Often a pile of wings is the first hint of a termite infestation. E ach termite has a small, unicellular protozoan living inside of it that enable it to digest wood and other food. Without this symbiont, termites would not be the pests that they are today. The small protists can break down the main substance present in most plants. Even though the termites plague the human civilization, they are imperative to the natural process of decomposition in nature.
Termites can help to replenish the soil and get rid of fallen trees and leaf debris.
These protozoa are present in in all termites except one termite family which has evolved a symbiotic relationship with bacteria and fungi. Both termites and ants have 2 pair of wings. However, the front and hind wings of termites are very similar in size and shape with fine, indistinct veins. In contrast, the front wings of ants are noticeably larger than the hind wings and the wings usually are tan or brown with a few distinct veins. The chance to see winged termites occurs once in the early spring and sometimes in early fall.