After the rain, you probably see a group of insects flying around the lamp, a heat source and light they are attracted to. Quite annoying, these small flying insects called white flying ants (laron) looks for light sources and its warmth and they can create a mess if left to their devices!

Is your house under termite attack? Here's what you should know about these flying white ant and how to prevent them from causing more damage.

1) Its common term is ‘termite’
It is one of the life cycles of termites, namely male or female termites whose job is to reproduce. These termites will have wings when they become adults and ready to breed.

2) Only a flying white ant can see what’s around
As breeding termites, they are the only ones who can see. They fly and look for mates, and reproduce fast.

3) Only live one night
If they don’t find mates that night, they will die at dawn. Meanwhile, those who find a partner will look for new nests and form new colonies.

4) New colony
Those who find their mates will drop their wings and become the ‘queen’ and ‘king’ for their new colony. A queen can produce 30.000 eggs per-day. There are three levels of development of termites: the reproductive, the warrior and the worker. As small insects, they are very unique – they are weak and blind, but they live in a solid and compact colony that helps each other so they can attack buildings.

Termites are annoying and dangerous, as they can eat the wooden furniture as well as wooden house structures. The longer termites are left in your environment, the more likely they are to cause further damage and for sure it will cause a lot of economic losses.

There are various simple ways you can do to prevent termites from attacking the house and damaging the parts inside, but the most important thing is to keep the house clean.

Here are some tips how to protect your house from termites attack:

• Clean Drains
Termites like areas that are moist and absorb a lot of water, one of which are drains. Always clean the drains in front or side of the house and keep trash or debris from clogging these drains.

• Fix a Leaking Faucet
If a faucet leaks, get it repaired immediately. A leaking tap cause water to drip continuously even when not in use. This can keep your house moist and can be the most comfortable place for termites. Besides preventing termites from coming, it also saves water.

• Reduce Wood
Termite food is wood, so try not to place wood material near the foundation of the house. Also avoid putting piles of wood in the house. You should put it in the yard and place it as far as possible from the house building. Do not put wood directly on the ground, but first provide a base of iron or a tiled floor under it. The use of steel roof trusses or aluminum frames can help prevent termites from attacking your home.

• Re-polish
If you want to use wood material for balconies, stairs, doors and window frames, choose good quality wood. Low quality wood makes it easier for termites to eat it. Don’t forget to take care of the wood in the house. Clean it regularly or repolish.

If you see flying white ants around your house, be aware - it could be that termites are invading your house or are even nesting in your house. Consult an expert and make sure your house is free from termites! If you need assistance, please contact the TMD Call Center at 021-55 777 557.