If you’ve spotted some winged insects flying around your home and you’re worried they might be termites, this is the blog post for you. We’ll explain what this type of termite is, and how to get rid of them so you can keep your home safe and you and your family comfortable.
What Are Flying Termites?
Let’s start by understanding what flying termites are. As the name suggests, flying termites are termites that developed wings and gained the ability to fly. These termites are adults who have left their original colony to start a new one elsewhere. Often referred to as “swarmers,” they gather in large groups, especially when the weather warms up.
If you notice flying termites, it usually indicates that a nearby colony is expanding and they’re searching for a new place to settle. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly when you spot them.
What do flying termites look like?
- Flying termites are typically darker in color, often a dark brown, compared to the lighter-colored soldier termites.
- They have two pairs of wings, both of equal length.
- Their size ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch.
Do All Termites Fly?
Termites are typically classified into three types: workers, soldiers, and flying termites. Worker and soldier termites are small, wingless insects that don’t have the ability to fly. However, the flying termites are the reproductive termites, and have wings that give them the ability to fly away, mate, and establish their own colonies.
All types of termite species have flying termites, including subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.
How Do You Rid Your Home Of Flying Termites?
Step 1: Identify The Problem
Before you start battling these bugs, make sure you’re dealing with termites. Flying termites can sometimes be confused with flying ants, so here’s a quick way to tell the difference:
- Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent ones
- Termite wings are equal in size, but ant wings are unequal
- Termites have a thick waist, while ants have a pinched waist
If you’re still not sure, don’t worry. You can always call in a pest control professional to take a look. You can also read our blog post: War In The Backyard: Flying Ants vs. Termites, to know a bit more about their differences.
Step 2: Remove Attractions
Flying termites are attracted to light and moisture. So, your first line of defense is to make your home less appealing to them. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off exterior lights at night during the swarming season (usually spring and early summer).
- Close your curtains or blinds to block interior light from shining outside.
- Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, and make sure your gutters are clear.
- Remove any standing water around your home.
- Keep firewood and lumber away from your house.
By taking these steps, you’re basically telling termites to stay away.
Step 3: Use Baits
When you first notice flying termites around your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While these swarmers aren’t directly destructive themselves, they are a sign that a colony could be nearby or even inside your home. That’s why setting up traps can be a practical and immediate way to start dealing with the situation.
Light Traps
A light trap is one of the easiest traps you can set up. Flying termites are naturally attracted to light. This is because, in the wild, light often signals open spaces where they can establish a new colony. By setting up traps that play on this instinct with UV light, you can effectively capture many of these pests before they find a place to settle.
Sticky Traps:
These are exactly what they sound like. Put them near windows, doors, or anywhere you’ve seen termites. They’ll fly into them and become stuck.
Boric Acid traps:
Mix some boric acid with warm water and spray it around areas where you notice termite activity. Just be careful with this method if you have pets or kids around.
Step 4: Natural Remedies
If you’re not keen on using chemicals, there are some natural ways to deter flying termites. Here is how to get rid of flying termites in-house naturally:
Orange Oil: Termites hate this stuff. Mix some with water in a spray bottle and apply it to affected areas. The strong citrus scent repels termites, and the oil can even kill them on contact.
Neem Oil: Another natural termite repellent. You can find this at most garden stores.
It disrupts termites’ feeding patterns and can prevent them from molting, effectively controlling their population.
Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder damages the termites’ exoskeletons. Sprinkle it around entry points and areas where you’ve seen termites. It works by dehydrating the insects, and it’s safe for humans and pets.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It won’t kill termites, but it can help repel them. The pungent smell of vinegar is a deterrent, making your home less attractive to these pests.
As you can see, all these are easy to use. They’re also great options if you’re looking for an eco-friendly approach to pest control. But remember, while these natural remedies might not be as effective as professional treatments, they can certainly help control a small problem.
Step 5: Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above steps and you’re still seeing flying termites or suspecting a larger infestation, it’s time to call in the pros. A pest control expert can:
- Perform a thorough inspection of your property
- Identify the extent of the problem
- Recommend and implement the most effective treatment plan
This might include baiting systems, liquid treatments, or even fumigation in severe cases. Yes, it’s an expense, but think of it as an investment in protecting your home.
Crucial Tips For Keeping Flying Termites Away
Once you’ve dealt with your flying termite problem, you’ll want to ensure they don’t return. Here are some tips for long-term prevention:
- Regular Inspections: Check your home for signs of termites at least once a year. Look for mud tubes, damaged wood, or discarded wings.
- Reduce Moisture Levels: Fix leaks immediately, improve ventilation in crawl spaces, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks in your foundation and around windows and doors.
- Consider Professional Prevention: Many pest control companies in Tennessee offer annual termite prevention plans. If you live in a high-risk area, this might be worth considering.
Jamison Pest and Lawn: Tennessee’s Premier Termite Control Company
Dealing with flying termites can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s definitely something you can manage with the right approach. The steps that we recommend here are useful when it comes to getting rid of termites. However, if the infestation is getting out of control and you need an expert, you can trust the team at Jamison Pest and Lawn. We have been offering successful termite control services in Tennessee for years.
