Are you seeing flying insects at your residence in Phoenix and wondering if they might be termites? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell since the features distinguishing termites from other bugs are so small. But in this blog post, we will help you identify whether or not those pesky bugs buzzing around your home are termites.

So, Can termites fly?

The answer to the question “Can termites fly?” is Yes. Termites have wings, and they can fly short distances in search of food or find a new place to colonize. However, not all termite species can fly; some are even completely wingless. Therefore, an important visual cue to distinguish between different species of termites is the presence or absence of wings.

How to identify a flying termite?

A telltale sign that you have a flying termite problem in your Phoenix home is when you notice a swarm of winged insects near an outdoor light, window, or door. Winged termites are black or brown in color and resemble ants. They have two sets of wings, which are equal in size and shape, and straight antennae. Their bodies also tend to be darker and more slender than those of other bugs.

If you spot a termite swarm near any wooden structure on your property, it is important to have it inspected by a professional pest control in Phoenix to avoid costly damage.

Bugs that look like flying termites

Not all flying insects are termites. Many species of bugs look very similar to flying termites, including carpenter ants, acrobat ants, and mayflies.

Carpenter ants are black or reddish-brown and have two sets of wings like termites but are slightly different in size and shape. Like flying swarmer termites, carpenter ants have two sets of wings; however, their front wings are longer than their back wings.

Acrobat ants are smaller than any insect. They have short thorax and heart-shaped abdomens. Their bodies are usually light brown to black, with wings in which the front pair is longer than the back pair.

Mayflies are very small and light tan, and their wings are long and delicate. They often fly around lights at night and can look similar to flying termites, but they do not have antennae like termites do. They are also active even during the winter months. Termites during winter will hide under the soil to stay alive.

How to prevent Termites?

Preventing termites from invading your Phoenix home is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to help you keep them away:

– Keep foundation vents clear and unclogged

– Reduce moisture around your home by ensuring all plumbing leaks are fixed quickly, using dehumidifiers, and clearing any rain gutters

– Store firewood away from home, off of the ground, and on a rack

– Eliminate areas of standing water near your house

– Seal any cracks or crevices in your property’s foundation or exterior walls.

Conclusion:

Termites can fly, but not all species have the ability to do so. They are typically black or brown and have two sets of wings equal in size and shape. If you spot a swarm near wooden structures on your property, inspecting for signs of infestation and possible damage is important. To prevent termites from entering your Phoenix home, it is important to have a professional pest control inspect your property and take the necessary steps to prevent infestation.