How to Get Rid of Flying Termites
If you’re seeing a swarm of flying termites circling your outdoor or indoor light fixtures, you may need to start finding out ways how to get rid of flying termites before they wreak havoc on your home.
The presence of these winged insects can mean bad signs for your property because flying termites can be a sign that there’s a mature termite colony nearby. Given how dangerous termites like to chew through wood, it’s best to get ahead of this infestation by implementing anay control as early as possible.
Here at TOPBEST, we want to make sure that you’re prepared to face any insect threats. This is why we’ve created this guide to equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps to eliminate flying termites from your home. Let’s get started!
What are Flying Termites?
Flying termites or alates are called gamo gamo in Filipino. These winged termites are also termites, however, they’re a specialized stage in a termite colony’s life cycle that’s geared toward reproduction. These flying termites are often seen in areas that are humid and warm. They’re especially prevalent at night because they use light as a cue to start mating.
Unlike termites that live underground, alates grow wings for a brief period to find a mate from another colony and establish a new colony with its new queen of anay.
So, if you see that these winged termites are in your home, it’s a clear indication that there’s a mature termite colony nearby because these winged termites can only fly for a maximum of an hour.
Identifying Flying Termites
Just because it has wings and is flying around your light doesn’t mean that it’s a gamo gamo. Moths are also prone to the same behavior – and they also thrive in the same humid conditions. So, don’t call the pest control service company yet. Identify the insect first then, make a plan.
Flying termites have the following characteristics:
- Straight antennas
- Equal wing lengths
- Straight waists
- Clear wings
- Black or dark brown color
What Happens if You Have Flying Termites in Your Home?
Flying termites appear because of high humidity and the presence of a nearby mature colony. Unfortunately, the Philippines’ tropical climate means that termites can pop up during the dry or rainy seasons.
The presence of flying termites in your home can be a sign that there’s a termite infestation nearby. These alates are on a mission to establish new colonies and if your home meets their requirements, then you’re at risk of housing a termite colony.
Termite colonies can put your home’s structural integrity at risk because these bugs like to chew through wood, which is a common material used in the structure of homes.
How to Get Rid of Gamo Gamo
When you see flying termites, you’ll need to act fast because they can breed pretty quickly.
In this section, we tell you some of the easiest ways to get rid of flying termites from your property so you can keep your family safe.
Water Mirror Method
The water mirror method involves putting a tub of water underneath the light where the flying termites are circling. The water will reflect the light and the flying termites will get attracted to the light in the water, which will cause them to drown.
This DIY trap is a safe and natural way to address the flying termite issue. However, it may not address the root of your termite problem.
Vacuum Away
Another non-toxic way to get rid of gamo gamo is to vacuum the visible swarmers. Simply turn on your vacuum and dispose of the bugs outside of your home.
Again, this method is a quick way to address your gamo gamo problems, but it’s not a guarantee that you won’t have termites building a new colony in your home.
Pest Control Services
The most effective and long-term solution to flying termites is to hire expert pest control services. Professional pest control services can locate the nearby termite colony and implement treatments to ensure that no other home gets infested with termites.
If you’re looking for a pest control service na may malasakit, then TOPBEST is your best bet. For over 20 years, our commitment has always been to safeguard our clients’ homes from pests so that they can live safely and comfortably.
We have different types of services available to address your gamo gamo issues from liquid chemical and baiting systems to pre-construction termite treatment.
Solve your pest problem with TOPBEST. Book a free consultation today!
