See Flying Termites – Read This Action Plan
What Are Flying Termites?
Flying termites, or “swarmers,” appear as seasons change and humidity rises, typically in the spring and early summer. During cooler months, termites are hidden, silently feeding and expanding their colonies. By the time you notice these swarmers, termites may have been active in your home for months.
High heat followed by rain encourages termite swarms, which can bring tens of thousands of flying termites. While the sight of so many termites can be alarming, the actual chance of them establishing a new colony nearby is relatively low.
These swarmers are simply looking for light, which is why you often see them around light fixtures in your home.
The Hills District is surrounded by bushland and it is a beautiful place to live and it is where termites like to live as well. All you need to do is drive up Windsor Road towards Rouse Hill , and have a look at the medium strip. You can see dozens of termite mounds.
Imagine what is in the bushland where there is even more food sources for them.
What to Do if You See Flying Termites
Don’t Panic! Your home is not under a termite attack!
Seeing flying termites is a reminder to take action, not a reason to freak out and get sucked in to buy an expensive termite system
Here are some simple steps to ensure your home stays protected:
- Stay Current on Inspections: If it’s been a while since your last termite inspection, now is a good time to schedule one. Annual inspections by a licensed technician are key to catching potential issues early.
- Watch the Weather: Termites tend to swarm on warm, humid nights, so noticing them during this season is typical.
- Identify Properly: Take a closer look at them – Are the wings all the same size? Are they flying in a ‘swarm’ or all over the place? Are their antennas straight or bent? Is their body evenly sized or is their waist smaller? Flying ants and flying termites might look similar but are very different in physical shape making it easier for you to identify.
What Not to Do
While it’s tempting to tackle the issue yourself, certain actions can make treatment more difficult down the line:
- Avoid Spraying: Spraying swarmers might kill visible termites, but it won’t impact the colony itself and could complicate future treatment.
- Don’t Block Their Exit Points: If termites are flying from a hole in your walls, avoid sealing it. Blockages can cause termites to burrow through new areas, potentially worsening damage.
- Don’t Disturb Mud Trails: If you notice mud tubes or trails, don’t disrupt them. This can interfere with a technician’s assessment and disrupt their professional treatment plan.
Is My Home at Risk?
Flying termites don’t automatically mean your home is infested, but they’re a good reminder to stay proactive. An annual termite inspection by a professional is your best safeguard, catching any potential issues before they become costly. Prevention may seem like an upfront investment, but the cost of extensive termite treatment and repairs can be far higher.
How Can I Protect My Home?
Making sure you are doing your annual termite inspections is the only true starting point, and taking the advise of your technician for future preventions such as:
- Refilling your reticulation system in a timely manner
- If you have a baiting system ensuring you are booking in your technician for regular monitoring
- If you have no termite barrier, it maybe time to invest in one.
When Should I Start Treatment?
There’s no wrong time to start preventative measures, but don’t wait until you see swarmers to take action.
By the time flying termites appear, there may already be damage. Begin preventative steps now to protect your property, year-round.
At So Pest Off, we’re here to help you make informed, proactive choices about termite protection, without the scare tactics.
Contact us for reliable inspections and effective, honest solutions.
