Flying termites, often called swarmers or alates, are the winged, reproductive members of a mature termite colony. Their sole purpose is to leave the established nest in a synchronized flight to find a mate and begin a new colony. This dispersal event indicates that a large, existing colony is ready to expand its population. The appearance of these insects is a significant warning sign that a potential infestation may be lurking nearby.
The Swarming Phenomenon
Yes, flying termites are strongly drawn to light sources, a behavior highly noticeable during their swarming season. Homeowners frequently observe these insects gathering in dense clouds around porch lights, street lamps, and well-lit windows. This swarming activity typically occurs seasonally, often during warm, humid conditions following a heavy rainfall, as the environment is ideal for colony establishment.
The swarmers are distinguished from flying ants by several distinct physical characteristics. Termite alates have four wings of equal size and length, which are often twice as long as their body. Their antennae are straight, and their body has a broad, uniform waist.
In contrast, flying ants have two sets of wings of unequal length, with the front pair noticeably larger than the hind pair. Flying ants also possess distinctly bent or “elbowed” antennae and a narrow, pinched waist separating their thorax and abdomen. Identifying the insect is an important first step, as a termite swarm confirms the presence of an active colony that poses a structural threat.
Why Termites Navigate Toward Light
The attraction of swarmers to light is known as positive phototaxis, a biological mechanism intended for long-distance navigation. In their natural environment, flying insects use the brightest, most distant light sources, such as the moon or the sun, for orientation during flight. They maintain a constant angle relative to this distant light source to fly in a straight, consistent line.
Artificial light sources, like a porch lamp or a window, confuse this navigational system because the light is nearby and fixed. As the termite attempts to maintain a constant angle to this closer light, it is forced into a spiraling or circular flight path that draws it directly toward the source. This is why swarms are often seen circling or colliding with outdoor fixtures.
The strong light overrides the termite’s natural instinct to fly away from the parent colony to establish a new location. Instead of dispersing to a distant area, the swarmers are funneled toward the bright glow of a residential light. This disorientation causes them to congregate on window sills and near doors, where they may shed their wings and begin searching for a suitable place to nest.
Immediate Action When Swarmers Appear
The presence of termite swarmers, particularly indoors, indicates that an established, mature colony is already active in or very close to the structure. This is not the beginning of an infestation but rather a sign of one that has been active for some time. The immediate priority is to prevent more swarmers from entering the home and to gather evidence for a professional.
Homeowners should not use aerosol insecticides to spray the swarmers, as this will only kill the visible insects and scatter the others. Scattering the swarmers can make it more difficult for a professional to locate the point of emergence and determine the source of the infestation. Instead, a vacuum cleaner can be used to quickly collect the visible swarmers and their discarded wings.
To reduce attraction during swarming season, homeowners can turn off exterior lights near the house, especially those close to entry points. It is also beneficial to close blinds or curtains to prevent interior light from shining outside. The most important step is to contact a pest control professional immediately for a thorough inspection to confirm the presence and extent of the colony.