Termite swarms: What you need to know

A termite swarm is a telltale sign that a mature termite colony might lurk in your home or yard. As a homeowner, recognizing swarmers is critical because it may mean that a well-established colony exists nearby, and there's a good chance they've already begun causing damage. Taking action quickly after a swarm can help prevent these silent destroyers from causing severe structural damage to your property.

What are termite swarmers?

Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are winged adult reproductive members of a termite colony. The name 'swarm' comes from the behavior of termite swarmers when they leave their colony in a large group to mate and start new colonies. This behavior is known as swarming, and it typically occurs during the spring or early summer when the weather conditions are favorable.

What do termite swarmers look like?

Swarmers can be found among all species of termites, including those most common in the United States, such as drywood termites, subterranean termites, and dampwood termites. Swarmers are usually larger than worker termites and have a dark-brown or black body with two pairs of wings equal in size and shape.

When swarmers fly, they hold their wings straight out from their body, distinguishing them from flying ants, which carry their wings at an angle. The wings of swarmers are easily shed once they land, so it is common to find piles of wings near windowsills or light sources where they are attracted.

When is termite swarming season?

February through June is generally considered termite swarm season, except for Florida, where termites can swarm year-round. These swarms are most likely to happen on warm, calm days with high humidity, often following rainfall; however, when termites swarm can also depend on the type of termite, the geographic location, and the weather.

Subterranean termites, the most common type, typically swarm during the day in spring or after a rainy period. Drywood termites typically found in wood, wait until late summer or early fall and tend to swarm at night. Dampwood termites, preferring moist environments, swarm in the summer, with no particular preference for day or night. The swarms themselves are brief, lasting just minutes to an hour, but depending on the species and weather, a colony might send out multiple swarms over a few weeks.

What if termites swarm inside my house?

It's not uncommon for termites to swarm inside of a structure. However, you might only see a few alates that have found their way inside. So, why do termites swarm inside your home in the first place? If termites swarm within your home, it indicates your house may have an infestation. Termites swarming inside your home tend to gather around light fixtures and windowsills because they are looking for a way out of the house to form another colony. Their instinct is to fly toward lighted areas.

How to fix my termite problem?

If you spot signs of termite swarms in or around your house, it’s important to call a termite control professional right away to inspect your property to confirm if termites are present. When you schedule a free termite inspection with Terminix, our team will visit your home, evaluate the situation, and recommend a customized plan to best target any termites in or around your home and keep these destructive pests at bay.