The Return Of Alates: Dealing With Flying Termites And Ants In The Rainy Season
Ah - the rains are back! The skies look bluer, the grasslands look greener and the oceans look fuller. Indeed, a sight to adore. Think of a fine rainy evening, when you’re sipping hot coffee on the porch, relishing the view - only to be disturbed by an annoying buzz right next to your ear. Here they come - the alates.
Your less-welcomed guests: alates, or flying termites and ants are winged insects that emerge in large numbers during the rainy season, causing havoc in homes and gardens, especially when they swarm in large numbers (which happens quite often!).
They may cause damage to wooden structures and furniture by burrowing into them to establish new colonies. This can weaken the integrity of buildings and lead to costly repairs. They can be also a nuisance to homeowners when they invade indoor spaces in search of shelter or food. Not to mention, the allergic reactions that they trigger. On a larger scale, they’re also notorious for feeding on agricultural crops, posing a threat to food security and livelihoods.
Don’t fret, they’re not as scary as you may think and can be dealt with easily - through the right preventative as well as curative tactics. Before we dive into what these tacts are - let’s first understand a bit about the alates.
To understand who the alates are you must first know about the caste system in termite and ant colonies. You heard it right - within these colonies, there exists a structured caste system with each member playing a crucial role in the colony's survival and propagation.
At the forefront of defence are the soldiers, distinguished by their larger heads and powerful mandibles or chemical defences. These brave individuals stand as the vanguard, ready to fend off any threat to the colony's safety. Following closely behind are the tireless workers, the backbone of the colony. Without wings but equipped with specialized structures for various tasks, they diligently forage for food, tend to the young, and maintain the nest's infrastructure.
Lastly, we have the alates - the ones we find buzzing around. These are the winged reproductives whose emergence marks a pivotal moment in the colony's lifecycle. They are the ones that fly out of their colonies (known as the nuptial flight!) and find a mate. Later, they become the kings and queens of their own nascent colonies.
Know Your Bug: While both, flying termites and ants are alates and may look similar, there are key differences between the two. Both insects have wings and are capable of flight, but the way they reproduce and their behaviours differ significantly. Additionally, while both have wings, termite wings are longer and more uniform in size, whereas flying ants have wings of varying lengths. |
Time to address the elephant in the room - why do you find more of these alates in the rainy season?
The rainy season is the perfect time for the “nuptial flight” of alates. It is only after the first heavy rains of the rainy season that they leave their original colony in swarms to mate and establish new colonies. After all, they are the winged royalty of their colonies and the future kings and queens of their worlds!
The increased moisture in the air during the rainy season softens the ground, making it easier for alates to dig tunnels and establish their nests. Additionally, the rain provides a plentiful supply of food for the newly established colonies.
So, when the rains arrive, the alates take flight, seeking mates and new territories. This synchronized emergence ensures that they have the best chance of survival and propagation.
Identifying an alate infestation early is crucial for effective pest control. There are several signs to look out for that indicate the presence of flying termites or ants:
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dealing with alates. Here are some measures you can take to prevent an infestation:
If you have noticed alates around your property but the infestation is still manageable, you can try some do-it-yourself hacks to tackle them:
While DIY hacks can be effective in controlling small alate infestations, severe infestations require the expertise of professional termite and ant control services. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to call in the professionals:
In conclusion, alates, or flying termites and ants, are a common sight during the rainy season. Understanding their behaviour, signs of infestation, and prevention methods can help you deal with them effectively. While DIY hacks can be useful for small infestations, severe infestations require the expertise of professional termite and ant control services. In case you’re looking for professional assistance, get in touch with ORIGIN to know how we can help you fight these alates proactively!