Alates (flying ants & termites)

How to tell the difference
between ant and termite alates

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What are Alates? 

An alate is an adult ant or termite that has sexually matured with wings. The soul existence of alates is to start a new colony (expand their mother colony). They do this by taking flight to a new destination where they will mate. Alates only fly in the perfect weather conditions, usually warm temperatures, bright sunlight, low winds and/or humid. Once they land, they will start their mating process. Both Ants and Termite Alates have a different mating process to one another. 

The Difference Between 
Ant & Termite Alates

Ant Alates

  • Elbowed antennae
  • Transparent wings 
  • Fore wings larger than hind wings
  • Ants have a lot of flight control and land and take off at will 
  • Constricted waist
  • Ants will keep their wings for a short period of time before  snapping their wings off. 

Termite Alates

  • Beaded antennae
  • Smokey to brown wings
  • Fore and hind wings of equal size
  • Termites tend to flutter in flight and drift with the wind while 
  • Broad waist
  • Termites are not white but their colour can vary from cream to black.
  • Termites will snap their wings off when they land and look for a mate.

Protecting Your Home

Termite Perimeter Treatment

You should have had an up to date termite perimeter treatment carried out by Stewarts, to help prevent a new nest from starting or entering the building.

Regular Inspirations 

You should also have Stewarts carry out regular termite inspection in case termite alates form a nest in the building within the perimeter treatment.

CAN TERMITE ALATES LAND ON A HOUSE 
AND BUILD A NEST?

YES!

Usually, the alates will crash into a tree and end up forming a nest at the base of the tree (a ready-made food source). However, when a building is involved, the termites usually end up under external concrete areas which provide food shelter from predators like black ants. The big downside is that the building becomes the ready-made food source! When considering the size of a home compared to a tree, the likelihood is much higher. High-risk areas like atriums, indoor gardens, courtyards and alike, are prime areas for alates to start a nest and are usually within the building.

GET PRICES FOR TERMITE CONTROL

Contact one of our qualified staff with any questions you have. We are always happy to help. 

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