Why Do Drywood Termites Lose Their Wings?
Termites are social insects that can live in construction materials, logs, stumps, and wooden structures. They are found in woodpiles and can even live in the soil. They are known for their ability to swarm and reproduce. The cost of termite damage is estimated at $5 billion each year. Fortunately, termite swarming can be controlled and prevented with a treatment.
Termite swarming can be a very dangerous situation if it occurs in your home. You should contact a pest control professional to evaluate the issue. A whole house termite inspection can reveal the type of termite and their nests.
There are two types of flying termites: reproductives and alates. Reproductives swarm from the colony and mate with other members of the colony to form a new colony. They can swarm both day and night, but swarming is most common in the midday when the temperatures are warm.
In order to survive, reproductives must mate during swarming. Only a small percentage of reproductives will survive and produce a new colony. The other majority will die.
If you discover a large number of winged termites in your home, it is an indication that you have an infestation. There are three body parts in a termite: a worm-like body, six legs, and two antennae.
The wings are translucent and come in a variety of colors. A swarm of 50 or more is an indicator of a major infestation. A termite swarm is an important sign of a colony’s maturity.