Flying termites, technically known as alates or swarmers, are the reproductive caste of a mature, established termite colony. Homeowners often see these winged insects near windows or light fixtures. Their appearance signals that a hidden, older colony has developed enough resources to begin expanding its population and establishing new colonies.
The Reproductive Role of Swarmers
The act of flying is a temporary, synchronized event for the sole purpose of reproduction and dispersal. Swarming is triggered by specific environmental cues, usually warm temperatures and high humidity, often following a substantial rain event. This flight, sometimes called a nuptial flight, allows male and female alates from different colonies to mix their genetics before pairing up. Alates are the only members of the colony equipped with wings, which they use for a brief flight before shedding them to begin a new life on the ground.
Global Habitats and Climate Requirements
Termites are found across the globe, but their distribution is heavily concentrated in regions that provide consistent warmth and moisture. They thrive primarily in tropical and subtropical climates, where temperatures remain high enough for year-round foraging and colony growth. Because their soft, thin cuticles make them highly susceptible to desiccation, high humidity is necessary for their survival and swarming success. Even in temperate zones, mild summer months allow for seasonal swarming, and human structures can create microclimates that extend their activity.
The Colony’s Actual Nesting Location
The exact nesting location of a colony is defined by the three main ecological groups of termites, each with distinct habitat needs. Subterranean termites, which cause the most structural damage, build large nests in the soil and require a connection to the earth to maintain moisture levels. They construct distinctive mud tubes to travel safely from the soil to above-ground food sources, such as wooden foundations.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are able to live entirely within the sound wood they consume, requiring no contact with the soil. They derive all the moisture they need from the atmosphere and the wood itself, allowing them to infest dry structural timbers, furniture, or utility poles. They are often detected by the small piles of six-sided fecal pellets, called frass, that they expel from their galleries.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites have the most restrictive habitat requirement, needing wood with a very high moisture content. They typically infest decaying wood, stumps, or timbers with a persistent water leak.
Finding and Establishing a New Home
Once the swarmers have successfully paired up, they immediately search for a suitable nesting site. They quickly shed their wings—a telltale sign of a successful swarming event—and the mated male and female pair seek a small crack or crevice in moist soil or wood. The pair then excavates a small chamber, sealing themselves inside to become the new king and queen. This initial chamber is where the queen lays her first batch of eggs, beginning the process of colony establishment and representing a potential new infestation.