I can't tell for certain what she might be by the image, but the description fits that of one of the solitary wasps, perhaps the Cicada Killer wasp judging by how large you say it is. There are several species of solitary wasps, and many of them dig holes in the ground for nests. She will defend her territory vigorously, and can sting. Can't help you with the beetle without a picture, or a very good description.

A lot would depend on which species of termite they are. The majority of species are grass eaters. Although they can leave trails/grooves in timber where they build their nest. But there are wood eaters so it pays to be vigilant. After the mating flight the young queens are fertilised for life. They find a secure dark place and lay eggs. When the young mature they take on all the duties of collecting food, tending the queen and new brood, defense and expansion of the nest. Of all the termites that go on the mating flight and then are attracted to lights very few if any manage to establish a new colony. They are an important food source for a lot of creatures. Any survivors are usually only those that get back to the original nest. But, there can be exceptions. Because termites construct their own controlled climate nests and tunnel system it doesn't matter if the outside environment is dry. They prefer high humidity and get it in the nest and tunnels. To stop them coming to your lights you can use yellow fluorescent tubes. You only need to use them on the few nights a year when the mating flights are on. When living in a termite area it's a good idea to get a professional to check the house from time to time. Houses should be built to make it difficult for termites to infest. Of course, that doesn't always happen. Good luck with it.

I live near the Gulf and termites are rampant. We use a Concentrated Termite & Carpenter Ant killer. From Lowes or HD. Mix according to directions and spray damaged area before repair. It has been my experience that termites come to rotten wood, so look the reason the wood got wet in the first place and/or was it holding water rather than draining away from porch area. I am facing the same problem on the bottoms of my porch posts as we speak and the above is how we intend to fix. If you want to keep bugs from coming into your house you can put down some good old 20 mule team borax. Termites however attack wet wood that starts to rot so stick your screwdriver into the effected area to determine how deep the rotten wood is and clean it out before attempting to repair.

Hi Marnie, What can I say like well Ants are everywhere, and while they are there at least you know you dont have termites, but they are a jolly nuisance all the same. And yes I know what it is like to see them come into your house by the thousands go up the wall and walk all around your cornices to come down again and go out through the front of your house somewhere, beats me why they didn't walk over the garden to the front, or under the house, it would have been a lot quicker. Now we are talking brand new house here 5 years ago, hubby and I built it ourselves and while we were building it I said to hubby look at all those ants coming up the bearers, then when we put the joists in same thing, by time we put the frame up the wall studs were alive with the blighters so you can imagine our surprise one day when we go to the block to start work to find none there at all, why because it rained. And I have noticed over the past few years since we have lived here, when it is real dry they come in looking for water, I used to find them in the bath, sinks and even in the toilet cisten, then when it rained really heavy the same thing happened. This year we have had none so far, in the dry or wet but that could be because I have put down those Bait Stations where they go in and take some of it back to the nest and feed Her Majesty and she dies. About two months ago I layed the Bait Stations again when I seen them come in and I seen them go but they have not returned.I cant believe it as there are thousands in the Garden and if you can put up with them out there, let them be after all its their back yard too. But in the house well thats a different matter and I think its best they are not there.....Cheers..MM.