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Do Termites Fly? – Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Termites

Do Termites Fly? – Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Termites

So, do termites fly? The short answer is yes.

Subterranean termites are one of the most common termites in Australia that can fly. Flying termites are also called alates. Their tasks are to help propagate the clan and multiply into millions of other termites.

When you see flying termites around your home, it means that you probably have a termite infestation. As a property owner, you must have several questions. In this article, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

Do termites have wings?

Not all termites have wings except for the alates. The alates are considered the Queens in the termite colony. They are responsible for reproducing more termites in the home.

How do flying termites get into your house?

One of the most common ways for termites to enter your home is through woods that are somehow connected to the ground. For example, termites can transfer from an infected tree that is 100 meters away by following the smell of rotting wood in your home. They will dig tunnels on the ground and utilize wooden foundations to get into your home. Termites would use their antennae to detect food sources that are nearby. If they sense that your home is a viable option, they will eventually go inside your home.

What do flying termites look like?

Flying termites look like flying ants and are often mistaken for one except that flying termites have translucent bodies. Most termite species also vary from ¼ to 3/8 inches in size, which make them bigger than ants. They have two pairs of wings that are of the same size.

Why do flying termites swarm?

Termites swarm to breed and start new colonies anywhere there is a food source in your home. They often infest windowsills, doors, beams, and other crawlspaces. Light can also attract flying termites, which is why they would often swarm to your lighting when the rest of the areas are dark. However, this could be a good opportunity to trap them. When you see a swarm of flying termites, you can use a termiticide spray to kill them.

Do termites die after shedding their wings?

No. Termites shed their wings when they have mated and found a new location to settle. This phenomenon only signifies that they are ready to begin a new life again.

Do termites shed their wings?

Yes. After they have succeeded in mating with other termites, they eventually lose their wings. It signifies that they’re done mating and are about to settle in a new place to build a colony. While the winged termites only last for a day or two, they first produce larvae before they die. These larvae could multiply into hundreds and thousands of other termites in your home.

How long do termites live?

It depends on the caste. Workers and soldiers can only live for around 1-2 years. But queen termites can survive for more than a decade when climate conditions are good. Flying termites only last for a few minutes. They only fly for a few short distances and fall to the ground. Once they fall to the ground, they can live for just a day.

What do flying termites eat?

Flying termites eat wood and anything containing cellulose like books, wallpapers, carpet backing, burger packages, boxes, and furniture.

Why do termites shed their wings after mating?

Termites shedding their wings signifies that they’ve found a partner and they’re ready to settle in a new location. After mating, they fertilize and lay new eggs in another place.

What are the different ways to kill flying termites?

There are many ways to kill flying termites such as the following:

  • Liquid termiticide treatment
  • Termite baiting treatment
  • Termite monitoring

Many of you may attempt to DIY termite removal to save money. But we would rather suggest contacting professionals when treating termites in your home. Termiticides contain harmful chemicals that may affect your health.

How can I prevent termites in my home?

There are steps you can take to protect your home. The following are some of the things you can do to prevent termite infestation in your home.

  • Correct moisture issues in your property such as leaks, drainage concerns, and excess condensation because they can attract termites
  • Remove extraneous wood and debris from near your home and your yard, including rotten firewood that may have gotten stuck in your backyard
  • Apply the treatment on the wooden structure in your home or vanish on your furniture
  • Avoid using untreated timber when making home renovations

What are the signs of termite infestation on my property?

There are many ways you can tell if there is termite infestation in your home such as the sudden appearance of termite swarms indoors or frass near wooden foundations in your home. You should also hear a rustling sound when you try to listen to your drywall, which could mean that termites are present behind it. It’s best to get a full termite inspection in your home to ensure the whereabouts of termites in your home.

Do termites bite?

While termite jaws may look capable of biting, they don’t purposely bite people. Termites have poor vision so they may accidentally bite or pinch your skin with their massive mandibles thinking that it is food. Termites are not carnivorous and they will only feed on cellulose found in woods, newspaper, burger packages, and rotten stumps.

Can termites spread viruses or deadly diseases?

Termites can sometimes carry molds and fungus to a tree, which will cause the tree to rot. But they do not transmit diseases to humans. Even so, it’s important to extinguish them because they can cause severe destruction to the wooden structure in your home. It’s best to provide remedy whenever you see signs of termites. Don’t let them spread all over your house. Otherwise, they can eat away at your home in just a short time.

Termite experts at The Local Guys can develop a customized plan to eliminate flying termites in your home. Feel free to contact our team.

What Services Do We Offer?

We offer a bunch of services and treatments to control pest infestation for the masses all across Australia. Our pest control services can manage:

  • Flying insects (wasps, bees, flies, mosquitoes, etc.)
  • Crawling insects (termites, spiders, cockroaches, ants, etc.)
  • Birds and rodents (rats, mice, birds, etc.)


Our team of experts works towards returning your home back to you just so you can resume your life without any disruption or hassle, which is exactly what makes The Local Guys Pest Control Andrews Farm the absolute best in the game!

The Local Guys Pest Control offers pest management services and specialise in comprehensive pest control solutions. Offering thorough inspections for infestations, advice on preventive measures, treatment plans tailored to your needs, and extermination services for various pests. Reach out to The Local Guys Pest Control for more details.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this webpage provides general knowledge about pests and potential treatments. It is important to note that this content is not meant to serve as medical advice. In the case of a medical emergency, please dial 000 promptly and adhere to the provided guidance.

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