“Mum! There are termites flying around the bathroom!”
“Don’t be silly, Billy. Termites can’t fly.”
Or can they?
Firstly, let’s answer the obvious question: “Do termites fly?” Oh yes, they can! But secondly, as you let that fascinating fact sink in, it’s actually time to let your heart sink. Flying termites are very bad news indeed.
Why’s that? Because the sight of termite wings means two very bad things. Either:
a) You’ve got termites, or
b) Termites are very much moving into your place.
Actually, the winged termite itself is not the one (of millions) that are itching to start munching through your beloved and valuable home. But the little baby termites that these flying termites will soon be having can cause thousands upon thousands of dollars of damage to your property.
Have you seen the flying termites Australia should fear? Buckle in as we answer your questions and consider booking a termite inspection in Sydney for piece of mind, especially if it’s been a while since your home was checked by an expert.
1. Flying termites in house?
Remember Billy at the top of this article? If you see termites flying around inside your home, let those alarm bells ring. If you have termites coming out of walls then call a pest controller now, because you have a termite problem already. But if the only winged termites in sight are outside, heave a sigh of relief – although they might not be eating your home already they are looking to start a new colony in the area!
2. Is it just a white ant?
Oh, we just love easy answers. With 100% confidence, the answer is NO: you have not mistaken a flying termite for white ant. How can we be so sure? Because white ants ARE flying termites. Flying termites ARE white ants.
3. What’s a swarm?
Chances are, you have never seen a single flying termite – and not just because they’re very small. The truth is, termites are a lot like us, which is to say they are hard-working and very social. So when they go about travelling, they tend to do it in a swarm – which is why you’re more likely to see hundreds or thousands of these critters rather than one or two.
4. Can I just kill the swarm?
But if you’re thinking a swarm of flying termites is a great excuse to eradicate your termite problem with a can of fly spray, think again. Because while you CAN kill the swarm, you WON’T kill the actual worker termites that do the actual damage.
5. The swarm is gone. Can I relax now?
Unfortunately, if that swarm of termites with wings has suddenly disappeared, that is no time to breathe a sigh of relief. In fact, you might like to start worrying even more. Why’s that? It just means the flying termites have done their job – meaning a new colony of a million-plus termites is now ready to start feasting on your home.
6. Should I just give up?
So if it’s bad news if you see a swarm, and even worse news if that swarm suddenly disappears, then surely you should just resign yourself to your fate with a termite infestation … right? WRONG!
Sydney’s leaders in termite inspections, prevention, protection plans and treatment are Mr Flikem. where the most dangerous, destructive and just plain annoying pests meet their match. If you’re worried about termites, we’ll conduct one of our thorough inspections. If you’re vulnerable, we’ll put a prevention plan in place. And if termites have moved in, we’ll get them out – and keep them out. Need more information? Call 1300 354 536 any time.
