Subterranean termites, the most common and destructive type in North America, engage in swarming as their primary reproductive behavior. This periodic event disperses winged male and female termites, called alates, to establish new colonies. Alates are the only caste equipped to fly and reproduce. A mature colony, typically several years old, produces these alates in a synchronized emergence.
Identifying the Termite Swarmer
The winged termites (alates) leave their parent colony to find a mate and start a new colony. They are often confused with flying ants, making accurate identification crucial for a homeowner. Termite swarmers have a thick, straight body that lacks the narrow, pinched waist seen on flying ants.
Differences are also visible in the wings and antennae. Termite alates possess two pairs of wings that are nearly equal in size and length, often extending past the abdomen. Flying ants, in contrast, have two sets of wings where the front pair is noticeably longer than the hind pair. Termites also have straight, bead-like antennae, while ants have distinctly elbowed antennae.
Timing and Environmental Triggers
Subterranean termite swarms are triggered by favorable environmental conditions, typically signaling the beginning of the reproductive season. Swarms most commonly occur during the spring and early summer on warm, bright, calm days following significant rainfall. The warmth increases termite activity, and the moisture ensures the soil is humid enough for new colonies to survive.
In warmer climates, swarming can occur throughout the year, but spring remains the most common event for subterranean species. Swarms often take place during the day, with many species emerging from mid-morning to early afternoon. Finding a swarm outdoors is less alarming than finding one indoors, but both indicate a mature, active colony is nearby.
The Meaning of a Swarm
Observing a termite swarm, especially inside a home, is a significant sign that an established, mature colony is already present, often for three to five years. The colony has reached a population size that requires dispersal to expand its territory and genetic pool. The appearance of swarmers confirms an infestation already exists within or immediately near the structure.
The swarmers themselves do not cause structural damage; that is the work of the non-flying worker caste within the colony. After their brief flight, the alates shed their wings and pair off to become the new queen and king of a developing colony. The presence of hundreds of small, discarded wings, often found clustered on windowsills or near light sources, is a strong indicator of a recent swarm and a clear sign of infestation.
Immediate Action After Finding Swarmers
If a swarm is discovered inside a building, the immediate response should be focused on documentation and containment, not on attempting to treat the insects yourself. Avoid spraying the swarmers with chemicals, as this can scatter the insects and make it more difficult for a professional to locate the point of origin. The swarmers can be gently vacuumed up or swept away, but it is important to preserve a sample for positive identification.
Take photographs of the live swarmers, any discarded wings, and the exact location where they emerged, such as a baseboard or window frame. Do not disturb the area by removing trim or opening walls, as this can interrupt the evidence trail a professional relies on for a proper assessment. Immediately contact a licensed pest control professional to schedule a thorough inspection of the property to determine the extent of the existing colony.