How Termites Shed Their Wings During Spring

Termites are usually thought of as ground dwelling pests, but there are actually several different types of termites. One type, the flying termite, is highly problematic. If you see them, you need to act quickly to protect your home.

During spring, when the weather is warm and sunny, termite colonies swarm. This is a signal that the colony is ready to start a new colony. These swarms can occur both indoors and outdoors.

During a swarm, termites fly from the colony to a new location. Thousands of termites can be landed on a single spot, but only a small percentage will survive and produce a new colony.

When a swarm flies out, it leaves a trail of frass. The frass is made of the droppings of other termite workers. It can be a little hard to see, but if you are close enough to the swarm, you can observe these termite traces. If you do not want to be affected, you need to be prepared to move out as soon as you see them.

During a swarm, the wings of the termite swarmers are smoky-gray. They are 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. These swarmers are poor fliers, so only a few will make it to the surface. They will die within hours of dehydration.

Termite swarms can be very scary to some people. These swarms of termites can damage the wood of your home. The best way to prevent swarms is to seal soffit vents. You can also try to reduce the amount of light coming into your home. Use curtains or blinds to block any light.

Continue reading:

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