Just yesterday I found a winged termite or alate that had dropped his or her wings and was crawling around in the sink of our office bathroom. These newly ground dwelling white ants are looking for places to create a new colony and they certainly aren’t shy.

My first instinct was to panic, given that he or she had found their way into the office in order to find a food and water source to build a new nest.

Most home owners have a similar reaction and so to help put your mind at ease, here are some simple facts about flying termites:

• Swarms of flying termites are generally brought on by heavy rain and humidity

• They are highly attracted to light sources (here’s where a fly zapper would come in handy)

• Most activity occurs in Spring & Summer

• Termites seen swarming are an indication that there is a mature nest nearby

• Check your home on a regular basis for mud tubes or tracks â€" these are usually found in dark, moist areas that have cellulose material nearby (such as timbers lying on the ground)

• The best way to minimise risk initially is to remove food & water sources from around your home (these include: repairing leaking taps, removing excess foliage, keeping the gutters clean and debris free and sealing any likely entry points).

-Unfortunately killing only the alates you find will not destroy the colony/nest that sent them out into the world

So, if you come across a number of flying termites or a heap of wings that have been left on the ground, call in your termite experts Conquer Termites Northside on (07) 3356 8801 or email info@allurepest.com.au. We can carry out either a free 30 minute check or a full termite inspection and give you peace of mind.