Alates - Flying Termites or Flying Ants
Every year around November/December/January parts of the Gold Coast are swarmed with Alates. These are fertile king and queen termites taking flight to establish new colonies. They find their mate in the air as they swarm and once successful they will land, shed their wings and start their new colony. The team from CTS Termite and Pest Control have seen Alates just one too many times!
What's the difference between a flying ant and a flying termite? Unlike flying ants, flying termites have longer wings (2 on either side) that are equal in size. Their body shape is also different; a termite has a thicker waist to an ant.
As termites are not very good flyers, wind conditions have to be perfect and they generally can be found close to their original colony, however, they can cover some distance if the winds are quite strong. If you have ever been in your home with hatching or flying termites it can be quite distressing as they come in their thousands. They are attracted to light and will fly in through open doors and windows but can also make their way through cracks in roofs and then come through downlights.
CTS Termite and Pest Control receive a lot of calls at this time of the year as one can imagine and with good reason. The biggest question our team get asked is "Can establish a colony in my home?". It is not very common for Alates to establish a nest inside your home but yes we have
found a colony of termites in a roof void. Regular termite pest inspections will ensure that any signs of termite activity will be picked up early. As the Alates are more than likely coming from an established colony nearby, we want to ensure the colony is not on your property or worse still in your home!
CTS Termite and Pest Control technicians are experts in detecting and treating termites. Don't waste time, book an inspection today or we can arrange a same day free consultation to give you the best advice on treatment and prevention. Contact the team on 1300 664 971 or visit our office at 3/19 Jay Gee Court, Nerang.
