On warm days, many homeowners in Malta notice swarms of small winged insects around windows and lights. Sometimes they're flying ants. Sometimes they're termites – and that's a sign worth taking seriously.
- Winged termites indoors usually mean a colony nearby.
- Termites have a straight waist and equal-length wings; ants don't.
- Piles of shed wings on window sills are a tell-tale sign.
- Don't remove damaged wood before an inspection.
Termites or flying ants?
| Feature | Termite | Flying ant |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Thick and straight | Narrow and pinched |
| Wings | All the same length; break off easily | Front pair longer than back pair |
| Antennae | Straight | Bent at an angle |
What a swarm means
Winged termites leave an established colony to start new ones. If they're coming out indoors, there may already be a colony in your doors, frames, beams or furniture.
Check for: fine dust or small holes in wood, wood that sounds hollow or crumbles when pressed, and piles of discarded wings on window sills.
What to do if you see a swarm
- Collect a few insects in a jar so they can be identified.
- Leave damaged wood where it is – we need it in place to find the active areas.
- Book an inspection so we can locate the colony and treat it before it spreads.
Think you have termites?
We'll find the active areas and treat the affected wood across Malta and Gozo.
Book an inspectionAbout termite treatment →Frequently asked questions
Are winged termites dangerous?
They don't sting or bite, but a swarm indoors usually means a colony nearby that may already be damaging wood.
Should I spray the swarm?
Spraying the winged termites won't reach the colony. Collect a few for identification and book an inspection.
How long does termite treatment take?
It depends on how far the damage has spread. We confirm the time when you book.
