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Usually in the spring, summer and periods of humidity. You may have witnessed swarms of winged termites, especially when the ambient air temperatures start to rise. This change in temperature triggers the winged termites to emerge from their nest (within some form of timber) to embark on a nuptial flight.
Do flying termites mean infestation?
If you happen to find a handful of swarmers or even just a few discarded wings present inside your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a termite infestation. So next time you see flying termites there is no need to panic because they will not cause any damage to your home.
Why are flying termites in my house?
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.
How do you find where flying termites are coming from?
Winged swarming termites emerge from cracks in your walls and foundation in large numbers. They can also come out though holes in the soil in your yard. They emerge through swarm tubes made by worker termites.
Are flying termites hard to get rid of?
Flying termites are hard to get rid of. Though they may die quickly if they do not find a new home for their colony, they will live a very long time if they do find a new spot. Because of this, they are really hard to get rid of. These swarmers come once the colony is healthy and well, so you could have termites.
Do Swarmers mean I have termites?
While the presence of termite swarmers doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an active termite infestation in your home, it could be the first warning sign. If you see a termite swarm, it’s important that you call a licensed termite exterminator immediately.
Why do termites suddenly appear?
Termites swarm after their original colony has reached a certain capacity level and is ready to expand. For most colonies, this happens once a year. Hundreds or even thousands of swarmers, called alates, are produced with the sole purpose of reproduction and expansion.
How long do flying termites last?
A termite swarm will last about 30-40 minutes and the swarming termites will fly toward a light source, typically collecting around windows and sliding glass doors. If these termites cannot find soil, they will die in a few hours from dehydration.
How do you find a termite nest?
What to Look For. Pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels on foundation and crawl-space walls (above) shelter subterranean termites traveling to and from the nest. If you see cream-colored insects when you break open the tubes, your house is infested. If you don’t, the colony may be dead or using another route inside.
How do you stop flying termites?
How to keep flying termites out of your home Get rid of any potential entry points: Seal any gaps or cracks in the wooden foundation of your home. Make sure you don’t have a moisture problem: Check your crawl space, basement, roof, and foundation for signs of excess water.
How do I stop swarming termites in my house?
During swarming season, keep doors and windows shut as much as possible. Keep outdoor lights turned off at night also as they will attract swarming termites. Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground. Keep plants a few feet away from your home.
Do termites bite humans?
Essentially, termites definitely bite wood and do attack other insects, but they do not bite people. Although homeowners experiencing an infestation should not be concerned about receiving bites from termites, professional extermination methods should be sought and implemented to protect the structure of your home.
How long do termites live after they swarm?
How Long Do Their Swarms Last? A termite swarm typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and involves the termites swarming around a light source like windows or glass doors. If they don’t find soil, they’ll die within a few hours.
What attracts termites with wings?
Termites generally rely on the wind to help carry them and thus don’t usually get far from the originating nests. Winged termites are particularly attracted to light sources, so they can often be found swarming around street lamps, windows, etc.
How do I get rid of termites in my walls?
Some of the best ways to get rid of termites is to apply termite-killing products to your home’s exterior, use direct chemicals on the inside of your home, set up termite baits, and spray boric acid in your floors and walls.
Are termite swarmers harmful?
No. Termite swarmers are a nuisance particularly when swarms occur indoors. However, they do not cause structural damage; that’s done by the worker termites in a colony.
Where do termites go after they swarm?
The swarming termites, or alates, leave their nests when conditions are right. They take flight and pair up with mates, and once they’ve secured their new home, usually in moist soil in direct contact with wood, they will shed their wings and start populating a new nest.
Do outdoor lights attract termites?
Swarmers Flock To Light In the evening, if you have a lot of outside porch and house lights you may be attracting termites to your home. It’s true. Termites are attracted to the light. In conclusion, the lack of outdoor lighting can have consequences, but it is important for safety.
Where do termites come from in the house?
One of the most common ways termites get in your home is through wood-to-ground contact, including doorframes, deck posts, and porch steps or supports. Subterranean termites also enter homes through cracks in the foundation and cracks in brick mortar.
What are the early signs of termites?
5 Signs of a Termite Infestation Stuck Windows or Doors. Do you have a window or door that recently feels stuck, or suddenly became much harder to open or close? Damage under Paint or Wallpaper. Termite Swarmers & Discarded Wings. Mud Tubes. Termite Droppings.
