Flying Termites
and Termite Swarms
Flying termites, or winged termites, are part of the reproductive cycle of termites and are called alates. Flying termites swarm in order to find a mate and establish new colonies. Termite swarms occur when environmental conditions are just right. In Melbourne, flying termites will be seen during warmer weather, usually from late October/early November through the summer months.
Flying termites are now swarming in Melbourne - October 2024
The termite season appears to be off to an early start, with flying termites seen swarming in Melbourne on 15, 16 and17 October 2024 and the days following. Review the information below and if you have seen flying termites at your home, please call us for advice.
Difference between flying termites and flying ants
Flying termites or winged termites are sometimes mistakenly thought to be flying ants or moths. These termites are dark brown and sometimes almost black in colour. They have two pairs of wings, which they shed once their flight is over. The easiest way to tell the difference between ants and termites is that termites have two body segments - a head and a long body. Ants have three body segments - a head, thorax, and abdomen.
What should I do if I see flying termites
If you see flying termites outside, this is a sign that a termite nest may be close by.
Should you experience a swarm of termites inside your home, you should contact Termite Tactics immediately, as this can be a sign that you have a termite infestation in your home. If possible, collect a sample of the flying termites in a jar or zip lock bag so that they can be identified when you have a termite inspection.
It is important to note that using flyspray on flying termites is not effective, and can actually make treatment more difficult. Flying termites only live for a very short time, so just wait for the swarm to end, keep a sample of the termites and sweep up the rest. Show the sample of the termites to your termite specialist so that the species can be identified and the correct treatment conducted.
Should you experience a swarm of termites inside your home, you should contact Termite Tactics immediately, as this can be a sign that you have a termite infestation in your home. If possible, collect a sample of the flying termites in a jar or zip lock bag so that they can be identified when you have a termite inspection.
It is important to note that using flyspray on flying termites is not effective, and can actually make treatment more difficult. Flying termites only live for a very short time, so just wait for the swarm to end, keep a sample of the termites and sweep up the rest. Show the sample of the termites to your termite specialist so that the species can be identified and the correct treatment conducted.
