Flying Termites? Time For A Termite Inspection

I bet you knew that termites could crawl, munch wood and tunnel underground, but did you know some of them can fly? In this blog, we will tell you a little more about flying termites and why they can spell trouble for you and your home.

Flying termites (also known as alates or swarmers) are winged reproductive termites that leave their colonies to start new ones. Flying termites are usually spotted in summer during warm, humid conditions.

From late November to the middle of February, flying termites begin to emerge in swarms. The best time to spot them is around five or six o’clock in the evening, just before an impending storm. You may also spot them swarming around light sources or dead on the ground the next day.

The colour of flying termites varies depending on the species, but they’re usually red, beige, black or dark brown. They have six legs, straight antennae and a thick, elongated body without segments. Flying termites have four pale-coloured wings (a front and back pair) which are all the same length.

Yes! Flying termites are winged menaces. They are the future kings and queens of new termite nests searching to expand and conquer. The presence of flying termites indicates that there are large numbers of termites on or around your property.

A single termite nest can have as many as four swarms during summer. So, if you spot flying termites around your home, its likely your property has a termite infestation. If you don’t act quickly these flying pests can drastically increase termite populations and cause significant structural damage to your home.

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to properties worldwide every year. Unfortunately, termite infestations can go unnoticed for years, causing extensive damage to the wooden structures of your home. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and preserve the structural integrity of your home.

Ignoring the presence of flying termites can lead to costly repairs down the road, so it pays to act quickly! By the time you see flying termites, the colony may have been active for quite some time. It’s always best to contact a professional building and pest inspector so they can identify the extent of your termite infestation and suggest a suitable treatment plan.

You can trust Signature Inspections & Pest Management! Our experienced team use cutting edge technologies, including thermal imaging, borescope and moisture metres, to inspect every inch of your home for signs of termite activity. Compliant with all relevant Australian Standards, we provide thorough inspections and offer range of effective pest management solutions.

If you've spotted flying termites around your property, call us for a termite inspection today. Remember, the sooner you address the issue, the less damage these destructive pests can cause!