Do termites like light or dark – Pest Planner

Introduction

Termites are one of the most destructive pests, causing billions in property damage every year. These wood-eating insects love to feast on wood, fabric, books, and even food. But one common question many homeowners have is – Do termites like light or dark ? It depends on the termite species. While swarming alates are drawn to light, subterranean worker termites avoid illumination. Understanding these nuances in termite biology and behavior is key to preventing and eliminating infestations. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about whether termites like light vs. dark.

An Overview of Termite Biology

Before diving into light preference, it’s helpful to understand some background on termite biology:

• Types of Termites – The two main groups are subterranean termites that nest underground and drywood termites inside wood. Subterranean termites are the most common home pest.
• Colony Structure – Termites live in caste systems with worker termites, soldier termites, and reproductive termites including the king and queen. The queen lays the eggs while the king fertilizes them.
• Diet – Cellulose from wood or plant sources. Termites also need to digest cellulose to obtain nutrients from their food. Some termite species may eat fabric, insulation, books, or even human food.
• Appearance – Termites are small, soft-bodied insects typically between 1 to 25 mm in length. They are a creamy white to light tan color. Winged reproductive termites are black.
• Behavior – Termites live in large colonies that work together to find food sources and build extensive tunnel systems and nests. Termites avoid light.

Now let’s analyze how these characteristics relate to whether termites are attracted to light or prefer dark environments.

Do termites like light or dark ?

Swarming Termites Attracted to Lights

During mating season, winged swarming termites called alates emerge from the colony to start new colonies. These flying termites display a strong attraction to light unlike other termite species:

• Swarmers are drawn to artificial lights as they navigate by light cues which can be disrupted.
• Certain wavelengths like fluorescent, mercury vapor, or LED lights attract them more than regular bulbs.
• Lights generate heat and CO2 which help orient disoriented swarmers to potential food sources, though they avoid direct illumination.

So while most termites avoid light, swarming alates demonstrate unique light-seeking behaviors to propagate the species. Their eyes and orientation systems draw them to artificial lights.

Worker Termites Avoid Light

While swarming alates exhibit attraction, worker termites in the colony overall strongly prefer dark environments and avoid illumination:

• As soft-bodied insects, termites risk fatal dehydration and moisture loss in light.
• Light exposure makes termites visible to predatory ants and lizards that prey on them.
• Bright light damages termites’ sensitive eyes adapted for dim underground settings.
• Termites lack UV protection, so sunlight harms their bodies and exoskeletons.
• Natural behaviors involve foraging in darkness inside wood or underground tunnels.

So while flying termites swarming have a pronounced attraction to light, worker termites seek out darkness as their preferred habitat for survival reasons.

Signs of Termite Activity Based on Lighting

Now that we’ve established termites strongly prefer darkness, what are some signs of termite activity to look for based on lighting in your home?

In Dark Areas:

• Mud tubes running along baseboards, foundation walls, wooden beams, or crawl spaces.
• Hollowed out wood damaged by termite activity in dark attics, crawl spaces, unfinished basements – areas without lights.
• Wings shed by swarmers clustered around floor and window sills in darker rooms.
• Floor sagging or soft spots along walls where termites damaged wood in concealed void spaces.

Transition Zones:

• Mud tubes running from daylight areas like a bathroom or kitchen into adjoining darker rooms or crawl spaces.
• Termites in dim window or door frames where outside light starts to fade. Nesting in wall voids behind.
• Foraging termites spotted in nighttime dim corners of attics, basements, or garages avoiding light.

Avoid Light:

• No mud tubes crossing well-lit rooms or areas. Tubes take concealed routes avoiding illumination.
• No termite swarms near light sources like lamps, windows, or brightly lit doorways which deter them.
• No termites actively feeding on furniture, books, or wood in daylight or well-lit rooms.

Inspect the darker areas of your home closely for signs of termites like tubes or damaged wood. Also check transition zones where daylight starts to fade. Termites shun well-lit zones.

Do UV Lights and Bulbs Repel Termites?

Since termites avoid light, many wonder if UV lights or bulbs can help repel termites as a non-toxic control method. The answer is yes, UV light can deter exposed termites but with limitations:

Using UV Lights as Termite Repellents

• Place UV lights in crawl spaces, attics, basements, or garages where termites enter. The UV rays trigger their light avoidance.
• Use “black lights” which emit the UV wavelengths that deter termites. Standard bulbs don’t produce enough UV rays. Black lights are affordable online.
• Point lights at termite entry points like foundation walls, wooden beams, and clutter where they may nest.
• Leave on 24/7 since termites can tolerate some UV light. Constant exposure maximizes repelling effects.

Limitations and Considerations

• Only repels exposed termites. UV lights only deter termites in direct light. Nests behind walls or mud tubes are sheltered.
• Supplemental treatment. UV lights work best alongside termite-killing dusts or chemical sprays for comprehensive protection.
• Humidity resistance. Some UV bulbs lose effectiveness in humid crawl spaces. Look for specially coated “weather-resistant” options.
• Electricity requirement. Cordless solar UV lights are available. But most need to be wired to an electric source.
• Bulb replacement. UV bulbs lose intensity over time. Replace annually for maximum termite repelling effects.

So UV lights can provide natural termite deterrence but work best alongside other professional termite treatments to eliminate nests and colonies. Proper light placement also matters.

5 Tips to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Termites

Beyond UV lights, there are several ways you can modify your home to make it less appealing for light-shy termites:

1. Install More Lights in Vulnerable Areas

Add lighting to attics, crawl spaces, basements, and garages. Use the highest allowed wattage bulbs. Bulbs rated 3000K to 5000K provide bright, white light. Don’t forget closet, stairway, and utility lights too.

2. Cut Back Shrubbery and Plants Near Home

Trim back dense vegetation touching your home’s exterior. This eliminates shady hiding spots for termites to nest behind walls. It also increases light around the foundation.

3. Reduce Moisture Sources

Fix plumbing leaks, improve drainage, and install dehumidifiers to lower moisture. Dampness attracts termites. Proper ventilation and dehumidification removes their water sources.

4. Seal Cracks and Entry Points

Caulk and seal cracks in the foundation, windows, doors, pipes, and siding. This blocks natural dark termite entry points so they can’t access your home.

5. Store Firewood Away From Home

Keep firewood stacks, mulch piles, and wood debris far from your home’s foundation. Termites love moist, porous wood for nesting. Eliminate these attractions.

Taking away food and moisture while increasing light deters termite activity. Consult a professional termite control company for further pest-proofing recommendations.

Will Termite Baits Work in Light or Dark Areas?

Termite baits like Sentricon or Trelona utilize food mixed with slow-acting insecticide to eliminate termites that consume the bait over time. The toxins then spread throughout the termite colony. But will baits work in light vs. dark areas of your home?

Bait Placement Tips:

• Focus bait installation in darker areas of the home where termites actively forage like crawl spaces.
• You can also place termite baits in dim attics, cluttered garages, or shadowy basements. Anywhere mud tubes lead.
• Avoid setting baits in the center of well-lit rooms. Perimeter areas where light starts fading work better.
• Termites travel tubes at night to grab bait in lighter zones. But return to nests in total darkness which ultimately kills them.
• Inspect baits monthly for termite activity. Replace bait cartridges if needed until the infestation is fully eliminated.

With strategic placement in dim locations, termite baits can effectively attract termites while avoiding the bright areas they avoid. Just be patient – baits take time to eliminate entire colonies.

Conclusion

• Swarming alates are attracted to lights to navigate and begin new colonies. But worker termites avoid light.
• Understand this nuance in termite light response between species when trying to prevent or control infestations.
• Leverage light preferences of different termite species to your advantage in prevention and control.

So in summary, termite attraction or aversion to light depends on the species and context. This guide equips you to deal with their preferences effectively.