The Night of the Winged Termites
On a humid night after rain, many winged termites circled the pavilion lamp and a few entered the doorway. Jibjib worried they would be swept away. Hookhook asked everyone to step back and call the building keeper.
The keeper explained that these were winged reproductive termites, which can swarm and move toward light. Everyone shut the screen and door, then drew the indoor curtain—without spray or sticky traps.
An adult dimmed the doorway lamp and aimed it down only where walkers needed light. A gentler lamp farther from the entrance stayed on. More insects remained away from the walkway while the ground stayed visible.
By morning, shed wings lay near a window. The keeper collected them with a tray and inspected the building while the children did not handle them. Wings near a building can warrant a trained inspection, not blame toward every insect.
That night, screens, curtains, and only necessary light kept the pavilion usable. Winged termites followed their cycle outdoors, readers walked safely, and one small environmental change gave both groups space.
Moral of the story
Understanding animal behavior helps reduce harm, and some building concerns belong with adults or trained professionals.
© 2026 Hoot Tales. All rights reserved in the retelling, translation, illustrations, characters, and presentation. No reproduction, adaptation, republication, or commercial use without permission.
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