Formosan termites are highly destructive insects capable of causing significant damage to structures. Understanding their behavior, particularly their swarming patterns, is important for homeowners in areas where these invasive pests are present. Swarming is a natural part of their life cycle, serving as a mechanism for colony expansion and the establishment of new termite populations in the United States. These events can signal the presence of an active infestation nearby, making awareness of their characteristics and timing valuable.
Understanding Termite Swarming
Termite swarming is a reproductive event where winged adult termites, known as alates or swarmers, leave an established colony to create new ones. This dispersal flight allows future kings and queens to emerge and find mates. Swarmers themselves do not consume wood or cause direct damage to structures. Their primary purpose is to reproduce and initiate new colonies; the actual destruction of wood is carried out by their offspring, the worker termites.
When Formosan Termites Emerge
Formosan termites typically emerge for swarming flights in late spring to early summer, generally from April through June. Activity often peaks around early to mid-May. Swarm timing is heavily influenced by specific environmental conditions. They prefer warm, humid, and often windless evenings, with swarms frequently occurring after rainfall.
These nocturnal swarmers are strongly attracted to light, often observed around streetlights, porch lights, and indoor lights. A swarm can last 30 to 60 minutes, with thousands of individuals taking flight. Geographical location can affect the precise timing, with warmer southern states sometimes experiencing earlier onset of swarming activity.
Identifying Formosan Swarmers
Recognizing Formosan termite swarmers involves observing distinct physical characteristics. These winged insects are yellowish-brown and measure 12 to 15 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) in length, including their wings. A key feature is their transparent, hairy wings, which possess two prominent veins. All four wings are roughly equal in size and length.
Formosan termite swarmers are often confused with flying ants, but several differences distinguish them. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, unlike the elbowed antennae of flying ants. Additionally, Formosan termites have a broad waist, giving their body a more uniform thickness, whereas flying ants possess a narrow, pinched waist that distinctly separates their body sections. Observing these features is helpful for accurate identification.
Responding to a Swarm
Discovering Formosan termite swarmers inside a home is a strong indication of an active infestation within the structure. While swarmers do not cause damage, their presence signifies a mature colony nearby, which could be actively consuming wood. Do not attempt to treat the swarm with household insecticides, as this may disperse the termites without addressing the underlying colony.
Collect a few samples of the swarmers in a jar or sealed bag. This allows a pest control professional to accurately identify the species, which is important for determining the most effective treatment. Promptly contact a qualified pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. If swarmers are observed outdoors, it may not mean an infestation on the property, but it indicates termites are active in the vicinity and warrants vigilance and potentially a professional inspection.