Termites With Wings – Why Do They Have Them?

Seeing termites and your home is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Termites cause billions of dollars in damages to homes across America, making them one of the most destructive pests in the United States. Taking preventive measures to eliminate a termite infestation before it takes hold is crucial. One unmistakable indication that you may have a termite infestation or one looming in the near future is the sight of a swarm of winged termites in your yard.

Why Do Termites Have Wings?

Though not all termites have wings, the ones that do use them to fly and establish new colonies. Winged termites can be male or female and are often called “swarmers”, because they will congregate in large numbers to reproduce. If there is a place nearby for them to settle into after swarming, they will start building nests and galleries. Unfortunately, that means your home is more vulnerable to an infestation if you notice winged termites on your property.

What is a Termite Swarm?

A termite swarm is a large group of flying termites. Termite swarms occur once a colony has matured and is ready to send out reproductive termites to breed and establish new colonies. When it is time to leave the colony, the winged termites, or alalates, will wait for the optimum weather conditions to take flight, create a swarm and search for a new place to call home. After a heavy rain, the female reproductive termites prepare to swarm by releasing pheromones to attract male termites to breed and create a new colony.  Drywood termites will often swarm in the late summer or fall whereas subterranean termites are known to swarm in the spring. 

Although swarming termites do not directly cause damage to your home, they are on a mission to establish new colonies and seek out new sources of food. This is why it is crucial to act promptly by contacting a professional exterminator as soon as you observe termite swarms around your home. By taking action early, you can prevent your home from becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for these destructive pests.

Signs You May Have Termites

When dealing with termites, it is important to recognize the early signs of a termite infestation. Catching an infestation quickly can save you a great deal of frustration and prevent expensive repairs. Here are several common indicators of a termite infestation to watch out for:

• Swarms: Seeing swarms of termites is a clear sign there is an active colony nearby that is looking to establish more colonies. If you see a termite swarm, it is time to call the exterminator! 

• Discarded wings: Once termites are finished swarming and have established their new colony they will shed their wings. You may find wings around window sills or other areas where termites may enter your home.

• Wood damage: When most people think of termites, the first thing they think about is wood damage. As termites feed on the wood in your home, you may notice darkening or blisters on your floors or walls and soft or hollow areas.

• Droppings: Termite droppings are commonly called frass and look like small piles of sawdust. Finding termite droppings is a clear sign of a large infestation and should not be ignored.

• Mud tubes: Termites will build mud tubes along the exterior of your home so that they do not dry out while going between their colonies and your home.

American Pest Management- Trusted Termite Exterminators for Over 43 Years

Termites pose a significant threat to the integrity of your home, causing extensive damage to its wooden structures and resulting in costly repairs. Once termites have established a colony in or around your home they can be costly and difficult to fully eliminate. That’s why it is crucial to take a proactive approach when it comes to termite extermination: seeing a swarm of termites around your yard is a clear sign that you may have a termite problem in your future.

If you suspect you may have termites, it is important to call a trusted, experienced exterminator to deal with any infestation quickly and effectively to prevent damage to your beautiful home. At American Pest Management, we have proudly been keeping homes termite free for over 43 years in Manhattan, Kansas City Metro and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote!