seems like a tiny red lump.
    It usually disappears within a week and doesn’t lead to any serious infections.

  • What do termites hate the most?

    Termites detest the scents of geranium, tea tree oil, and cedar wood, according to Clemson University researchers.
    Additionally, it has been discovered that termite-repellent properties of clove bud, cinnamon, and garlic oils.