How to Kill Flying Termites: A Comprehensive Guide

Flying termites, also known as alates, are a common sight, especially during the spring and summer months. They are reproductives that swarm from their colonies to mate and establish new ones. Seeing them can be alarming, as it often indicates a mature termite infestation nearby. While killing flying termites you see is a good start, it’s crucial to understand that they are only a symptom of a larger problem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to effectively kill flying termites and, more importantly, address the underlying termite infestation.

## Understanding Flying Termites

Before diving into the methods of killing them, let’s understand what flying termites are and why they appear.

* **What are Flying Termites?** Flying termites are mature termites that have developed wings. They are the reproductive members of the colony responsible for creating new colonies. They emerge in large numbers, often after rainfall, in a behavior known as swarming.
* **Why Do They Swarm?** Swarming is the termites’ way of finding a mate and establishing new colonies. They are attracted to light and often swarm towards homes and buildings.
* **Identifying Flying Termites:** Flying termites are often confused with flying ants. Here’s how to tell the difference:
* **Wings:** Termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and length. Ants have two pairs of wings of different sizes.
* **Body:** Termites have a straight, broad body with no distinct waist. Ants have a pinched waist.
* **Antennae:** Termites have straight, bead-like antennae. Ants have bent or elbowed antennae.

## Immediate Actions: Killing Flying Termites You See

While addressing the root cause is essential, immediately killing flying termites can prevent them from mating and starting new colonies near your home. Here are several methods:

### 1. Vacuuming

* **How it Works:** A vacuum cleaner is a highly effective tool for quickly removing large numbers of flying termites.
* **Steps:**
1. **Prepare the Vacuum:** Attach the hose to your vacuum cleaner and ensure it has a clean bag or empty canister.
2. **Vacuum the Termites:** Systematically vacuum up all visible flying termites. Pay close attention to areas where they are concentrated, such as windowsills, light fixtures, and doorways.
3. **Dispose of the Bag/Canister:** Immediately after vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag. Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash can to prevent the termites from escaping and potentially infesting your home.
4. **Clean the Area:** Wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue or pheromones that might attract more termites.
* **Pros:** Quick, effective for large numbers, readily available tool.
* **Cons:** Doesn’t address the source of the infestation.

### 2. Insecticide Sprays

* **How it Works:** Insecticide sprays containing pyrethrins or permethrin can quickly kill flying termites on contact.
* **Steps:**
1. **Choose the Right Insecticide:** Select an insecticide specifically labeled for termites or flying insects. Ensure it’s safe for indoor use.
2. **Read the Label:** Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety precautions.
3. **Apply the Spray:** Spray the insecticide directly onto the flying termites, focusing on areas where they are swarming. Be careful not to oversaturate the area.
4. **Ventilate the Area:** After spraying, ventilate the area by opening windows and doors to allow fumes to dissipate.
5. **Clean Up:** Wipe up any excess spray with a damp cloth.
* **Pros:** Rapidly kills termites on contact, easy to apply.
* **Cons:** Can be toxic to humans and pets, only targets visible termites, doesn’t address the source.
* **Safety Precautions:** Wear gloves and a mask during application. Keep children and pets away from treated areas until dry. Avoid spraying near food preparation areas.

### 3. Sticky Traps

* **How it Works:** Sticky traps, also known as glue boards, can capture flying termites as they are attracted to light or pheromones.
* **Steps:**
1. **Purchase Sticky Traps:** Buy sticky traps from a hardware store or online retailer.
2. **Place the Traps:** Position the sticky traps near light sources, windows, and other areas where flying termites are seen. You can also place them along baseboards or in dark corners.
3. **Monitor the Traps:** Check the traps regularly and replace them when they are full or no longer sticky.
4. **Dispose of the Traps:** Seal the used traps in a plastic bag and dispose of them in an outdoor trash can.
* **Pros:** Non-toxic, easy to use, can provide an indication of the extent of the infestation.
* **Cons:** Not as effective for large infestations, only captures termites that land on the traps, doesn’t address the source.

### 4. Soapy Water

* **How it Works:** Soapy water disrupts the termites’ exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.
* **Steps:**
1. **Prepare Soapy Water:** Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle.
2. **Spray the Termites:** Spray the soapy water directly onto the flying termites. Make sure to thoroughly coat them.
3. **Observe:** The termites should die within a few minutes.
4. **Clean Up:** Wipe up any excess soapy water with a damp cloth.
* **Pros:** Non-toxic, readily available ingredients, effective for killing individual termites.
* **Cons:** Only effective on direct contact, doesn’t address the source.

### 5. Fly Swatters and Manual Removal

* **How it Works:** Simply swatting or manually removing the termites can eliminate them. While tedious, it can be effective for small numbers.
* **Steps:**
1. **Swat or Capture:** Use a fly swatter to swat the termites or carefully capture them with your hands (wearing gloves is recommended).
2. **Dispose:** Dispose of the dead termites in a sealed bag or flush them down the toilet.
* **Pros:** No chemicals involved, immediate results.
* **Cons:** Time-consuming, only effective for small numbers, doesn’t address the source.

## Identifying and Addressing the Termite Infestation

Killing flying termites is only a temporary solution. To effectively eliminate the problem, you need to identify and address the underlying termite infestation. Here’s how:

### 1. Inspecting for Termite Damage

* **Where to Look:** Termites thrive in dark, moist environments. Focus your inspection on areas such as:
* **Wood Structures:** Check wooden beams, support posts, floors, and walls for signs of damage.
* **Foundations:** Inspect the foundation of your home for cracks or entry points.
* **Basements and Crawl Spaces:** These areas are often damp and provide ideal conditions for termites.
* **Around Plumbing:** Check for leaks around pipes and fixtures, as moisture attracts termites.
* **Exterior Wood:** Inspect fences, decks, sheds, and other outdoor wooden structures.
* **Signs of Termite Damage:**
* **Mud Tubes:** These are pencil-sized tubes that termites build to travel between their colony and a food source. They are often found along foundations, walls, and pipes.
* **Hollow Wood:** Tap on wooden surfaces. If they sound hollow, it could indicate termite damage.
* **Blistered or Sagging Wood:** Termites can cause wood to blister or sag.
* **Frass:** This is termite excrement, which looks like small, granular pellets. It is often found near termite entry points.
* **Damaged Drywall:** Look for small holes or cracks in drywall, as termites can feed on the paper backing.
* **Difficulty Opening Doors or Windows:** Termite damage can cause doors and windows to become difficult to open or close.

### 2. Identifying the Type of Termite

Knowing the type of termite you’re dealing with can help you determine the best course of action. The most common types of termites include:

* **Subterranean Termites:** These termites live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach wood. They are the most common and destructive type of termite.
* **Drywood Termites:** These termites live entirely within the wood they infest. They do not require contact with the soil and do not build mud tubes. They are often found in furniture, wooden trim, and structural wood.
* **Dampwood Termites:** These termites infest wood that is constantly damp or decaying. They are often found in areas with high moisture levels, such as leaky pipes or rotting wood.

### 3. DIY Termite Treatment Options

For minor infestations, you may be able to treat the termites yourself. However, for more severe infestations, professional treatment is recommended.

* **Boric Acid:**
* **How it Works:** Boric acid is a natural insecticide that disrupts the termites’ digestive system.
* **Application:** Dust boric acid into termite galleries, cracks, and crevices. You can also spray a boric acid solution onto infested wood.
* **Pros:** Non-toxic to humans and pets when used as directed, effective for killing termites.
* **Cons:** Only effective if termites ingest it, may require multiple applications.
* **Diatomaceous Earth (DE):**
* **How it Works:** DE is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. It works by absorbing the oils from the termites’ exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.
* **Application:** Sprinkle DE around the perimeter of your home, in crawl spaces, and in areas where you have seen termites.
* **Pros:** Non-toxic, safe for use around humans and pets.
* **Cons:** Only effective when dry, may need to be reapplied after rain.
* **Orange Oil:**
* **How it Works:** Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is toxic to termites. It works by dissolving the termites’ exoskeletons.
* **Application:** Inject orange oil directly into termite galleries and infested wood.
* **Pros:** Natural, non-toxic, effective for treating localized infestations.
* **Cons:** May not be effective for large infestations, can be expensive.
* **Termite Baits:**
* **How it Works:** Termite baits contain a slow-acting insecticide that termites carry back to their colony, eventually killing the entire colony.
* **Application:** Place termite bait stations around the perimeter of your home, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Pros:** Effective for eliminating entire colonies, can be used as a preventative measure.
* **Cons:** Can take several months to work, may be expensive.

### 4. Professional Termite Treatment

For severe or widespread termite infestations, professional treatment is the most effective solution. Pest control professionals have the expertise, equipment, and access to stronger chemicals to eliminate termites effectively.

* **Termite Inspection:** A pest control professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify the type of termite, the extent of the infestation, and potential entry points.
* **Treatment Options:**
* **Liquid Termiticides:** These are chemicals that are applied to the soil around your home to create a barrier that prevents termites from entering. They can also be injected directly into termite galleries.
* **Baiting Systems:** Professional baiting systems are more effective than DIY options. They are strategically placed around your home to attract termites and eliminate the colony.
* **Fumigation:** This involves tenting your entire home and filling it with a fumigant to kill all termites inside. This is typically used for severe infestations of drywood termites.
* **Follow-Up Inspections:** After treatment, the pest control professional will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that the termites have been eliminated and to prevent future infestations.

## Preventing Future Termite Infestations

Prevention is key to avoiding future termite problems. Here are some tips to prevent termite infestations:

* **Reduce Moisture:** Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to eliminate sources of moisture around your home.
* **Fix Leaks:** Repair any leaky pipes or fixtures.
* **Improve Drainage:** Ensure that your gutters are clean and that water drains away from your foundation.
* **Ventilate Crawl Spaces:** Ensure that crawl spaces are properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
* **Remove Food Sources:** Termites feed on wood, so it’s important to remove potential food sources from around your home.
* **Remove Wood Debris:** Clear away any wood debris, such as firewood, tree stumps, and fallen branches.
* **Store Firewood Properly:** Store firewood away from your home and off the ground.
* **Use Treated Wood:** Use treated wood for decks, fences, and other outdoor structures.
* **Seal Cracks and Entry Points:** Seal any cracks or entry points in your foundation and around pipes and wires to prevent termites from entering your home.
* **Maintain a Barrier:** Create a barrier between the soil and any wooden structures by using concrete or metal flashing.
* **Regular Inspections:** Schedule regular termite inspections with a qualified pest control professional to detect and address any potential problems early on.
* **Landscaping Practices:** Keep shrubs and vegetation trimmed back away from the house foundation. Mulch should be kept at least 12 inches away from the foundation as well, as it can hold moisture.

## Natural Termite Repellents (For Prevention)

While they may not eliminate an existing infestation, certain natural repellents can help deter termites from your property.

* **Nematodes:** These microscopic worms are natural parasites of termites. You can purchase nematode applications to release into the soil around your home.
* **Garlic:** Some studies suggest that the strong scent of garlic can deter termites. Planting garlic around your home’s perimeter may offer some preventative benefit.
* **Vinegar:** While not as effective as other methods, diluted vinegar can be sprayed on wood surfaces to potentially repel termites.

## Conclusion

Seeing flying termites can be a stressful experience, but by taking swift action and addressing the underlying infestation, you can protect your home from costly damage. Remember, killing flying termites you see is only the first step. Identifying the type of termite, inspecting for damage, implementing treatment options (DIY or professional), and taking preventative measures are all crucial for long-term termite control. Regular inspections and proactive prevention are the best defenses against these destructive pests. By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively kill flying termites and safeguard your home from future infestations.