Originally posted on June 9, 2023 @ 12:00 am
Flying termites, also known as alates, are known to swarm around sources of light. Many people wonder why this is the case and what attracts termites to light. In this essay, I will explore the possible reasons behind this behavior and shed light on why flying termites are drawn to sources of light.
The Intriguing Behavior of Flying Termites
Termites are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. These tiny insects live in large colonies and are known for their ability to cause significant damage to wooden structures. While most termites are ground-dwelling, some species have developed the ability to fly, and this behavior is particularly intriguing.
One of the most interesting things about flying termites is their attraction to light. This behavior has puzzled scientists for many years, and there are several theories about why they are drawn to light. In this article, we will explore some of these theories and try to understand why flying termites behave in this way.
What are Flying Termites?
Flying termites, also known as swarmers, are winged reproductive termites. These termites are responsible for creating new colonies and expanding the population of existing ones. The flying termites are usually found in large swarms, and they are attracted to light sources such as streetlights, porch lights, and other sources of artificial light.
Theories About Why Flying Termites Are Attracted to Light
There are several theories about why flying termites are attracted to light. Some of these theories are based on scientific research, while others are based on observations and anecdotal evidence. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular theories.
Theory #1: Navigation
One theory suggests that flying termites use light sources to navigate. Termites are known to use the position of the sun and the moon to navigate when they are on the ground. However, when they are flying, they may use artificial light sources such as streetlights to help them stay on course.
Theory #2: Mating
Another theory suggests that light sources attract flying termites because they are looking for a mate. When flying termites are ready to mate, they emit a pheromone that attracts other termites. The theory suggests that the light sources may also attract the opposite sex, making it easier for them to find a mate.
Theory #3: Dispersal
A third theory suggests that flying termites are attracted to light because it helps them disperse. When flying termites leave their colony, they need to find a new location to start a new colony. They may use light sources as a way to find suitable locations to start a new colony.
The Science Behind Why Flying Termites Are Attracted to Light
While there is still much to learn about why flying termites are attracted to light, there is some scientific evidence that supports the navigation theory. Researchers have found that flying termites are more likely to fly towards a light source if it is brighter than the moon. This suggests that they may be using light sources to navigate when they are flying.
Another study found that flying termites are more likely to fly towards blue light than other colors. This suggests that they may be using the wavelength of light to navigate. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand why flying termites are attracted to light.
A key takeaway from this text is that flying termites are attracted to light for several reasons, including navigation, mating, and dispersal. While scientists have found evidence to support the navigation theory, more research is needed to fully understand why termites are drawn to artificial light. If you have a problem with flying termites, there are several control measures you can take, such as turning off outdoor lights at night and using a termite bait system to kill termites.