Flying termites are a common sight, particularly during warmer seasons, emerging in large numbers. While these winged insects might seem alarming, understanding their role in the termite life cycle and what they consume can clarify the potential implications for your home.
Distinguishing Flying Termites
Flying termites, known as swarmers or alates, represent the reproductive stage of a termite colony. Their primary purpose is to leave the existing colony, mate, and establish new ones. Termite swarmers can be differentiated from flying ants, a common point of confusion, by observing a few key physical characteristics.
Termite swarmers possess four wings of equal length that extend well beyond their body. Their antennae are straight and bead-like, and their body is thick and uniform, lacking a pinched waist. In contrast, flying ants have bent antennae, a distinctly narrow waist, and two sets of wings with the front wings larger than the hind wings. After mating, flying termites shed their wings, leaving behind discarded wings often found near windows or light sources.
Their Primary Food Source
Termites primarily consume cellulose, a complex carbohydrate and the main component of plant cell walls. This material is abundant in various forms, making it a widespread food source. Cellulose is found in wood, which forms the structural elements of homes, as well as in paper products, fabrics, and some types of insulation.
Termites cannot directly digest cellulose. Instead, they depend on a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their digestive tracts. These microorganisms break down cellulose into simpler sugars that termites utilize for nutrition. This process allows termites to derive sustenance from materials like wooden beams, flooring, paper products, cotton clothing, and drywall.
Understanding the Damage
While flying termites do not actively consume wood or cause direct damage to structures, their presence signals an underlying issue. Swarmers indicate a mature termite colony is established nearby and actively feeding. Their emergence is a reproductive event, and once they mate, they aim to start new colonies.
The actual damage to a home is caused by worker termites within the established colony. These workers continuously feed on cellulose-based materials, silently hollowing out wooden structures. Over time, this feeding can compromise a building’s structural integrity, leading to issues like sagging floors, buckling walls, or damage to support beams. Termite damage often goes unnoticed because it occurs internally, potentially resulting in substantial repair costs.