What To Do If You Find Little Insect Wings On Your Floor

If you find little insect wings on your floor, it's easy to assume you have an infestation of some kind. And you could be right. There is a certain insect that has thrived for over 100 million years due to the vital role it plays in nature. In forests, they recycle dead and decaying wood. But they're not limited to forests. They gravitate toward wooden structures, like homes, too. When they get inside a house, they can do significant damage — to the tune of about $11 billion a year in the U.S. If you haven't guessed already, we're talking about termites.

Termite colonies produce winged termites, called swarmers. These swarmers leave the nest to start new colonies from spring through fall, depending on the species. They usually don't travel too far from their home colony because they aren't very good fliers. The small winged insects rarely get further than half a mile. Once they reach their limit, they drop their wings and crawl around on the ground, looking for a suitable new nesting site.

When you find shed insect wings on the floor, the first step is to determine that they're actually from termites. Learning how to tell the difference between winged ants and termites is essential for dealing with the situation correctly. Termite swarmers have four tan wings of equal length. Flying ants have two pairs of dark brown wings, with each pair a different size. If there are dead insects nearby the shed wings, examine them closely, too. Termites have straight antennae and a flat waist. Flying ants have a pinched waist and bent antennae.

Once you're sure the wings are from termites, you need to determine the extent of the problem. Look for other surefire signs you have a termite infestation. Common indicators include mud tubes coming up from the ground near your home's foundation or patches and streaks of dried mud on interior or exterior walls. Also look for evidence of termite damage — from sunken spots or lines under wallpaper and paint to more serious structural issues, like sagging floors or door frames. Sometimes, you'll see little piles of a sawdust-like substance on the floor, which is actually termite feces.

A termite infestation should be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your home. There are ways to get rid of termites without tenting your house, ranging from affordable DIY methods to professional treatments. Popular options include liquid termiticides, bait systems, fumigation, spot treatments, and heat treatment. The best method for eliminating termites will depend on the type of termites you're dealing with and the extent of the infestation. If you have an existing termite contract, contact the same pest control company that did the original treatment. They may re-treat your home for free or at a reduced rate. If you don't have a contract, call a few pest control companies. Ask them to inspect your property, consult you on treatment options, and give you a quote.