Site Content

Flying Termites Could Be a Sign of Serious Trouble

Should you be bothered about flying termites? 

Some say coming across flying termites is the insect equivalent of a black cat crossing your path. In simpler terms, it's a sign of bad luck. 

If you start seeing swarms inside or around your home, it could be a warning sign for 2 potential dangers: 

• You may be in the middle of a termite infestation 
• Your home may be facing the risk of a possible termite infestation  

One thing that's both strange and interesting is, swarmers do not cause any damage. It is their offspring that cause damage to your property. The destruction usually begins as soon as they find an ideal location to start a new colony. 

Termite Swarmers

Flying termites are one of the earliest and clearest signs of a termite infestation, and usually, this could mean trouble for your home or business. 

Pest control experts always talk about how difficult it is to determine whether or not you are facing a possible termite infestation. However, when flying termites come out of their nests to take flight, you are suddenly presented with an obvious sign of termites in your home or business. 

A few species are known to swarm around the same period of the year, so it's easy to confuse both species. However, the treatment methods used for each of both species differ greatly.  

If you come across flying termites inside your home or business, it's advisable to act promptly and accordingly. This may be a sign of an existing termite problem. If no action is taken, you might start seeing damages to your furniture and other wooden properties in your home. 

On the contrary, seeing flying termites outside your home or business may not be as serious a problem as seeing them indoors.  

When do termites fly?

Termites often fly during the spring. You may have seen swarms of flying termites, especially when the ambient air temperatures start to rise. This temperature change is what triggers the young adults to come out of their nests in great numbers. 

What is the secret behind flying termites?

When termites start flying in great numbers, it's usually an indication of the start of a new colony. Swarming is the means by which termites that are sexually mature leave their nests, often as a result of food scarcity or overcrowding. Once a male termite finds a female he likes, he breaks off her wings, symbolizing that they have become a couple. The new couple then find a location to create a nest, mate, and become queen and king of a new colony. The queen can live for as long as 30 years!  

Termite wings

Discarded termite wings

If we are looking at Drywood termites, this could be timber within the roof of your home. The damage usually begins from here, and can continue for months without your notice. 

For Subterranean termites, as soon as they get back on the ground, they will dig deep into the soil to start new termite colonies underground.

Reducing the risk of termite swarms 

Accumulated moisture in wood which is usually a result of damaged timber on your property can attract termites. Inspecting your home regularly for damaged timber will do you a lot of good by reducing the risk of a termite infestation. 

Prevention of termite activity 

There are few steps that can be taken to prevent termite activity in your home or business. These steps include the following:

• Check the heating and cooling units in your home for condensation issues
• Fix moisture issues such as drainage concerns, leaks, excess condensation, etc.
• Avoid direct wood to soil contact
• Keep mulch pulled back from the foundation
• Remove extraneous wood and debris from your surroundings, including fallen trees, construction materials, leaf litter, stumps, etc  
• Do not store firewood too close to your home – make sure it is kept at a distance 
• Do not use untreated timber or wood in construction projects such as sheds, decks, etc.

If you think you have a termite infestation problem, contact a pest control professional, such as Cox Pest Control promptly to get help. You can call 281-689-9001to schedule a free inspection.

It's always best to act as soon as possible, especially if you are keen on preventing further damage to your property.