The most common type of termite in the United States, subterranean termites, are infamous for their underground activities. While the idea of a termite tunneling through mud tubes, dry wood, or subterranean normally comes to mind first, you may be unaware and may be wondering. Do Termites fly? This is a rather regular occurrence. What should you do if you come across flying termites? Continue reading to find out and call our termite treatment specialists at (317) 943-4008 now for a free pest treatment quotation!

Here’s what you should know. These pests can remain concealed and wreak damage for years without being noticed, resulting in costly structural repairs due to termite damage. However, one critical warning sign could alarm you before it’s too late: flying termites. These winged mites around your property, also known as termite swarmers, could be an indication of far worse problems.

So, Can Termites Fly?

Yes, certain ones can fly, but not all of them. Termites of several species can fly during their reproductive stage, however, only one caste of them possesses wings. Because of the way they fly in groups, these winged pests are known as “alates” or “swarmers.” These winged termites can only fly for a short distance and only at certain times of the year. The winged mites shed their wings after landing.

What Is the Appearance of a Flying Termite?

The colors of flying termites vary depending on the species, although they are often the same beige/tan color as the other termite castes. They have two straight antennae and two equal-length pairs of wings. The wings are white and translucent, with veining.

Termites can be classified based on their body shape. Both flying termites and wingless termites have one-part thick bodies. They lack the constriction that ants have between their thorax and abdomen. Termite swarmers usually are darker in color, however, this varies by species.

What Exactly Are Termite Swarmers?

Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are flying mites whose primary function in life is reproduction. These future termite kings and queens will swarm when they emerge from tubes made by worker mites in search of ideal spots for their new colonies.

Swarmers of termites are an uncomfortable sight for any property owner. If you suspect you have witnessed a termite swarm near your property, we strongly advise contacting a termite control professional. When the temperature is warm, these mites normally begin to swarm in spring’s early, often wet days. They pack in response to environmental cues and also coordinate with other termite colonies of the same species to limit the likelihood of inbreeding.

The time of day when termite swarms appear is determined by the termite species. Subterranean termites swarm mostly during the day, while Formosan termites swarm at night.

Whistler’s Termite Control

Termite swarms are short-lived because termites are poor fliers. They rely on the wind to move them and so rarely travel far from their initial nests. Because winged mites are particularly attracted to light sources, they can frequently be spotted swarming around street lamps, windows, and other light sources. To schedule a property termite inspection, call Whistler Pest Exterminators right away at (317) 943-4008 or visit our website. On our website, you can also find out if Termites Are A Bigger Issue in the Colder Months.