Essential Information You Should Know About Flying Termites

Flying termites

When the weather starts to become warmer again (or if you live in an area that rarely gets cold), there could be something buzzing around your home or other wooden structures that have the potential to cost you a small fortune. What is it? Flying termites, that’s what.

Termite Damage in Walls And Pillars

These pests can sneak inside the exposed bits of wood of your home and cause havoc. Perhaps the scariest thing about these pests is that your home could have had a termite infestation for several years and you not even be aware of the extent! How is that possible?

They can access your home from underground, and they can stay hidden the whole time. Once you start noticing flying termites swarms around your home, then sadly, you may have a much larger problem than you can imagine.

Where Do Flying Termite Swarms Come From?

Flying termites swarm typically as a result of heavy rain or a rise in temperature and humidity. These swarms happen when mature winged male and female termites are ready to reproduce, and they leave their main colony.

Flying Termite Wings

Once the termites have done the deed and are all fertilized, they will lose their wings and set off to establish themselves a new colony. When you see flying termites, you know that you have a mature colony somewhere in your walls.

What Do Flying Termites Look Like?

You may be wondering to yourself, “What do flying termites look like?” Well, for starters, they are unlike other flying insects. They range in color, but most of the time they are a beige or tan color. They have two antennae that are straight, unlike a flying ant’s antennae, which are bent almost like an elbow.

Ant vs Termite Comparsion for Difference

Flying termites also have two sets of wings that are the same length. The wings are whitish in color, with visible veins. They have one body, unlike the flying ants that have a “corset” appearance between the thorax and the abdomen.

Flying Ants vs Termites Comparison

The reason why we compare flying termites vs. flying ants is that to someone who is unfamiliar with either insect, they can look very similar and mistaken one for the other.

How To Getting Rid Of Flying Termites

There are a couple of ways that you could get rid of these winged pests. This include:

  • Using a natural flying termites treatment
  • Using chemical treatments
  • Hiring a professional exterminator

Using A Natural Flying Termites Treatment

If you’re concerned about using chemical treatments around your home, there are natural ways to get rid of your termite problem.

  • Peppermint Oil Spray – Combine some peppermint oil with water and a little bit of dish soap. Put the soap, oil, and water mixture into a spray bottle and spray the mix wherever you see the termites or their nesting areas. The peppermint oil will suffocate the flying termites, thus killing them pretty quickly.
  • Dish Soap – If you don’t have any peppermint oil, you can just use the dish soap and water in a similar fashion. The soap will stick to the termite’s body and slowly dehydrate them.
  • ​Borax and Sugar Traps – Combine equal parts of sugar and borax. You’ll want to slowly add some water to the mixture until you have a paste. Put the paste on a piece of cardboard and put the cardboard wherever you last saw the flying termites. Repeat this process for a week or so to maximize the results.
  • ​Use the Sun – Termites can be found wherever there is darkness, dampness, and humidity. If you have wooden furniture that you’d like to salvage, but has signs of termites, you can clean the furniture as best you can and then put it in the sunlight during the warmer temperatures.

Using Chemical Treatments

Chemicals are an effective way to get rid of flying termites. There are several options that you can choose from:

  • Arsenic Dust – Trioxide is an effective method of killing flying termites. To use it, you will want to sprinkle it wherever you see the termites the most. Whenever another termite comes near the dead termites, they too will be killed. We do want to point out if you are interested in using this chemical, you’ll need to check with your state’s laws in regards if it is even legal to have arsenic because of how dangerous it is.
  • Permethrin Dust – This is very similar to arsenic dust and it provides immediate results. This is a fantastic option if arsenic is unavailable to you and you need the problem dealt with fast.
  • Bio-Blast – This particular remedy uses a fungus that will kill the termite through the fungus spores. You should take extra precautions when using this chemical because it isn’t very safe. We suggest that you call a professional exterminator instead of trying this particular chemical, just to be on the safe side.

Hiring A Professional

Perhaps you don’t have the time to treat the termite problem on your own, or maybe you just aren’t comfortable handling chemicals. Whatever the case may be, hiring a certified and licensed exterminator is the best and possibly most effective method. It sure beats letting the problem grow out of hand, that’s for sure!

Calling a Pest Profesional

When choosing a professional, we recommend that you do a little research to find a reputable exterminator who has references to back up his claims.

Flying Termites: A Round-Up

Realizing that you have a flying termite problem isn’t going to be the highlight of your day, that’s understandable. However, when you know your options and are well informed about what kills flying termites, the problem no longer makes you feel nearly as overwhelmed.

Termite Eggs and Larva in the house

If you are trying to take an economical approach that doesn’t involve chemicals, you have natural methods of getting rid of this pest. If you need the problem handled immediately, the chemical solutions will do the trick—just be sure to read and understand the directions and warnings!

Wood Termites in the Walls of a House

Of course, you always have the option to hire a professional exterminator to ensure the job is done correctly. Whichever choice you decide, your main priority is to kill those pests—the integrity and safety of your home depend upon it.