Known as hallelujahs or glow bugs, winged termites invade homes when the weather begins to warm; To avoid them, there are some strategies
High humidity, after a period of rain, and warm weather provide the ideal scenario for the emergence of light animals, also known as hallelujahs or crabs, indoors. Typically this happens just before spring or even summer when insect — a type of winged termite of the order Isoptera — enters the reproduction phase.
Unlike mosquitoes that appear in small groups or even alone, light bugs invade the home in groups and, as the name suggests, seek out lamps or other sources of artificial light. There they continue to run until they “fall”.
To avoid the inconvenience, there are some good strategies to prevent winged termites from entering your home, without involving them the use of insecticides. Simply put, turn off the light and let the group of insects migrate to another location, preferably away from your home.
Understand the reproduction process of winged termites
When we think of termites, the first image that comes to mind are those large, dirty-colored termite mounds scattered across the fields like sculptures. The point is that in Brazil there are around 300 species of this insect, including some that live in cities and proliferate in rotten wood.
Within the diversity of a single termite colony, there are workers, soldiers, and some alates (or crabs). The latter are the ones who will generate new colonies, being the future queens and kings – yes, the “social” construction is different from that of other eusocial insects, such as bees and ants, famous for their matriarchies.
In periods of rain and heat, “the reproductive season of termites is a true spectacle of nature, the winged ones, male and female, leave the colony in flocks (real swarms) in search of partners. It is quite common to find them near street lamps (or any light source),” explains the article Wikitermsa scientific dissemination project on the world of termites, coordinated by Tiago Fernandes Carrijo, of the Federal University of the ABC (UFABC).
Now look at the insects coming out of the termite mound:
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In the process of searching for the ideal partner, the wings fall off, the termites find their mates and, after settling in a new location, the first true dome is formed, starting a new colony. In the future, when the community is mature, new alates will be born, expanding the termite population with the formation of other colonies.
Why do insects circle the lamp?
For a long time, the consensus has been that winged termites or other flying insects “like” light sources, such as a lamp indoors. More recently, researchers at Imperial College London, England, found that brightness is critical, but because it works as a direction guide.
Thus, when insects encounter an external light, this actually interferes with the control systems used to orient themselves during flight, leaving them “confused” about the route to follow. Therefore, there are countless cases when they circle the lamps, without stopping, like winged termites.
Most flying insects instinctively adopt dorsal behavior in response to light. This keeps the upper body, i.e. the back, facing the side where the shine is coming from.
“Under the natural light of the sky, lean your back towards the brightest visual point [como a Lua] helps maintain correct altitude and flight control. Near artificial sources, however, this dorsal light response can produce continuous directional flight around the light and trap the insect. [nessa rota sem sentido]”, say the researchers in the article published on the platform bioRxiv.
How to avoid light bugs in your home?
After understanding why light bugs appear on hot days and learning about the insects’ general flight behavior, you can think of some strategies to contain the entry of winged termites into your home, ranging from basic things to more “complex” procedures. .
- At dusk and at night, when the lights are turned on, keep doors and windows closed;
- If possible, install mosquito nets on doors and windows, allowing air to circulate throughout the house, preventing the entry of winged termites and other insects;
- If gaps and sharp edges are found, these must be covered;
- If the insects have already entered the house, one idea is to turn off the lights and leave the windows open so they can get out;
- Another possibility is to place a basin of water under the lamp. Due to the reflection of light, termites become confused and can fall into the tank.
Next, watch how the insects change direction when the lights in the room go out:
@luquemelodc I was attacked by light animals lol. What is it called in your area? #bichodeluz #siriri ♬ original sound – Luque Melo
Despite the annoyance that hallelujahs, crabs and other light-seeking flying animals can cause, it is important to say that they do not transmit diseases, sting or cause irritation to humans. The biggest problem is where they settle and form their colonies, as they can proliferate on wooden furniture, roofs or even some household appliances, thus causing havoc in the home.
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
