Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
As summer approaches after weeks of heavy rain, reports of “flying ants” have emerged across Hong Kong. The massive swarms of winged insects that appear on rainy days are actually termites.
While they are commonly referred to as “flying ants”, there are differences between the two. Both termites and ants live in colonies. But ants are close relatives of bees and wasps, while termites are not, according to a pest control newsletter by the city’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
The insects look quite different from one another (see graphic). Also, termites eat only wood, while ants feed on a variety of foods.
Hong Kong is home to around 40 to 50 species of termites, commonly known as “white ants”. The Formosan subterranean termite, a common species found in southern China, often appears in Hong Kong homes.
Why do termites enter flats?
Many termites are phototactic, which means they are attracted to light, according to Yiu Vor. He is the chairman of the Hong Kong Entomological Society. Termites especially like strong UV light, like white fluorescent lamps.
Cheng said termites that appear in homes were xylophagous. This means they feed on wood, including door frames and flooring.
How can you get rid of termites?
Henry Cheng Kwok-hang is a consultant at Ivy Pest Control Corporation. He said one common mistake when trying to remove a large swarm was spraying them with pesticides.
While a few sprays can kill some termites, they can disturb the mass and cause them to spread out, making the situation harder to contain.
The most effective way to get rid of termites is to call pest control companies for help.
