When certain winged insects emerge in a sudden, large-scale flight, they are often called flying termites, but they are technically known as alates or swarmers. These insects are the reproductive members of a mature termite colony, and their appearance is a strong indicator that the original colony has reached a size sufficient to reproduce and expand. Their primary function is to leave the established nest to mate and begin new colonies elsewhere, a process known as a nuptial flight or swarming. The presence of these swarmers, especially inside a structure, signals that a well-developed termite population is already active nearby.
Identifying the Flying Termite
The distinction between a flying termite and a flying ant is a common point of confusion for homeowners, but specific physical characteristics make identification possible. Flying termites possess antennae that are straight and bead-like, unlike the bent or “elbowed” antennae seen on flying ants. The body shape is also noticeably different, as termites have a broad, uniform waist with no distinct separation between the thorax and abdomen. Conversely, flying ants have a clearly pinched, narrow waist that segments their bodies.
Termite swarmers have four wings that are nearly equal in size and are typically much longer than the insect’s body itself. In contrast, flying ants also have two pairs of wings, but the front pair is distinctly larger than the hind pair. Recognizing these three features—antennae, waist, and wing size—is the first step in determining if you are dealing with a potential termite threat.
The Swarmer Lifespan and Purpose
The flying stage of a termite’s life is extremely brief, designed only for dispersal and reproduction. This flight phase often lasts only a few hours, though environmental factors can extend this period slightly. Swarmers are poorly adapted for life outside the humid, controlled environment of the nest and quickly succumb to the elements if they do not find shelter. They must complete their nuptial flight, pair up, and find a new shelter before they dehydrate or are consumed by predators. For many swarmers, the total life span outside the colony is measured in mere hours before they fall to the ground.
What Happens After the Swarm
For the vast majority, the end is swift: they die quickly due to exposure, dehydration, or predation. Swarmers that are unsuccessful in finding a mate or a protected location will often perish within a day or two. Those that swarm indoors are particularly vulnerable and will often be found dead on windowsills or near light sources, having died from a lack of moisture.
A small fraction of the swarmers successfully finds a mate, forming a male and female pair. This successful duo will then shed their wings, becoming known as dealates, which is a definitive sign of reproductive success. They quickly search for a protected cavity in soil or wood to establish a new colony, where they become the primary king and queen. While the initial swarmer stage is short, a successful pair can survive for many years, with the queen potentially living for decades to lay thousands of eggs, transforming the short-lived swarmer into the long-term threat of a new infestation.