Is a Termite with Wings a Red Flag?

As a homeowner in New Jersey, you probably realize the potential threat of a termite infestation and the damage it can cause to your property. When you see the first signs of these pesky insects, it’s time for immediate action. How can you identify a termite with wings from other flying insects, and what’s the best way to deal with them?

You might have seen a termite with wings, and one without, and think they are a different insect. In fact, each species has both winged and non-winged members in their colonies. Termites are social insects with specific castes, and most of those without wings are sterile workers and soldiers.

On the other hand, flying termites are female and male “queens and kings,” and they are the reproductive caste. They are also called alates, and they take to the air to mate and establish new colonies. Male alates seek females to fertilize, and the females are egg-layers. A Fun Fact about a male termite with wings is that, unlike many in the insect world, they stay with the queen for life and continue to reproduce.

The more flying termites you see, the more you will get. Termites multiply quickly which is one reason they are considered such a dangerous pest in North America and around the world. Your best time to call our team at Kapture Pest Control is the first time you notice termite activity—especially during the breeding season.

It’s easy to mistake a flying termite for a flying ant and vice versa. Both are small insects with three-sectioned bodies and six legs. While these insect cousins are usually less than half an inch long, their queens can be significantly larger.

Their Body Shape is an Obvious Identifier

You’ll notice three body parts: the head, thorax (chest), and abdomen. However, termite thoraxes and abdomens are almost the exact same size. Although small, their body parts can be distinguished by the naked eye.

Since flying ants and flying termites have nearly the same dimensions, it’s understandable that many people could mistake one for the other. If the insect’s abdomen and thorax are about the same size, you know you’re looking at a termite. Flying ant thoraxes are larger than their abdomens and they have a tiny “waist” whereas the body of a termite is pretty straight.

Color

Scientists have discovered that there are at least 2,000 species of termites with wings, and at least 50 of them live in America. They may differ slightly in size and color. Some may be dark brown or black, deep red, pale tan, or nearly white. The species’ environment, diet, and colony health often dictate shade variances.

Wings

A termite with wings may be an ugly business, but they do have attractive wings. Each of their four wings is slightly longer than an inch, extending past their abdomen—all roughly the same size. Their translucent wings are veined like a stained-glass window. On the other hand flying ants also have four wings, but the front two are longer than the back wings.

Antennae

All insects have antennae that act as sensory organs and for navigation. A flying termite has long antennae that are straight or slightly curved. Flying ants also have long antennae, but theirs are kinked.

The last thing you want to face in your New Jersey backyard is a swarm of termites. There may be certain conditions in your area that attract them. These are a few examples to consider.

Light

Take a glance at your porch-light on a warm summer’s evening, and you’ll see how it’s the gathering spot for many insects. It’s because most flying insects, including a termite with wings, are attracted to light, both outside and inside. Swarms of termites will try to enter homes and other buildings if they see bright lights.

If you notice flying termites invading your home in the evening, try turning out the lights. Open the door, turn on your porch lights, and they’ll usually fly toward that light. Using outdoor lighting sparingly during the termite mating season is always a good idea.

It’s important to note that once they’re inside your home, they avoid the light and prefer to stay underground or within the wooden mud tubes. The exterior lights only serve as an open invitation for a new place to feed.

Warm Weather and Humidity

Everything you enjoy about warm summer months also attracts flying termites. These airborne pests are in full swing during late spring into summer. They’re especially apt to swarm in warm, moist conditions after rainfall.

Unseasonably warm springs and heavier rainfall can also initiate an earlier termite mating season. Also, the timing for the mating season will be later if winter lingers and spring arrives late in the year. If the conditions are right, look for swarms of termites mingled in with other pests trying to invade your home.

How can you be prepared for an oncoming plague of swarming termites? Your local county extension office may have updated information. If you are on social media, you might see posts about swarm sightings in your area.

Termites are social insects, and they have an excellent form of communication. When a member of a swarm of termites locates a rich source of wood, the news spreads quickly. Your home and other wooden structures can become a virtual banquet to a colony of destructive insects.

One of the most infamous species is the subterranean termite. Once they’ve spotted a potential food source, they’ll establish a new colony underground and sneak into your foundation. If left untreated, these harmful pests can burrow into your walls and weaken the structure, to the point of collapse.

A termite with wings likes to stay hidden and often burrows into wooden areas of your home you can’t readily check. They are fond of inaccessible spaces like inside walls, under foundations, and tight attic eves. It pays for you to inspect these areas closely for any signs of termite damage or swarms. If you need help with this, give us a call—termites are one of our specialties.

Bring a flashlight with you and a ladder, if necessary. Inspect all beams and other wooden structures for tiny holes or wave patterns. These are usually tell-tale signs of a flying termite infestation. Tap on walls and boards to see if they sound hollow or weak and pliable.

If you notice any warning signs, you must act as soon as possible. Flying termites will destroy any wooden structures in their path. They can quickly cause a hazardous situation and demolish a house or other wooden buildings.

All of them, including a termite with wings, are innately drawn to wet, rotting, and decaying wood. Their sensitive antennae detect moisture and a possible food source. After all, moisture makes wood soft—it’s much easier to chew on! They can also sense fungi, certain mold spores that are common in wood, and anything made from it.

Termites must depend on their other senses because they have underdeveloped eyes and are nearly blind. Many termite species are born without eyes. However, they can easily navigate and find food sources.

Their bodies secrete minute chemicals that leave an invisible trail wherever they roam. They use these trails to navigate back to their colonies. The chemical also acts as a way for them to mark wooden food sources for their territory to infest.

If you’ve inspected and discovered a termite with wings or signs of infestation, there are home remedies that you may try. These remedies might deter pests or kill some, but they are just bandages over a more significant issue. Our professional exterminators have more efficient ways of dealing with an infestation the right way, and your results will be well worth the cost.

1. Boric Acid

Boric acid is one inexpensive remedy used to kill pests for generations. You can buy it in most hardware and department stores, and it comes in powder form. Sprinkle a line of boric acid wherever you notice any flying termite activity.

Or sprinkle some on a piece of damp wood to act as bait. The winged pests will be drawn to the bait and ingest the powder. Boric acid dehydrates them, and they quickly die. You’ll soon see dead flying termites scattered around the areas of activity.

Boric acid is highly poisonous when ingested by humans or animals. Please don’t use it around small children or pets. Sweep up dead termites and excess powder immediately, so there’s no accidents where a little one or a fur friend gets into the mixture.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

If you want a safer alternative to boric acid, try diatomaceous earth or DE. It’s the powdered remains of microscopic marine fossils. It doesn’t cost much and is easy to find in farming equipment stores or online.

Sprinkle DE liberally around areas where you see live termites or their activity. As they travel through the powder, it gets on their bodies and puts microscopic slits in their exoskeletons. They dry out and die soon after contact.

The good thing about DE is that it’s harmless to people, animals, and plants. It won’t stain furniture or textiles. The only precaution is to wear a mask when spreading it in large quantities so you don’t inhale it.

3. White Vinegar

Your pantry has many ingredients that are safe for you but bad news for a termite with wings and all the rest of them too. Add ½ cup white vinegar and ½ cup fresh lemon juice in a small spray bottle and shake well. Spray wherever you see termite activity and repeat as needed.

If you’ve eliminated termites in your home,, take measures to prevent a re-infestation. Keep your home moisture-free and eliminate wet wood. You might also consider installing a dehumidifier in areas of your house that naturally draws moisture.

Clean away brush and any dead debris around your foundation and the rest of your property. These can be tempting to flying termites and can draw them into your house. Before long, you’ll have an uncontrollable infestation that’s costly to remedy.

It’s only natural to want your New Jersey home to be free of pests, health hazards, and expensive damages. Our team of experienced exterminators can help you deal with termite colonies or any termite with wings on your property. Let us help you preserve your home and keep it pest-free.

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