The winged, sexually mature adults, called alates, fly off to create their own colonies during the spring. The presence of multiple winged termites inside a residence and around window sills is a good indication there’s a termite nest nearby.

Since invading termites thrive on moisture during warmer temperatures, homeowners need to protect their homes.

Here’s a few homeowner tips:

• Don’t let moisture accumulate near the foundation
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces
• Check for points of entry
• Check for the presence of mud tubes (also called shelter tubes) along the foundation, near pipes, in the attic, within crawlspace, or around other access points to your home. Wood that is in contact with dirt is a good entry point (eliminate wood contact with the ground). Cracks in the foundation or concrete porch allow termites to enter into the crawlspace. Flower planters that make contact with the side of the home are also entry points. The outside heating unit keeps the surrounding ground warm all year and allows termites to grow rapidly throughout the year as well as being a good entry point.
• Food sources – use mulch sparingly, firewood, tree stumps, wooden posts sunk into the ground, wood decks or porches, trees & shrubbery
• Moisture – downspouts, water spigots, leaky water lines, air-conditioner drip lines, along sewer lines, any standing water, missing, broken or clogged gutters or roof tiles.
• If you find swarmers, mud tubes or just want peace of mind, call a professional exterminator.
• Both flying ants and winged termites have four wings.
• Termite wings are uniform in size.
• Winged ants have noticeably larger wings in the front than the pair in the back.
• Termites antennae are almost straight where the ant’s antennae is elbowed.
• Termite wings are twice as long as their body.