The sudden appearance of flying termites in Polk County can be alarming for homeowners. These swarming insects typically signal a new colony, which can lead to serious structural damage if not addressed promptly.
Given the warm and humid climate in Polk County, termite infestations are not uncommon. Make sure to read to the end to arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your home.
Key Takeaways
- Flying termites, or swarmers, in Polk County can cause serious damage to homes.
- They have equal-sized wings and straight antennae and usually come out after rain.
- Seeing flying termites often means there’s a colony nearby, either within your home or close to it.
- It’s important to act quickly and call pest control to stop them from damaging your home.
What Are Flying Termites?
Flying termites, known as termite swarmers, are the reproductive members of termite colonies. Common species in Polk County, Central Florida, include drywood termites and subterranean termites.
Physical Characteristics
Flying termites are distinctive due to their unique features. They typically have two sets of wings that are equal in size and shape, making them easy to identify.
Their wings are usually translucent and veiny. They also have straight antennae, unlike the elbowed antennae of their ant counterparts. Their body color can vary from black to dark brown.
Common Habitat
Termite swarmers are commonly found in areas with high humidity, as they thrive in moist environments. Polk County, including cities like Lakeland and Lake Alfred, provides the perfect conditions for these insects.
They usually emerge in large numbers after rainfall, during the spring and early summer. Nearby areas like Hillsborough often see spikes of termite activity during this swarming period.
Why Are Flying Termites a Problem?
Winged termites are often the first sign of a deeper issue. When they appear, they suggest that a new colony is nearby.
A flying termite infestation can cause significant damage to your property. These pests feed on wood and can cause structural damage over time.
Common signs of a termite problem include mud tunnels, which termites use to travel between their nest and food sources. Formosan termites are particularly known for building extensive mud tunnels.
Another indicator is the presence of termite droppings. These tiny, pellet-like droppings can accumulate around the infested areas. As homeowners, you may also hear a clicking sound inside walls produced by soldier termites.
What to Do if You See Flying Termites in Your Home
If you’ve spotted flying termites in your home, taking quick but thoughtful steps to lessen damage is important. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Calm. Although seeing flying termites can be unsettling, they do not bite or sting humans.
- Identify the insects. Double-check to ensure they are actually termites and not flying ants.
- Inspect the area. Look for signs of an infestation, such as discarded wings, mud tubes, or damaged wood.
- Take photos or videos of the insects and any signs of termite damage. This evidence can help experts diagnose the pest problem.
- Try to contain the area where you saw the termites. Close doors or cover vents to keep them from spreading further in your home.
- Contact a professional pest control company. They’ll recommend effective termite treatment options.
- Clear the area around the sighting to allow the pest control team easy access. Move furniture and items away for a thorough inspection.
- Following termite inspection results, follow their advice on termite treatment. They may suggest various methods for pest management.
How to Protect Your Home from Flying Termites
Termites can wreak havoc on homes. As homeowners in Polk County, you can take proactive steps to protect your home against these pests without hassle.
- Inspect window sills for tiny wings and pellet-like droppings (frass), which are telltale signs of termites.
- Check your home’s foundation for mud tubes. These are common pathways for termites from the ground up.
- Trim vegetation and maintain lawn care to keep plants and debris away from your house, reducing hiding spots for termites.
- Store firewood and wooden materials away from the house. Termites are attracted to wood.
- Call pest control services at the first sign of a pest problem. Professionals can handle common pests like termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, and wasps.
- Regularly check for any signs of termites, especially during the warmer months when they are more active.
When to Call a Termite Control Expert
If you notice small holes in wooden structures or piles of wings near windows, don’t wait. They signal termites are active needing immediate attention from pest control experts.
At Rowland Pest Management, our expert team is ready to assess your home and provide a customized termite control solution. From preventative treatments to complete termite elimination, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection or learn how we can keep your home termite-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about flying termites in Polk County, including their seasonal patterns and how to identify them.
Is it a Florida thing to have all these flying termites?
In Florida, flying termites are a common sight due to the warm, humid climate, which is ideal for termite activity. Like much of the state, Polk County experiences frequent termite swarms throughout the year.
When’s termite swarm season kicking off?
Termite swarm season in Polk County typically begins in the spring, often after rain, and can last through the summer. This period varies a bit each year, but the warmer months are usually when you’ll see most of the swarming activity.
How do I tell if these are termite swarmers or just some other bugs with wings?
Distinguishing termite swarmers from other winged insects is important. Termite swarmers usually have straight antennae, equal-sized wings, and a thicker waist than other insects like ants. Observing these characteristics can help identify whether you’re dealing with termites.