As if termites weren't enough of a nightmare, there is also the possibility of contending with flying termites. While this kind of pest usually prefers to be hidden in order to continue feeding on your home, any significant increase in temperature combined with heavy rain can cause swarms of flying termites to surface.

Thankfully, thorough termite inspections can help you identify and start getting rid of these costly and damaging pests. There are simply a few steps you need to take.

Identifying Flying Termites Visually

Flying termites typically have bodies that are pale brown to light gold. Their wings are quite transparent, with two large 3-centimetre wings on each side. Their actual bodies will be around a fourth to half an inch long.

You should note that they have longitudinal veins on their wings and similar veins on the thorax. They will have six legs and two very minute antennae on their head. You will find them in warm climates, producing upwards of thirty thousand eggs a day.

Make sure you don't get them confused with flying ants, which are similar in form but can be differently characterised by their wing shape. Flying ants will have larger front wings compared to their back ones, whereas termites have equally sized wings throughout. Flying ants also have more significantly bent antennae.

Spotting Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites like to colonise inside of your home's foundations, beams and wooden floors, so it's common to find falling paint, chipping paint, cracks, and large holes throughout your home's structure. They often sip moisture through small openings in walls and floors as well as leftover bugs, so feeding remains and fecal matter is visible proof of an infestation.

If you find swarms of termites flying around during an increase in temperature and rain, there is a high likelihood that your home has a termite infestation.

Other hot spots are any light source that may attract them, leaky pipes, and rotting wood.

Getting Rid of Flying Termites

The important thing is to get flying termites out of your house before they drop their wings. Once they do that, they are ready to start their colony. Pest solutions can be much more troublesome when you are already dealing with a crowded infestation.

So, you want to root them out properly before they can get comfortable. If you see any swarms, make sure you have no openings and entryways to your home. Direct any stragglers that have entered the outside as soon as possible.

Let the scent of tea tree oil and cinnamon waft out because termites have been known to dislike these smells. Then, set up a termite barrier system to prevent them from burrowing underground. What you want is to trap them so you can drive them out before they start eating your home.

If you are already dealing with an infestation, you will need to bring in professionals to start treating the problem.

Conclusion

Termites are a horrifying thought, and all the more so when they are flying around your home. It is essential to be wary of the possibility of termite swarms and take the necessary precautions to prevent them from becoming an infestation.

A thorough termite inspection is the first step to getting rid of these invasive pests and should help you to fix the problem as soon as possible.

If you’re having a termite problem, contact Roach Busters. We conduct expert pest control and termite inspections in Sydney.