A bubble tea shop in Kaohsiung has come under scrutiny after customers discovered large swarms of winged termites, commonly known as white ants, gathering inside the premises, sparking concerns over hygiene and food safety.
The incident reportedly took place at a popular chain outlet located on Xinle Street, where a customer went in to buy a drink but was shocked to find more insects than patrons inside the store. Footage of the scene was later shared online, drawing widespread attention and debate.
In the video, hundreds of white ants can be seen flying around the shop, with some netizens initially mistaking the scene for a visual effect. Others, however, questioned the store’s cleanliness standards and raised concerns about potential contamination risks.
Generally, termite swarming season in Taiwan typically occurs between April and July, especially during warm and humid evenings, when insects are attracted to light sources and often gather in large numbers around illuminated areas.
The shop reportedly stated that the situation improved once the lights were turned off, suggesting the insects were drawn to the lighting. However, staff acknowledged that this was only a temporary measure and that professional pest control services would likely be required for a long-term solution.
Some members of the public also advised against using insect spray, warning that improper handling could worsen the situation. Instead, experts often recommend environmental control measures or professional extermination to properly manage infestations.
Suggestions circulating online included reducing lighting at entrances or placing containers of water nearby to trap the insects, though such methods are generally considered short-term fixes rather than permanent solutions.
