Winged or alate termites are also known as the swarming termites. While these flying termites can look quite intimidating, they really don’t cause any structural damage to your home or building. Their sudden appearance, however, is a warning sign that it’s time for a professional inspection. So how can you identify them based on their color?
What Are Flying Termites?
Termite swarms, unfortunately, are common and necessary for the survival and dispersal of termites. When swarming termites, or alates, make their way out of a nest inside a home, they will attempt to squeeze through wall and foundation cracks to reach air for the first time.
The swarming termites are attracted to light, so they can often be found near light fixtures and/or windows. Termites will swarm only after a colony reaches a specific size and the weather conditions are ideal for flight. If you see a swarm of termites near your home, then it likely indicates that there is a well-established colony of termites already inside your home.
Winged termites, however, are not the same as the termites that can cause damage to your home. The flying termites are larger than the worker termites. These termites will also appear darker with compound eyes. The worker termites are smaller, white, and blind.
Flying termites will wait until conditions are ideal to leave their colony in search of a new area to infest. The typical termite colony can produce anywhere from hundreds to thousands of swarmer termites.
When Will Termites With Wings Swarm?
The flight timing will vary by subgroup. Subterranean termites, for example, will swarm during the springtime and in daylight. Drywood termites won’t swarm until late summer or early fall. Dampwood termites tend to swarm during the summer.
Regardless of subgroup, all termites will wait until a day after a rain shower and when the winds are very low. Damp soil aids in the nest-building process for newly paired mates, and humidity will offer better survival rates. It is possible for termites to swarm indoors purely by accident.
What Color Are Winged Termites?
Homeowners are likely to find flying termites, which are also referred to as Swarmers.
Typically, Swarmers will emerge in the spring and summer. They will take flight in large groups, searching for mates and new nests.
The wings of swarmer termites are typically colorless. However, the number of veins in the wings will offer a clue related to the species. For instance, drywood termites have three major veins, while Formosan, subterranean, and some dampwood termites have two major veins.
Can Flying Termites Be Black?
Yes, swarmer termites can sometimes be black in color. Swarmers of the most common species, subterranean termites, will have black bodies and veined wings.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
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