Why Termites Shed Wings
WouterTermites shed wings for a number of reasons. Termites are primarily reproductive insects and flight is an important part of their reproduction process.
During the spring, termites begin to prepare to fly. They build new colonies near food sources. They use wood to create these new colonies. They produce reproductives called nymphs. These nymphs develop into swarmers, and are then ready to fly. The swarmers then leave the nest to find a suitable place to start a new colony.
When a flying termite enters your home, it may swarm in numbers. They are not very fast, but they are drawn to light. The lights in your house should be turned off and curtains should be opened.
Usually, you will find these swarmers in the daytime, although they can also be found at night. During the day, they will flutter around looking for a new place to settle. If they cannot escape the house, they die. They can be spotted on window sills, or they can be found in the house as dead insects.
If you see termites flying, it is important to get them out of the house as quickly as possible. You should remove any damaged wood, and seal any cracks or crevices that might allow them in. If you can’t remove them, you should contact a pest control service.
The most common type of termite in the United States is the subterranean termite. It is highly active during the warm weather.
