Spotting flying insects around your home can be unsettling, but it’s even more alarming when those insects look like termites with wings. Many homeowners wonder: do termites actually fly, or are they just another type of pest? The truth is, not all termites have wings, but when you do see them, it’s a red flag.
Flying termites, also known as “swarmers,” are reproductive termites that leave their colony to start new ones. Their presence is one of the most explicit warnings that a termite infestation is active or about to spread. In this blog, we’ll break down what winged termites are, what they look like, why they appear, and what you should do if you spot them near your home.
Do Termites Fly? Yes, They’re Called Swarmers
Flying termites, often called alates or swarmers, mark the start of termite season—and a possible infestation. Termite swarmers’ primary role is reproduction. Termite colonies will produce winged termites that fly away to mate and form their own colonies. Swarming often happens in the springtime when temperatures rise, but colonies are active year-round (yes, even in the winter). It takes 3–6 years for a colony to produce flying termites, so if you see a swarm or the signs of a swarm, there has probably been some extensive termite activity nearby for some time. Flying termites drop their wings when fertilized, which means if you see a bunch of little wings, you have several fertilized termites about to lay eggs.
Here are answers to 5 frequently asked questions regarding termites with wings:
1. What Do Flying Termites Look Like?
Flying termites are small, only about ¼”–⅜ of an inch in length. They have 2 straight antennae, 4 transparent wings, and are darker in color than worker termites. However, their wings are white or transparent with a veiny appearance. Their bodies’ darker color helps them retain moisture to leave the colony. They fly at night to prevent the sun from zapping their bodies dry. Below is a picture of a termite with wings to help you identify it:
Termite swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are a few key differences:
| Trait | Flying Ants | Winged Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Two pairs of wings, unequal in length | Two pairs of wings of equal length |
| Antennae | Elbowed at a 90-degree angle | Straight |
| Body Texture | Hard and shiny | Smooth and soft |
| Waist | 3 body segments with a narrow waist | 2 body segments with a broad waist |
2. What Are the Signs of Winged Termites?
The most significant indicators of flying termites are discarded wings in the house or seeing the insects themselves swarming near lights or windows. You also may notice the following:
- Mud tubes between sources of moisture and termite food sources.
- Wood damage. Knock on beams and other wood materials to determine if they sound hollow.
- Uneven or bubbling paint over wood floors or walls.
- Frass, which are small wood-colored chips excreted by termites.
3. Do Winged Termites Eat Wood?
No, flying termites do not eat wood. Their offspring, the worker termites, consume wood to feed the colony. Winged termites are solely responsible for reproducing and starting a new colony. Once they find a partner, they will mate, drop to the ground, lose their wings, and find a place to build a nest for their new colony. The two mated termites form a “train,” with the female leading, and dash across the ground to search for their new home.
4. Where Do Winged Termites Come From?
Termites with wings come from a nearby, underground nest. They’ll emerge from tree stumps, cracks in a building foundation, or from the ground after a rainstorm or during warm weather. If you see winged termites outdoors, they’re likely from a colony outside. However, if you see wings in your home or flying termites indoors, you could be dealing with an infestation under your property.
5. Are Flying Termites Bad?
Flying termites aren’t harmful to humans since they do not bite or sting. However, their presence is a warning sign of a bigger issue: a possible termite infestation. Anywhere you find winged termites, a mature termite colony is nearby, which poses a significant threat to your property’s structure. If they find a new place to call home, you’re at risk of another colony forming at your property. Even though termites with wings don’t eat wood, their offspring do, and they came from a colony that could be slowly destroying your home or business’s structure.
If you find swarmers, you can’t simply kill them to prevent an infestation. They indicate that an infestation is already happening and could continue if they find a new home. Fortunately, you can take steps to eliminate both winged termites and the infestation they indicate.
How to Get Rid of Termites With Wings
If you notice flying termites in or around your property, you can do a few immediate things to get rid of them:
- Turn off the lights both inside and outside to avoid attracting termites with wings.
- Seal any entry points, such as gaps or cracks around the doors, vents, or windows.
- Vacuum flying termites to remove them indoors and dispose of them outside.
These steps are simply quick fixes for winged termites. You can best call a professional pest control company to inspect your home or business for termites. If you see flying termites, act quickly. Early action can stop them from building a new colony and help you locate the one they came from. In a place like Southern California, termites are common due to the warm weather year-round. Preventive Pest Control is a trusted name for pest control in Orange County and pest control in the Inland Empire. We’ll conduct a thorough termite inspection and deliver aggressive treatment to ensure they are 100% eliminated from your environment.
For long-term prevention of termites with wings, you can do the following:
- Keep mulch away from your foundation. Termites are attracted to moist, organic material, and mulch placed too close to your home creates the perfect environment for them to thrive.
- Store firewood away from your property. Piles of firewood or lumber near your home act like a buffet for termites. Keep them at least 20 feet from your house and off the ground if possible.
- Maintain drainage systems. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling near your foundation, which reduces the damp soil conditions termites love.
- Reduce excess moisture. Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces and fix leaky pipes quickly to make your home less attractive to termites.
- Try DIY methods like orange oil for termites. Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is toxic to termites. It can be injected directly into infested wood as a spot treatment.
- Schedule regular inspections. Professional inspections can spot early signs of termite activity before they become costly infestations.
Be Aggressive With Termites With Wings to Prevent Costly Damage
Seeing termites with wings is never something to ignore. These swarmers are warning signs that a colony is nearby or a new one is about to begin. Acting quickly to identify them, implementing prevention steps, and seeking professional help when needed can save you from thousands of dollars in structural damage.
For homeowners in Southern California, where the warm climate creates ideal conditions for termites, preventive termite control is essential. Scheduling regular inspections, investing in a pest control plan, and staying proactive ensure your home remains protected year-round. By being aggressive, you can safeguard your property and wallet from costly termite infestations. Contact Preventive Pest Control to have peace of mind!