Termite swarmers are winged reproductive termite adults that leave their original colonies to reproduce and start new termite colonies. Because they leave their colonies at the same time and usually fly in groups, they form a “swarm.” They are often seen gathering around outdoor lights at night. Many homeowners also find dead swarmers on their floors or windowsills.
The presence of termite swarmers is a sign that a termite colony is nearby, and sometimes, it can indicate a termite infestation in your home. So read to understand more about termite swarmers and what to do if you come across them.
What is a Termite Swarm?
A termite swarm is a large group of winged reproductive termites (also called alates or flying termites).
When a termite colony matures, generally within three to five years, it will start producing hundreds and sometimes thousands of these winged reproductives. These alates typically leave the nest at the same time and fly in groups, forming a swarm (hence the name “swarmers”).
Why do termites swarm? Termites swarm to mate and start new colonies. They typically appear after rain events and are attracted to light sources. Chances are that you’ve already seen winged termites swarming around a street lamp at night.
Where do these termite swarmers come from? Termite swarmers emerge from termite colonies in the surroundings, which can be underground, or inside wood (you can see signs of termites in trees or tree stumps). If there are woody areas nearby, they can also come from there.
In the worst case scenario, you may find them inside your home, even in places where no windows are left open. This may indicate a termite infestation in your house.
What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?
Termite swarmers’ looks vary according to each termite type, but generally, their most obvious features are their wings. They look like termites, but bigger and with wings. Flying termites are also darker in color and can be black, brown, red, or light, pale brown.
Here are the main physical characteristics of termite swarmers:
- Color: Termite swarmers present different colors according to their species, ranging from black to light brown. For example, alates from the Formosan termites are light brown to dark brown. The alates of Eastern subterranean termites, on the other hand, are usually black.
- Body structure: Their abdomen is elongated without any segments. In contrast to the other castes of termites in a colony, swarmers have eyes since they are the only ones to wander outside the colony. Their eyes are compound (with several lenses connected) and also help with mate identification.
- Size: Winged termites are bigger than workers or soldiers. They vary in size depending on the species, reaching up to 1/2 inch (about the size of a fingernail).
- Wings: Swarmers are characterized by their four wings, which are larger than their bodies and translucent (with a gray or light brown hue to them).
Termite Swarmers vs. Ant Swarmers
Termite swarmers are often confused with ant swarmers due to their similarities. Maybe you’ve seen swarms flying around your lamps at night or found dead-winged insects close to your window or on the floor. It is good to know if they are ants or termites because if you’re dealing with termites, you might have a termite infestation in your home.
To distinguish flying ants from flying termites, pay attention to the antennae, abdomen, and wings:
| Ant Swarmers | Termite Swarmers | |
| Antennae | Ant antennae have an “elbow” or angle. | Termites have straight antennae. |
| Abdomen | Ants have a narrow “waist,” a division between their thorax and abdomen. | Termites have no “waist,” and their abdomen is broad and elongated with no segments. |
| Wings | Ants have large front wings, while their hind wings are smaller. | The front and hind wings are the same size and about twice the size of their body. |
If you realize you’re dealing with termite swarmers, contact a professional termite control service to assess your situation and take the appropriate measures. Finding loose wings in ducts, window sills, or other areas in the structure of your home can also indicate a termite problem.
Termite Swarming Season
Photo Credit: Vinicius Rodrigues de Souza / Canva Pro / License
The termite swarming season usually occurs once a year. As a general rule, swarming season occurs in spring, but it is different for each species:
- Subterranean termites swarm in the afternoon, during spring or fall, as soon as the weather clears after heavy rain.
- Formosan subterranean termites prefer the late evening and are commonly seen swarming around light sources. They can even swarm during winter when infesting homes with heated basements.
- Drywood termites swarm in smaller groups, usually of around 100 termites (a small number for a termite swarm), during summer and early fall. Swarms are not a typical indication of a drywood termite infestation. Instead, what you may find are loose wings on windowsills.
- Dampwood termites swarm in the summer but are more often found in the home’s surroundings rather than inside.
- Conehead termites swarm during the rainy months of May to November (summer and fall).
An important note: The swarming season can vary depending on the region’s climate. In warmer and humid regions, the swarming season might extend.
How to Get Rid of Termite Swarmers
The good news is that most flying termites are poor fliers and end up as a snack for predators, such as birds or lizards before you have to do anything about them. The ones that get into your home because they were attracted to outdoor light sources can quickly perish due to the lack of moisture.
But if they are causing you serious trouble, here is what you can do to get rid of termite swarmers:
Call a Pro
Swarming termites do not always mean an active infestation is in place, but only that a colony is nearby. A pro will be able to tell if the source of the swarmers is in your home and what can be done to help your situation.
Remember, getting rid of swarmers does not work as a termite control measure to eradicate an infestation or eliminate the colony. If you are noticing other signs of a termite infestation, such as termite mud tubes or termite droppings, only a qualified professional will be able to handle the problem efficiently.
Pros have many tools and products at their disposal to eliminate termites, including:
- Termite bait stations
- Liquid nitrogen
- Heat treatment
- Fumigation, also known as termite tenting
- Microwave termite treatment
- Termiticides
In short, they have the tools and the expertise to treat the source of the problem (the colony) to prevent swarmers from coming back. No colony, no swarmers.
Use DIY Methods
If you want to terminate the termites on your own, here are a few DIY methods to try:
- Prevent them from entering the home by closing doors and windows. You can install mosquito screens in your windows and seals under the doors so the flying termites don’t get into your house.
- Turn off your lights during the night to avoid attracting swarmers. Swarmers will fly in the direction of any light source, so turn off your lights at night to prevent them from bothering you.
- Use bug zappers to attract and electrocute them. Flying termites will be attracted by the light bug zappers emit, and when they enter the trap, an electric discharge kills them. It’s important to note, however, that bug zappers can also kill beneficial insects along with the targeted ones.
- Expose them to direct sunlight. If you’re worried about the side effects of bug zappers on beneficial insects, direct sunlight exposure can also do the job. Swarmers love moisture, so wet two or three pieces of cardboard and stack them together to lure them.
When the alates are on the cardboard, place it in direct sunlight. You can also burn or freeze them.
On a curious note: This frustrated homeowner took the burning tactic to the extreme: He torched the swarmers up, Terminator-style. But please do not try this at home as it is dangerous and can cause serious accidents. If swarmers are bothering you to this extreme, call a pro. - Set store-bought termite bait stations, or use DIY cardboard bait stations covered in boric acid. Boric acid will dehydrate termite swarmers, causing their death.
FAQ About Termite Swarmers
Are Termite Swarmers Dangerous?
Termite swarmers are not dangerous. Flying termites cause no structural damage, as they do not eat wood. They are a nuisance, though.
Do Termite Swarmers Bite?
Swarmer termites don’t bite. Soldier termites can bite people, but that is rare. They usually stick to biting wood or predators such as ants.
How Long Do Termite Swarmers Live?
If they successfully mate and start a new colony, female termite swarmers can turn into termite queens and live for 35 years. A termite king can live 10 years or more. The flying termites that don’t mate, however, are not so lucky: They live approximately one hour or no more than a day before perishing from dehydration or being eaten by predators.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice termite swarmers inside your home, this can be your sign to call a trusted pro. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you with the best termite control services in your area. Get in touch and make the swarmers fly away from your home.
Main Image Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
