Flying Termites

Flying Termites

Many people make the common mistake of actually confusing termites with ants. If you are of those people who commit this kind of blunder, then you are certainly not alone. However, it would be best to be a more keen observer as to the differences and nuances that would distinguish termites from ants.

So the next you see flying ants, most probably there are flying termites although there are really such a thing as ants with wings. So how you will be able to tell the difference between the two? It is actually easier than you might initially think. Upon a closer inspection the body of an ant has three parts, the head, thorax and the abdomen, while the flying termites only have the head and the body. Another point of distinction is their antennae. While the flying ants have the more characteristic 90-degree bend, the antennae of the flying terminates tend to sweep forward.

The swarming or flying termites are rather weak fliers and have very low life expectancy rate in comparison to other species of termites. Their main purpose is solely for reproduction. However, people who see swarms of termites in their homes should be alarmed and do some thorough investigation. This is a sure sign that a large colony of termites have severely infested your home. So it would be advisable to check every crevices, and any possible areas especially the underground to check the presence of termites.

Flying termites are adult insects that are no longer capable of causing harm on any wooden structure. However, their offspring who are expected to have reached several thousands in population are powerful enough to wreck damage in your home. In fact, in United States alone, people spend over $1 billion a year due to the damages caused by termite and the control measures needed to eradicate termites. What is more alarming is the fact that they can do more damage in millions of homes in comparison to the hurricanes, fire and tornadoes combined together in any given year.

Aside from being resilient, termites also work steadily, round the clock and with such stealth that people are not aware of their presence for several years. The queen termite is expected to leave 15 to 30 years, and mainly responsible for lying eggs every day. What is amazing in this particular caste system is that, worker termites are practically blind but there are able to achieve great construction works especially in building mounds as home of the colony. Many people are actually conducting a study to learn for the technique used by termites in building a well-ventilated and durable structure. Although they are considered a menace, human beings have a lot to learn from these feisty creatures.