Termites do fly, specifically the winged reproductive caste known as “swarmers” or “alates.” Their flight serves a distinct biological purpose in the life cycle of these social insects. This phase of termite activity indicates a mature colony is ready to expand its reach.
Understanding Flying Termites
Flying termites are reproductive members of a colony. They are the only termites equipped with wings, distinguishing them from the worker and soldier castes. These winged termites range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, with their color varying by species, often appearing light brown, dark brown, or black.
Their four translucent wings are equal in size and longer than their bodies. Their antennae are straight or bead-like, and their waist is broad and uniform in width, lacking the pinched appearance seen in ants. These features differentiate them from flying ants, which have elbowed antennae, a constricted waist, and unequal wing sizes with the front wings being longer than the hind wings.
The Purpose of Termite Swarms
Termites swarm as part of their reproductive cycle to ensure species continuation and dispersal. This behavior involves sexually developed male and female alates leaving their established colony to find mates and establish new colonies. The goal of a swarm is to reproduce and expand the termite population to new locations.
Environmental factors trigger these swarms, including warm temperatures and high humidity, often following rainfall. Swarming occurs during specific seasons, such as spring or early summer, though this varies by termite species and geographic location. Once a male and female pair, they shed their wings and seek a suitable site to begin a new colony.
What Seeing Flying Termites Indicates
The presence of flying termites, especially indoors, indicates a mature and active termite colony either within the structure or very close by. A colony takes several years, often three to six, to mature enough to produce alates capable of swarming. If you are seeing swarmers, the colony has likely been established and active for some time, potentially causing unseen damage.
While flying termites do not directly cause structural damage—their purpose is reproduction, not wood consumption—their appearance signals that worker termites, which are responsible for eating wood, are present and active. Discarded wings, especially near windowsills or light fixtures, also indicate a swarm has occurred, suggesting a nearby or internal infestation.
If swarmers are found inside a home, it suggests the original colony is within the house’s walls, foundation, or yard.
Steps to Take
If you observe flying termites, avoid disturbing them initially. Instead, collecting a few samples of the insects or their discarded wings helps a professional identify them accurately. This allows a pest control expert to determine the specific termite species, influencing the treatment approach.
Contacting a pest control professional is recommended. A professional inspection can help determine the extent of any active infestation and identify potential entry points or conducive conditions around your property. Basic steps to minimize conditions attractive to termites include managing moisture levels by repairing leaks and ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation. Storing firewood away from the house and sealing cracks or gaps in the foundation also helps reduce the risk of future termite activity.