Buzz Attack: Understanding and Combating the Menace of Flying Termites

A sudden invasion of winged termites fluttering around doors, windows or light fixtures can be incredibly disconcerting, but the sight doesn't necessarily mean you're facing a full-blown termite infestation. The flying insects, also known as alates, are termite reproductive members on the lookout for partners to breed with and create new colonies. However, their presence does call for quick action to prevent potential damage, says Tony King, a pest control expert.

Identifying these airborne termites and knowing how to handle their presence can be critical in preventing looming problems. Steven Dupuy, termite technical services manager at Terminix, explains that these flying termites have the sole obligation of leaving their home colony, finding mates, locating other suitable sites and establishing new colonies that might grow into thousands or even millions of termites.

King points out that signs of a potentially worrying termite invasion include seeing swarms of these flying invaders indoors or nearby your home, especially around light sources. If these winged termites are inside your property, it could suggest the presence of an active colony within the structure.

Trent Frazer, an entomologist, notes that the presence of mud tubes on walls, foundations or crawl spaces could also be an indication of termite activity as these structures facilitate their movement. Dr. Tracy Ellis, an award-winning entomologist at FarmSense, adds that finding discarded wings could indicate mating and the commencement of a new emerging termite colony's establishment stage.

Once you notice a termite swarm emerging within your home, Damian Marcelo, a certified entomologist, advises noting the swarm's source, collecting some samples for identification, and swiftly reaching out to a pest management professional to inspect your home. Infestations often come from existing colonies that have been growing for several years and typically release swarmers in spring or early summer when conditions are favorable for their reproduction.

King further states that homes with certain conditions such as drainage problems, leaks, wood-soil contact or excess moisture and poor ventilation in certain areas like basements or crawl spaces are more attractive to termites. Households in regions known for termite activity like the Southeast, California, and parts of the Midwest with no proper termite barrier or annual inspections are at higher risk.

For the outdoor swarms, there’s not much to do as they often end quickly, and the termites either retreat back underground or become prey to other animals, says Marcelo.

According to King, termite management involves two phases: short-term relief with aerosol insecticides for immediate control, and long-term elimination by treating the primary colony. Temporary relief can also be achieved through natural or eco-friendly means like using soapy water to trap and kill them.

However, addressing the main colony is a top priority and may require professional intervention. Subterranean termite control often involves professional application of a non-repellent termiticide that termites carry back to their nest. Alternatively, termite baiting systems can lure workers to retrieve slow-acting poison, eventually reaching and decimating the entire colony.

King and Dupuy both agree that some treatments requiring special equipment and drillings into slabs and foundations are best left to professionals who have the necessary protective gear and knowledge to keep everyone safe.

For homeowners, besides adopting measures like annual inspections, remembering that the appearance of a few flying termites is not necessarily a cause for panic is key. However, their sight should not be taken lightly, as it is usually a sign that there's a mature colony somewhere close, potentially causing unseen damage. Therefore, fast action, such as seeking out licensed professional pest control companies for inspections and quotes is advisable, Ellis concludes.