Termites with wings are insects that are responsible for seeking mates, laying eggs, and starting new colonies. They are also able to fly and swarm. Because of this, they are one of the most dangerous insects to keep around. If you suspect you have an infestation of these pests, there are several methods to treat them.
Termite swarms are triggered by rain and high humidity
Termite swarms are a natural phenomenon and are triggered by rain and high humidity. During this time, the termite colony is expanding and searching for a mate. A new queen begins a lifetime of producing termites.
If a termite infestation is suspected, a thorough inspection should be conducted. Termites are not killed during swarms, but it is important to make sure they leave the home as quickly as they arrived.
Termite swarms are usually triggered by heavy rain or an overcast day. Depending on the type of termite, the number of swarmers produced varies. If a large number of swarmers are released, they can cause serious damage.
During swarming, swarmers may be found near windows, sliding glass doors, or light fixtures. In some cases, they will be found in an area that is surrounded by wood. If the wood is wet, the termite swarmers will squeeze through crevices in the foundation or walls.
A single colony can produce as many as 70,000 swarmers, and swarming is only triggered by weather conditions. This is because termites need moisture to survive. Termites thrive in a humid climate, but they cannot live in a dry one.
During swarming, termites fly in short bursts. They will not lay eggs, but they are a food source for other insects.
Termite swarms can be seen at any time during the year, but are more common during the spring and summer. During these months, most subterranean termites swarm, and they are usually seen near light fixtures and windows. The swarming process can last as long as a few weeks.
There are a few factors that trigger termite swarms, including the temperature, humidity, and age of the colony. During swarming, termites are attracted to light. They also seek out a mate from a nearby related colony.
Typically, a mature colony swarms to a larger, more suitable site. It will then continue to grow until the weather warms up again. However, a cold snap can kill off a swarm before it can start a new colony.
There are several types of swarming termites, and they all depend on the weather. Generally, subterranean termites swarm after rain, while drywood termites swarm later in the year.
Termites with wings are responsible for seeking mates, laying eggs, and starting new colonies
Termites are social insects that live in colonies that consist of several castes, including workers, soldiers and reproductives. They feed on dead plant material, animal dung, wood, and cellulose. They live inside walls or underground nests. Their reproductive activity occurs in mid-late spring.
During the life cycle, a female termite will lay between 10 and 20 eggs a day. When the egg reaches the stage of nymph, it develops a body lengthened with sexual organs. The nymph then extends its wings twice its length, becoming a winged reproductive. This development is triggered by sunlight. During this period, the nymph is fed regurgitated food for two weeks.
As the nymph ages, it can turn into a worker or a soldier. The body of a worker is slightly smaller than that of a soldier, and the head of a soldier is shorter. The body is light caramel in colour.
A soldier is large and armed with a large set of mandibles. It can be a light or dark brown in colour. Its job is to defend the colony from other invading species. It has no eyes, but its mandibles are powerful enough to crush other invaders.
A termite nymph is usually born without wings. When the nymph molts, it becomes a worker. After a few days, it will become a soldier. During a swarm, it becomes a reproductive. It is then responsible for mating, laying eggs, and starting new colonies.
During the swarm, termites will emerge from the nest, flying out to seek new homes. Normally, these swarms occur during warmer, rainier periods. Occasionally, a swarm will emerge earlier if the colony’s food supply runs low. These swarms are sometimes eaten by other insects.
Swarming termites can be quite unpleasant, but they are essential to the success of the colony. These termites emerge from the swarm tubes made by worker termites. They can be collected and identified by a pest control service or a cooperative extension center.
Unlike other insects, termites do not often venture out of their nests. They live and work in underground nests. They are very busy, spending 24 hours a day caring for their colony.
Signs of a termite infestation
Termite infestations can be a big problem for homeowners. These tiny insects can cause billions of dollars of damage to your home. There are many signs that you can look for that will tell you if you have a problem.
One of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes are made by termites from their saliva. They are used by these insect pests to hydrate and protect themselves. They are usually found in areas that are shaded. They are also often hidden behind baseboards and siding.
Another sign of a termite infestation is the formation of termite tunnels. These tubes extend from the ground to the infested wood. They are most obvious on concrete. They are also found near foundational cracks.
The other common early warning sign of a termite infestation is a pile of discarded wings. These are produced by reproductive termites when they are trying to find a mate. They then shed their wings to form a new colony. They are also attracted to light.
If you see a pile of discarded wings or other early warning signs of a termite infestation, you should call a professional pest control company immediately. The longer you wait to have these pests controlled, the bigger the damage that can be caused.
Other less obvious signs of a termite infestation are the bulging of walls and the sagging of floors. These problems are more likely to occur in older homes. You may also notice that doors or windows will not open properly. You might also see warped or cracked wood.
In addition, you might notice a trail of wood in your home. This is a sign that termites are moving around and eating away at your home.
Other more minor signs of a termite infestation include paint that is bubbling or peeling. Termite infestations can be very difficult to detect without professional help. If you have any questions about termite detection, visit the termite control page for more information. These tips can help you save thousands of dollars on repairs.
Treatment options for flying termites
Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home. They can be particularly destructive when you find swarms of flying termites in your house. These insects are difficult to deal with, but there are treatments that you can use.
First, you need to know where you have a problem. Termites are attracted to light and moisture. This means that you should make sure that you have any lights turned down as much as possible. If your house has a lot of windows, you should also use blinds to block the light coming in.
Next, you need to find out where the termites are nesting. Most colonies are hidden in crevices and cracks. You can find out where they are by checking inside and outside your house. You may be able to see signs of a termite colony in your attic or basement.
You can also buy nematodes as a source of pest control. Using these worms is an effective way of getting rid of termites. However, they won’t kill the flying termites directly. You need to apply nematodes around your property at least twice a week. Keeping a nematode barrier around your house will help prevent future termites from taking over.
If you suspect you have a termite problem, you can spray the area with orange oil. This is a highly effective insecticide and it will kill both drywood and subterranean termites.
You can also apply boric acid to the areas where you suspect the flying termites are. This compound can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your house or sprinkled into the soil where you suspect termites are living. This will kill the flying termites and stop the ones that are already in your home from coming back.
In addition to the tips mentioned above, you can also consider hiring a pest control company to help you get rid of your flying termites. It is important to focus on eliminating colonies rather than treating individual insects.
Keeping your house clean and ensuring that your foundation is free from debris can also prevent flying termites from entering your home. You should also avoid storing wooden containers on your lawn.