They have been sighted. Perth People Beware!
Termites do more damage to Australian homes around the country than fires, storms and earthquakes put together. Eating your house from the inside out, the damage can be substantial and costly by the time it is detected.
Termite invasions are extremely frustrating and can have devastating impacts on your home or workplace. It’s no wonder that a swarm of winged termites can be scary thought for homeowners and landlords. It may sound like a scene out of a science fiction movie, but termite swarms are a common occurrence. Once a colony is well established, 3 – 5 years from its inception, it will produce alates that will go and start their own colony. It’s essential for the survival and dispersal of termites.
What is an Alate?
Alates are also known as flying termites or “swarmers.”
The alates purpose in life is to find a mate and set up home. The couple find a piece of wood/timber where the female can lay her eggs, raise her babies and then allow her tried to take care of the colony while the initial female becomes the Queen. She will spend the rest of her life (20 – 30 years) making millions of termite babies.
Determining whether it is a termite alate or a flying ant
During the spring and early summer time there are species of ants that will also swarm. Not every insect that flies will be a termite alate so it is important to know the difference between termite alates and flying ants.
Termite Alates Signifiers
- Beaded antennae
- Fore and hind wings of equal size
- Broad waist
Flying Ants Signifiers
- Elbowed antennae
- Fore wings larger than hind wings
- Constricted waist
Signs of termite infestation
- Alates emerging from walls or posts is a clear sign.
- Finding fecal pellets on horizontal surfaces is a sign of drywood termites.
- Hearing a hollow sound when you tap a wooden surface is another indicator.
Early Detection is Key
Early detection is the best way to prevent catastrophic damage to your building.
It is highly recommended in Australia to have annual termite inspections to insure that your property doesn’t have an infestation that you were not aware of.
Share this article with your friends and family to help prepare them in the case of an invasion.
For more information or to book a termite inspection call Pestpro on (08) 9336 6944
