Just like other Australian cities, Sydney has its fair share of termites, including species that can cause severe damage to buildings - and yes, flying termites do exist!
If you're reading this because you've seen flying termites or want to prepare for them, keep reading for expert advice on how to best deal with them.
We'll answer the most frequently asked questions about flying termites:
- Why are termites so common in Sydney suburbs?
- Why do termites fly?
- Do flying termites bite or sting?
- If termites fly into my home through a window, will they eat my wood?
- What should I do if flying termites are coming out of the walls or wood inside my house?
Why are termites so common in Sydney suburbs?
Termites live in large colonies, often hidden inside trees or just under the ground near buildings. In Sydney, traditional mud mounds have been removed by concerned residents, so termites have become secretive and can be difficult to detect - but they're still common in most Sydney suburbs, including the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs.
The colonies can live for over 20 years, often with the same Queen and King. The Queen becomes a bloated egg-laying mother, while the colonies work underground through networks of tunnels, feeding by hollowing out nearby trees and logs. Unfortunately, the timber in typical Sydney homes suits termite appetites perfectly, making expensive damage common.
Why do termites fly?
Most termites living underground are workers and soldiers - they're blind, wingless, and without gender. However, each year a colony develops a reproductive caste of male and female termites that grow large, develop eyes, wings, and dark pigmented skin.
This group of potential Queens and Kings separates from the main colony, often gathering higher inside a tree or - unfortunately for homeowners - inside wall cavities. They wait for the perfect conditions: a humid early evening or morning when it's warm but not hot, often just after rain.
In Sydney, termites typically begin flying during late spring and early summer (October to December), triggered by temperature and humidity changes.
When conditions are right, streams of flying termites pour out of trees, fence posts, infested buildings, and landscaping features simultaneously across the city. They don't swarm like bees but gradually fill the sky, floating seemingly aimlessly with the breeze. They'll land in your hair, pool, or car - but the lucky few will land on old stumps or logs to pair up and form new colonies.
Do flying termites bite or sting?
Flying termites will not sting or bite and are completely harmless. If you see them outside - that's normal in Sydney. You might have to fish hundreds of dead ones from your pool, but they're actually a helpful reminder that we live in termite country and should have regular building inspections by termite specialists.
The Australian Standard recommends inspections at least every 12 months.
If termites fly into my home through a window, will they eat my wood?
No, flying termites cannot infest or damage your home. They'll die overnight. Other than having routine termite inspections every year, you don't need to worry about termites flying into your home from outside.
What should I do if flying termites are coming out of walls or wood inside my house?
This is more serious, but don't panic! Follow these steps:
1. Contain the termites
- Close the door of the room they're flying from
- Turn off lights in that room
- Open curtains/blinds so termites are attracted to window light
- Turn on outside lights to attract them to windows
- Don't spray or disturb them - let them exit naturally
- All flying termites will be dead by morning, hopefully on windowsills
2. Your home has a termite infestation that needs professional treatment
- Don't worry - treatment is effective
- Don't touch anything - you need a termite specialist
- Professional treatment is essential to prevent major structural damage
3. Ensure your termite specialist provides:
- Building investigation to establish entry routes and locate the colony
- Written termite management plan explaining recommended treatments
- Thorough termite inspection with detailed written report
- Clear explanation of control prospects and long-term protection options
Important: It's usually not just bad luck - 'conducive' conditions like poor ventilation may need addressing alongside professional treatment.
Professional Help in Sydney
Don't let flying termites become a major problem. If you're seeing flying termites emerging from inside your home, or want peace of mind with regular inspections, contact our experienced Sydney termite specialists.
We service all Sydney areas including the North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, and beyond. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Thorough termite inspections
- Effective treatment solutions
- Long-term protection plans
- Clear, written reports and recommendations
Call us on 0488 991 126 for immediate assistance or to book your annual termite inspection. Prevention is always better than cure!