Invasion by termites is extremely common, particularly in the summer and early spring. But as you may have observed, these termites are frequently observed near lights. Are termites attracted to light?
Well, a variety of termite species are drawn to light. They congregate near lights, such as porch lighting, motion detectors, bulbs, etc. Their affinity to light is at its strongest point, unlike that of any other nocturnal insects. And the warm summer months are when this is primarily observed.
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Are flying termites attracted to lights?
Why do termites like light? This question lacks a clear scientific explanation. However, other hypotheses might offer solutions to the question Are termites attracted to lights? Here are a few examples:
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Airborne Capacity-
Termites aren’t particularly adept at flying, unlike other flying insects. One of the reasons they stay close to lights is their poor flying ability. Additionally, their little wings mean that they are unable to fly very far. So, they search for a suitable breeding location close to their nests. They think that placing their nests close to the lights will make it easier for them to reproduce. They gather around bulbs as a result, particularly in the early evening and after rain.
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Identifies light as their zone of safety-
The brilliant light from outdoor light fixtures resembles a safe place for insects. They naturally move in the direction of the lights whenever they see any danger. They tend to congregate towards lights that are set higher than the perilous environment they were in. Light serves as a common haven for the swarmer. Because of this, termites frequently end up in light fixtures, either alive or dead, after becoming caught there while pursuing the light.
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Light Facilitates Navigation-
Another hypothesis is that swarmers use light as a resource for navigation. Additionally, they use natural light sources like the sun and moon to determine their directions. Instead, they make advantage of the artificial lighting that is present around your homes and on your roadways to find their way and even to look for food. Furthermore, regardless of the light bulbs used, the light will serve as a beacon and help termites survive.
Are Termites Dangerous to People?
Many people are still unsure of the true harm that termites pose to humanity. However, this type of insect can also cause numerous additional serious problems in addition to harming your furniture.
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Threatens Your Health
Termites can sting and bite, although they are not harmful. Researchers were unable to identify any dangerous diseases that this bug might transmit. But those who reside in a termite-infested area may struggle with allergies and asthma. Even some individuals may be allergic to termite saliva.
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Pesticide toxicity
Ironically, in this instance, the medication proves to be more detrimental than the illness. The biggest health risk comes from the improper use of chemicals and insecticides to eradicate or minimise termites. You must use these with extreme caution. Always leave the room after applying the chemical and wait until it has dispersed before entering it again.
Which Termite Species are Drawn to Light?
Termites enjoy light, right? Yes, and the termite species that fly around your home’s lights are called alates or swarmers. Compared to other termites, they have wings that are a darker hue. These swarmers’ principal objective is to establish as many big colonies as they can.
This presents a serious obstacle to reducing them because their population keeps increasing. Swarmers typically fly around looking for a good site to breed and establish colonies in particular chosen locations.
As we’ve already indicated, they seem to feel safe breeding in the vicinity of the lights. Other termite species, on the other hand, can be chiefly accountable for harming walls and furniture, ruining book pages, damaging hanging display items, etc. However, they are not drawn to lights.
What Causes Termites to Emerge at Night?
Excessive humidity is the cause of termites’ nighttime hoovering. Artificial lighting attracts flying termites more than natural lighting does. They emerge at night for this purpose as well.
Other termite species emerge during the day. Additionally, following rain, dry wood termites become active.
Which Season Do Termites Swarm?
Warm months are when swarmers feel most at home. Swarmers are drawn to warm weather and the calm wind that follows a rainstorm. They consider these times to be secure and ideal for mating.
However, dry wood termites are a different species of termite. They are a particular type of termite that swarms after the summer. The period spans August through November.
Termites Draw Attraction from Light? Yes, they do.
One of the most unsettling insects to deal with during humid seasons is termites. It can be particularly annoying when they land on us to watch them circling the lights. Is light a draw for termites? The best course of action in this situation would be to think about doing any of the steps to drive termites out of and away from your home as the answer is yes.
Also Read: Baby Roaches: What Do They Look Like
FAQs
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Do termites come out into the light?
Termites are extremely drawn to all types of light, just like most flying insects and pests. You might witness millions of termites swarming near straight illumination since they are particularly drawn to it. They frequently enter houses and may descend in their thousands through downlights.
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Why are termites attracted to light?
More precisely, throughout the spring and summer, this group consists of the “alates,” or so-called swarmers, who develop wings and can be seen flying close to the house’s entryways as they attempt to leave. Given that they frequently associate light with the outdoors, these flying termites are undoubtedly drawn to light.
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Do termites go in your bed?
Termites consume the plant fibre cellulose for food. Wood is comprised of cellulose, which is also found in cotton, linen, and wool. Termites can easily go on to chew your bed frame if it is located close to a wall, joists, or wooden support beams. A home’s structural damage from termites can be significant.
